Printed Wedding Invitations: Where To Buy Them?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but printing your wedding invitations doesn't have to be. There are many companies that offer customizable wedding invitation printing services, such as Staples, Smartpress, Gold Image Printing, VistaPrint, and more. These companies offer a range of paper stocks, sizes, designs, and printing options to choose from, ensuring that you can create invitations that reflect your unique style and personality. Many also provide templates that you can use or customize to make the process even easier. In addition to printing services, some companies offer extras like envelope addressing, foil stamping, and die-cutting for a truly personalized touch. With so many options available, you're sure to find a printing service that fits your needs and budget.

Online services such as Canva, Vistaprint, and Staples

Vistaprint also provides a range of customisable templates and high-quality prints. You can select from different paper types and finishes to suit your design. They offer fast and free standard shipping, and their user-friendly platform allows you to design your invitations with ease.

Staples offers professionally designed wedding invitation cards with customisable templates, photo and illustration-based designs, gloss finish options, and envelope inclusions. Same-day printing is available for orders placed before 12 pm, ensuring you receive your invitations promptly.

Using these online services, you can conveniently design, personalise, and order your wedding invitations from the comfort of your home, benefiting from their customisation options, high-quality prints, and efficient delivery services.

Local print shops

One option for printing your wedding invitations is Staples. Staples offers a variety of customisation options, including photo- and illustration-based card designs, gloss finishes, and backside printing. They also offer same-day printing if you order before 12 pm, and envelopes are included with your order.

Another option is VistaPrint, which offers a wide range of templates and customisation options. You can also upload your own design and have it printed on high-quality paper. VistaPrint often has deals and discounts available, so you can get a great price on your wedding invitations.

In addition to these larger companies, you may also want to consider smaller, local print shops. These shops often provide excellent customer service and attention to detail. They may also be more flexible in terms of customisation options and turnaround times.

When choosing a local print shop, it's a good idea to ask for a price quote and a timeline for completion. You can also request a sample print to ensure that the quality meets your expectations.

Overall, local print shops offer a convenient and customisable option for printing your wedding invitations. Whether you choose a larger company like Staples or VistaPrint, or a smaller, local shop, you can be sure to find a solution that fits your needs and budget.

Etsy templates

Etsy offers a wide range of wedding invitation templates with various features and customisation options. Here is an overview of what Etsy offers in this regard:

Types of Wedding Invitation Templates:

• Downloadable templates: These can be downloaded and printed, allowing customisation of text, colours, and images. Some templates include a photo or illustration, while others feature a minimalist or elegant design.
• Digital invitations: These are electronic invitations that can be sent to guests via email or text. They are eco-friendly and convenient, especially if you have guests who are far away.
• Video invitations: These are animated invitations that can include music, photos, and other personal touches. They are a unique way to invite guests and can be easily shared digitally.
• Physical invitations: Etsy also offers physical invitations that can be customised and printed. These may include features such as foil stamping, laser cutting, or special paper types.

Features and Customisation:

Etsy's wedding invitation templates offer a range of features and customisation options:

• Editable text: Most templates allow you to edit the text, including the couple's names, venue information, and other details.
• QR codes: Some templates include QR codes for guests to scan, providing additional information or an easy way to RSVP.
• Customisable design: You can often customise colours, fonts, and layouts to match your wedding theme or personal style.
• Instant downloads: Many templates are available for instant download, so you can start customising them right away.
• Printable options: Some templates are designed to be printed at home or by a professional printer, allowing you to create physical invitations.
• Matching stationery: Etsy also offers matching stationery, such as RSVP cards, details cards, and thank-you cards, to create a cohesive suite of wedding stationery.

Popular Etsy Wedding Invitation Templates:

• Wildflower Wedding Invitation Template: This template features a white and green floral design and is an editable, printable option.
• Minimalist Wedding Invitation Bundle: This bundle includes a QR code, modern design, and elegant online RSVP and details card.
• Classic Wedding Invitation Set: This set includes a floral design with a leafy border and an editable QR code RSVP card.
• Elegant Wedding Bundle: This bundle offers a minimalist, elegant design with editable templates for instant download.
• Digital Wedding Planner: This digital planner includes spreadsheets for budgeting, guest lists, and other wedding planning tasks.

Etsy's wedding invitation templates provide a range of options to suit different styles and preferences. With customisation and instant download options, they offer a convenient way to create beautiful wedding invitations and matching stationery.

