Setting Up Your Printer For Wedding Invitations

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavour, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to design and print their wedding invitations themselves. While this can be a great way to save money, it's important to ensure that you have the right equipment to achieve a high-quality finish. The most important consideration is the type of printer you use, as this will determine the quality of the final product.

Choosing the right printer for your wedding invitations

Type of Printer

The two most common types of printers for wedding invitations are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers offer superior results when printing detailed images and are a good choice if you want to print intricate fonts and designs on your invitations. Laser printers, on the other hand, are better suited for documents with lots of text and may not produce the same quality of images as inkjet printers. However, laser printers are generally faster and more cost-effective than inkjet printers.

Paper Compatibility

It is crucial to ensure that your chosen printer can handle the type of paper you plan to use for your invitations. Most wedding invitations are printed on cardstock, which is thicker and heavier than regular paper. Check the specifications of the printer to ensure it can accommodate the weight and size of your chosen paper. Pay close attention to the weight of your stationery, typically identified in lbs., points, or GSM.

Rear Paper Feed

A rear paper feed is essential for feeding specialty paper like cardstock into the printer one by one, reducing the risk of curling or jamming issues that may occur with a front feed tray.

Cartridge Size and Costs

Consider the cost of replacement cartridges for your printer. Compare cartridge sizes and page yields to determine the cost per print. High-yield and extra-high-yield cartridges offer more ink and more prints per cartridge, which can help reduce costs in the long run.

Printing Services

If you don't want to invest in a printer, consider using an online printing service or a local print shop. Online services like Vistaprint, Canva, and Zazzle offer customizable templates and printing services at competitive prices. Alternatively, you can take your designs to a local print shop, which may provide higher-quality results and more personalized service.

Recommended Printers

Some recommended printers for wedding invitations include the Brother MFC-J805DW, Epson Expression Photo XP-6100, Canon PIXMA TR8620, and Epson WorkForce WF-7210. These printers offer features such as compatibility with various paper types and sizes, high-quality printing, and affordable cartridge options.

Selecting the best paper for your wedding invitations

Types of Paper:

• Cotton Paper: Cotton paper is a popular choice for brides seeking a clean and classic look. It has a soft feel, absorbs ink well, and is strong and durable. While it can be a little pricey, you can opt for a cotton blend to reduce costs without compromising quality.
• Linen Paper: Linen paper is a semi-rough, traditional, and timeless option. It resembles fine linen fabric with a slightly crosshatched surface, giving your invitations an elegant and luxurious finish.
• Vellum: Vellum is a thin, sheer, and translucent paper that adds a soft, frosted touch to your invitations. It can be used as an overlay or printed directly on.
• Recycled Paper: If you're environmentally conscious or aiming for a rustic theme, recycled paper is a great choice. It's made from repurposed materials and comes in various textures, colours, and thicknesses. Kraft cardstock, a brown recycled paper, is a popular option for natural or rustic weddings.
• Cardstock Paper: Cardstock is similar to a postcard or business card in terms of thickness and durability. It typically ranges in weight from 45-200 lbs. For a more professional look, opt for paper weighing 100-110 lbs.
• Board Paper: Board paper is a thick and sturdy option, usually made with three layers of paper and a cotton texture. It ensures your invitations won't bend in the mail.
• Pearlescent Paper: Pearlescent paper adds a subtle shimmer to your invitations. It gives photographs a soft glow and an elegant finish.

Factors to Consider:

• Printer Compatibility: Before choosing your paper, ensure it is compatible with your printer. Some printers have limitations on paper thickness and may not handle heavier cardstock. Test different paper weights to find the optimal range for your printer.
• Design and Budget: Consider whether you want to prioritise a particular printing style or paper type. Certain printing techniques, such as foil stamping or letterpress, may be more expensive but can add a luxurious touch to your invitations.
• Texture and Finish: The texture and finish of the paper can enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitations. Smooth matte paper is a common starting point, but you can also explore options like linen texture or pearlescent finishes for added elegance.
• Weight and Thickness: Heavier paper weights, typically 110 lbs and above, give a more luxurious feel to your invitations. However, keep in mind that postage costs may increase with thicker paper.
• Samples and Testing: Order paper samples to evaluate weight, colour, and texture before making a final decision. Testing different papers with your printer will help you find the best combination for a high-quality result.

