Customizing And Printing Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitation templates are a great way to save money on your big day. There are plenty of free and paid-for templates available online, which can be customised and printed at home, or sent to a professional printer. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about printing wedding invite templates, from choosing a template to the final print.

Choosing a template and customising it

Once you have chosen a template, it's time to start customising! Most websites will allow you to edit the text, fonts, colours, and images. You can add your wedding details, such as the date, time, and location, as well as a personal message for your guests. If you want to get creative, you can play around with different font styles and sizes, or even add special effects like animation or gold foil.

• Canva: Offers free and easy-to-use templates with customisable fonts, colours, and images.
• Adobe Express: Provides free access to thousands of templates, with options to add photos, fonts, colours, and effects.
• VistaPrint: Features stylish templates for various themes, with customisable colours, paper stock, and finishing touches.
• Greetings Island: Offers a range of classic and modern designs, with customisable fonts, colours, and images.
• Etsy: A great source for creative templates, with options for rustic, modern, and floral designs, as well as cardstock and accessories.

Remember to consider the practical aspects of your invitations, such as the paper type and quantity needed, and always proofread your designs carefully before finalising them.

Selecting a printer and paper type

Printer Options:

• Home Printer: Printing your wedding invitations at home can be a budget-friendly option. However, it's important to note that desktop printers have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle. Test printing on different paper weights, starting from 80# cardstock, to find the maximum weight your printer can manage without issues like smudging or jamming. Play around with the print quality settings to achieve the sharpest results. Keep in mind that home printers may produce slightly darker prints than professional printers.
• Local Print Shop: Outsourcing your printing to a local print shop, such as Kinko's or FedEx Office, can provide you with professional-quality prints at a fraction of the cost of boutique printing. However, different locations of the same print shop may yield varying print qualities. Laser printers apply ink on top of the paper, which can work well with smooth cardstock but may flake off on shimmery or vellum papers. Additionally, they often have restrictions on printing custom sizes and envelopes.

Paper Type:

• Cardstock: Cardstock is a medium to heavy-weight paper made from tree pulp or cotton, with a smooth or textured finish. It comes in various colours and weights, making it a versatile option for printing at home or professionally. The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds, with 80# being suitable for most home printers, and weights above 100# offering a more luxurious feel.
• Linen Cardstock: Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture that mimics the look of linen fabric. The basket-weave texture helps to hide imperfections and adds visual interest to simple invitations. It works well with both laser and inkjet printing.
• Cotton Cardstock: Cotton cardstock is smooth, highly absorbent, and compatible with laser and inkjet printing. It gives invitations a clean, modern look and is considered "photo-safe," making it ideal for scrapbooking and wedding albums.
• Parchment: Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marbled appearance. It adds a unique touch to invitations and layers nicely with other papers like vellum or cotton cardstock.
• Felt Cardstock: Felt cardstock has a texture similar to canvas, offering a sophisticated feel. It usually comes in weights starting at 110#, so it may not be suitable for all home printers.
• Kraft or Recycled Cardstock: Kraft cardstock has a rustic, on-trend look resembling coarse brown grocery bags but with a polished finish. It's perfect for vintage or outdoorsy weddings.
• Vellum: Translucent vellum can be printed on directly or layered over illustrations, artwork, or photos for a subtle depth.
• Coloured Cardstock: Coloured cardstock is smooth and comes in various colours and weights. It can be paired with coloured envelopes to create a cohesive look for your wedding stationery.
• Wood Grain Cardstock: Wood grain cardstock has a subtle embossed wood grain texture, adding a decorative touch to your invitations. It's commonly used for accents like belly bands, tags, enclosure cards, and vellum underlays.
• Laid Cardstock: Laid cardstock has subtle vertical ridges running through the paper, offering a soft, romantic feel for brides seeking something unique.

When choosing paper, consider the printing technique you plan to use, as certain combinations of paper and printing methods will produce better results. For instance, engraving and letterpress work best with thick paper like cotton fibre, while digital printing is typically done on thinner, flexible paper. Additionally, some printing techniques, like letterpress, work better with soft, bulky paper and darker inks.

DIY printing vs. professional printing

There are several factors to consider when deciding between DIY printing and professional printing for your wedding invitations. Here is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Cost:

DIY printing can be more cost-effective, especially if you're on a tight budget. You can save money by printing the invitations yourself or using online print services. However, keep in mind that DIY printing may require purchasing templates, paper, ink, and other supplies, which can add up. On the other hand, professional printing services usually charge per print, and the cost varies depending on the printing technique, paper type, and quantity.

Quality and Customization:

Professional printing often offers higher quality invitations with better paper and printing options. They can provide a wider range of printing techniques, such as letterpress, engraving, thermography, and foil stamping, resulting in more elegant and sophisticated invitations. Additionally, professional printers can handle customization, including adding monograms, borders, and intricate designs. DIY printing may be limited in terms of paper and ink options, and the final product might not have the same luxurious feel.