Paper stocks and finishes

When it comes to paper stocks and finishes for wedding invitations, there are several options to choose from, each offering a unique look and feel. Here are some popular choices:

Solid White Cardstock

This is the most common type of cardstock, featuring a smooth, matte finish. It is made from tree pulp and comes in various colours and weights, making it perfect for printing at home. It is also relatively inexpensive, so you can print all your invites on a small budget. The 80# weight is ideal for most home printers, while the 100# weight can be used in some home printers but may cause issues in others.

Linen Cardstock

Linen cardstock is designed to resemble linen fabric with a delicate woven texture and a matte finish. The basket weave texture adds visual interest and is perfect for hiding imperfections, especially when printing at home. It is a sturdy and versatile option, available in coated and uncoated varieties. The coated version provides a nice sheen for sharp, vibrant colours, while the uncoated version produces nice colours while allowing the texture of the paper to show through.

Cotton Cardstock

Cotton cardstock has a smooth texture and is highly absorbent, making it suitable for both laser and inkjet printing. It gives wedding invitations a clean, modern look and is considered "photo safe", ensuring it will last for years in your scrapbook or wedding album.

Parchment

Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marbled look. It is subtle and soft, adding a unique touch to your invitations. While it is not very thick, it layers nicely with other types of paper, such as vellum or cotton cardstock.

Felt

Felt cardstock is a thick option with a texture that falls somewhere between cotton and canvas—smooth yet coarse. It gives invitations an air of sophistication. The lowest weight available is 110#, so it may not be suitable for all home printers.

Kraft/Recycled Cardstock

Kraft, or recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and feel. It resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags but is thicker and more polished. It is smooth to the touch while still retaining a textured, fibrous appearance, making it perfect for vintage or outdoor-themed weddings.

Vellum

Vellum is a translucent paper that can be used on its own or layered over illustrations, artwork, or photos. You can print directly onto vellum or use it as an unprinted overlay to add depth to your invitations.

Coloured Cardstock

Coloured cardstock is incredibly smooth, without any texture or grain. It comes in a variety of colours and weights, making it a great option for pairing with coloured envelopes to create a fun and 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 is available in various colours, including white, making it a unique yet elegant choice for wedding invitations.

Laid Cardstock

Laid cardstock is a lesser-known option, featuring subtle vertical ridges running the length of the paper. It offers a soft, romantic feel for brides who want something a little different.

When choosing paper stocks and finishes, it is also important to consider the weight or thickness of the paper. Cardstock weight is measured in pounds ("#" or "lb") in the US and grams per square metre ("gsm") in Europe. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the more professional your invitations will look and feel. For home printers, 80# to 100# cardstock is recommended, while weights of 110# to 130# may require industrial printers. Weights of 150# and above are typically reserved for professional printers, embossers, and letterpress printing.

Customisation options

There are many customisation options available when it comes to printing wedding invitations. Here are some ideas to consider:

Paper Type and Finish:

• Cardstock weight and thickness can vary, with some options being sturdier and denser than others.
• Paper finish can be matte, semi-gloss, or gloss, each giving a different look and feel to the invitations. Matte paper tends to have a more visible texture, while gloss paper gives a shiny finish.
• Some companies offer specialty finishes like soft-touch laminate, velvet lamination, or edge painting for a unique tactile experience.

Design and Printing:

• Invitations can be printed in full colour, with the option to print on one or both sides.
• Digital laser cutting is available for custom shapes, designs, patterns, and lettering.
• Rounded corners can be added to invitations for a softer look.
• White ink can be added to dark-coloured paper for a classic appearance.
• Letterpressing gives invitations a traditional, embossed look and feel.
• Foil stamping or digital foil printing adds a shiny, elegant touch and is available in various colours.

Size and Shape:

• Standard wedding invitation sizes typically range from 4" x 6" to 6" x 9", but custom sizes are also available.
• Invitations can be flat or folded, with various folding options to choose from, such as double parallel folds.

Extras:

• Envelopes are typically included with wedding invitation orders and can be customised in terms of size, stock, address placement, and font.
• Drill holes can be added to invitations for ribbons or other decorative elements.
• Some companies offer guest list processing and personalisation services, allowing you to personalise each invitation for a specific recipient.
• Variable data printing allows you to design and print multiple versions of invitations with the same size, stock, and finish but varied content, such as separate invitations for the ceremony and reception.

Frequently asked questions