Designing your wedding invitations

Choose your design style and colour scheme

Consider your wedding aesthetic and plan your invitation design accordingly. If you need some inspiration, try searching Pinterest for design ideas, including illustrations, colours, fonts, and decorative elements that correlate with your vision. You can also browse Etsy for templates that you can customise to your liking. Keep your printer type in mind, too. Designs with more white space and lighter colour backgrounds will look better on home printers.

Figure out the wording

The wording you use is just as important as the design. Before creating your invitations, decide on the tone that reflects your wedding aesthetic and your personality. For example, if you're throwing a black-tie affair, consider using a formal tone. You can also add meaningful symbols or quotes that capture the essence of your partnership.

Create your design digitally

To execute a full suite, you'll need to craft your designs on a digital application. For professional-level designs, consider using designer software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. If you're looking for a beginner-friendly option, Canva and Microsoft Word are also great choices. Remember to create a full bleed, ensuring that your design reaches the edge of the paper without showing any white margins. If you're printing at home, avoid a coloured background, as most home printers aren't well-suited for full-colour jobs. Instead, opt for a white backdrop with colourful illustrations.

Proofread and print

Before printing, thoroughly review your design and proofread the wording. Have someone else read through it as well to catch any errors or mistakes. After making any necessary changes, save your file as a PDF, which will print with higher quality than a JPEG. Then, choose a printer that can handle the weight and size of your paper. Most standard printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds. If you don't have a printer at home, you can send your file to a larger printer at a store like Costco or Office Depot. Finally, print your invitations and assemble them by placing your inserts inside the corresponding envelopes.

Printing your wedding invitations

Printing your own wedding invitations can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are the steps you need to take to print your invitations at home.

Choose your printer

The first step is to choose a printer that can handle printing on cardstock, as this is the recommended paper type for wedding invitations. Some popular options include the Canon Pixma TR8620 All-in-one Printer, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e, and the Epson EcoTank ET-2750. These printers offer high-quality printing and can work with various paper types and sizes.

Select your paper

When selecting paper for your wedding invitations, it's important to choose a high-quality cardstock that will give your invitations a luxurious look and feel. The standard size for wedding invitations is 5" x 7" (A7) or 5.5" x 8.5" (A9). You can also choose between different finishes, such as uncoated cardstock, or paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish.

Design your invitations

You can design your invitations using software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. If you're looking for a more beginner-friendly option, you can use online tools like Canva or Microsoft Word. When designing your invitations, consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and choose a style, colour scheme, and font that reflects this. Don't forget to include all the essential information, such as the time, date, and location of your wedding.

Print a test batch

Before printing your final invitations, it's a good idea to print a test batch to check for any errors. Review the design and proofread the text carefully, and ask someone else to do the same. Make any necessary adjustments to the design and print settings until you're happy with the result.

Print your invitations

Once you're satisfied with your test prints, it's time to print your final invitations. Depending on your printer, you may need to feed the paper through the rear tray to avoid curling or jamming issues. Take your time and print your invitations in small batches to ensure the best results.

Assemble and send

After printing, assemble your invitations by placing any insert cards and stuffing them into their corresponding envelopes. Seal the envelopes and add any embellishments, such as ribbons or wax seals. Finally, take your invitations to the post office to determine the correct postage, and send them out to your guests!

Finalising your wedding invitations

Now that you've designed your invitations, it's time to finalise the details. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations look perfect and are ready to be sent out:

Proofread and print: Before printing your invitations, it's crucial to thoroughly review the design and proofread the text. Ask a few friends or family members to read through it as well to catch any errors or typos. Once you're happy with the design and content, save your file as a PDF, which will print at a higher quality than a JPEG. Choose a printer that can handle the weight and size of your paper, and consider doing a few test prints to ensure the colours and text are accurate and legible.

Assemble your invitations: After printing, assemble your invitations by placing any inserts inside the corresponding envelopes. Seal the envelopes and add any adornments, such as ribbons or wax seals.

Determine postage: Before mailing your invitations, visit your local post office to determine the correct postage. The weight and size of your invitations will impact the postage cost. It's recommended to bring a fully assembled invitation suite to the post office to get an accurate weight and postage calculation.

Address and stamp your envelopes: Finally, address each envelope and add the correct number of stamps. You can write the addresses by hand or use printed labels. It's recommended to send your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

By following these steps, you'll be able to finalise your wedding invitations and have them ready to be sent out to your guests.

Frequently asked questions