Time and Convenience:

DIY printing allows you more control over the timeline. You can design and print the invitations at your own pace and make last-minute changes. However, it can be time-consuming, especially if you're printing in large quantities or doing intricate designs. Professional printing services, on the other hand, can save you time and effort. They handle the printing and assembly process, allowing you to focus on other wedding preparations.

Design Options:

Both DIY and professional printing offer various design options. You can find templates online or create your own design using tools like Canva. Professional printers may also provide customizable templates or work with you to bring your vision to life. Consider the style you want for your invitations, such as simple and elegant or bold and colorful, and choose a printing method that aligns with your desired aesthetic.

Paper and Printing Techniques:

The type of paper and printing technique you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Professional printers offer a wider range of paper options, including different weights, textures, and colours. They can guide you in selecting the best paper for your design and printing technique. DIY printing may be limited to standard paper options available at stationery or craft stores.

Turnaround Time:

Consider the timeline for printing and sending out your invitations. Professional printing services provide estimated turnaround times, which can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the printing technique and quantity. DIY printing allows for more flexibility, but it's important to plan and schedule accordingly, allowing enough time for any potential delays or mistakes.

In conclusion, both DIY printing and professional printing have their advantages and disadvantages. DIY printing can be more affordable and allows for greater control, while professional printing offers higher quality, customization, and convenience. Consider your budget, the level of customization you desire, and the time you're willing to invest in creating your wedding invitations.

Cost-saving options

Printing your own wedding invites can be a great way to save money. Here are some tips to keep costs down:

• Use a free template service like Canva, which offers free wedding invitation templates that are easy to personalise and edit. You can also download your finished design and print it yourself, or use their in-house printing service for an extra cost.
• If you want to print your invites yourself, make sure you have access to a high-quality printer and a good supply of ink.
• Consider the type of printing method you want to use. Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option and can still allow for custom designs and colours. Other affordable options include embossing and debossing, foil stamping, and thermography. More expensive options include letterpress printing and engraving.
• If you're happy to go without the extras, flat printed invitations are a more affordable option than those with accents like wax seals, bevelled edges, envelope liners, and belly bands.
• Shop around for envelopes, as there are many options available, from classic square flap designs to euro-flap envelopes or envelopes with gold foil edging.
• If you're worried about the cost of postage, consider setting up a free wedding website where guests can RSVP online, or give an RSVP phone number or email address.
• If you're crafty, you can save money by making your own envelopes, or buying and assembling the different parts of the invitation yourself.
• Keep an eye out for online coupons and deals when purchasing paper, envelopes, and other materials.
• If you need to cut your paper to a specific size, consider using the services of a copy shop or store with industrial paper cutters, like Kinko’s, which charges $1 per cut.
• If you're sending save-the-date cards, be mindful that postage costs can add up, especially if you have a large guest list or are sending invitations overseas.

Finalising the design and proofing

Finalising the design:

• Choose a template that aligns with your wedding theme: Whether you're having a rustic celebration or a modern and minimalist affair, select a template that reflects the style and atmosphere of your big day. This could be as simple as choosing recycled brown paper for a rustic event or a sleek, minimalist design for a contemporary celebration.
• Customise your template: Play around with different fonts, colours, and graphics to make your invite unique. You can even include a personal photo of you and your partner to add a special touch.
• Utilise online tools: Websites like Canva offer user-friendly interfaces and free templates to help you tailor your design. These tools often provide a range of customisation options, allowing you to adjust positioning, font, and colour scheme to your liking.
• Explore different websites: Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of creative templates, while sites like Lia Griffith provide not just invitation templates but also place cards, thank-you cards, and decor instructions to tie everything together.
• Consider add-ons: Embellishments like belly bands and wax seals can elevate your invitations and make them feel extra special.

Proofing:

• Double-check all details: Ensure that the full names of the couple, the date, time, and locations of the ceremony and reception, RSVP information, and any other essential details are included and accurate.
• Follow a style guide: Maintain consistency in spelling, capitalisation, punctuation, and formatting. For example, decide whether to spell out "two thousand and twenty-four" or use numerals for the year.
• Get a second pair of eyes: Ask a friend or family member to proofread your invitation. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can catch errors or suggest improvements you might have missed.
• Print a test copy: Before printing all your invitations, print a single copy to check for any errors or formatting issues. This is also a great way to see how your design choices translate to paper.
• Allow time for revisions: Don't rush the proofing process. Give yourself ample time to make changes and address any issues that arise.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a significant part of your celebration, so take your time to finalise the design and proofread carefully. Enjoy the process of crafting these special keepsakes!

Frequently asked questions