Custom Wedding Invites: Where To Order And Design

Wedding invitations are one of the first impressions that guests will have of your big day. The type and style of invitation can set the tone for the wedding, and provide guests with important information. Designing your invitations digitally is a great way to save money without compromising on quality. There are many websites that offer custom wedding invitation designs, user-friendly experiences, and valuable features to make the design process smooth and fun. Some of the best websites for designing and ordering wedding invitations include Minted, Zola, Artifact Uprising, Zazzle, Etsy, Shutterfly, and Paper Source. These sites offer a wide range of styles, themes, colours, and paper types to choose from, as well as additional stationery for day-of pieces such as menus and place cards.

Online vs. Local Stationer

There are many options to consider when deciding where to order and design wedding invitations. Couples may opt for online retailers, local stationers, or a combination of both. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each option:

Online Options:

One of the biggest advantages of ordering wedding invitations online is the convenience and wide range of choices available. Couples can browse through numerous websites that offer various styles, themes, and customisation options to suit their wedding theme and personal preferences. Many online retailers also offer competitive pricing, with some invitations costing as little as $2 to $4 each, and some websites provide free design assistance. Additionally, online retailers often have faster production and delivery times, which can be advantageous for couples who are short on time.

However, one disadvantage of ordering online is the lack of bespoke design options. While customisation is possible, couples seeking truly unique and intricate designs may find that local stationers offer more flexibility. Another potential drawback is the unpredictability of pricing, especially when ordering from independent designers or small businesses.

Local Stationers:

Local stationers are an excellent choice for couples seeking highly bespoke and intricate invitation designs. They often provide a more personalised experience and can guide couples through the entire design process, ensuring that the invitations are truly reflective of the couple's vision. Local stationers are also ideal for those who want specialised printing and design techniques, such as deckled edging, letterpress print, or handwritten calligraphy.

One disadvantage of local stationers is that they may be more expensive, especially for couples on a tight budget. Additionally, the production and delivery times may be longer compared to online options, so advance planning is essential.

A Combination Approach:

Couples can also benefit from combining both online and local options. For example, they may find a wide range of choices online but may prefer to work with a local stationer for custom illustrations or specialised printing techniques. This approach allows couples to enjoy the convenience and variety of online options while still achieving a truly unique and personalised design with the help of a local expert.

In conclusion, both online retailers and local stationers offer distinct advantages. Couples should consider their priorities, budget, and time frame when deciding where to order and design their wedding invitations. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, they can make an informed decision that aligns with their vision for their special day.

Cost

The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including the number of invitations, paper type, printing technique, and any additional customisation or add-ons. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with designing and ordering wedding invitations from different sources:

Online Wedding Invitation Websites:

• The Knot Invitations: Offers a range of professionally designed wedding stationery with customisation options like foil details and different paper types. The price ranges from $1.49 to $4.09 per invitation, with bulk pricing discounts available.
• Minted: Features a wide range of designs by independent artists, with customisation options for paper type, size, silhouette, and special elements. Prices vary depending on these choices, but a stack of 100 standard-size invitations typically costs around $200 to $300.
• Zazzle: Provides a vast collection of designs by independent creators, with customisation options for colour, corner shape, and paper type. Prices usually range between $2 and $4 per invitation, with bulk pricing discounts.
• Papier: Offers both customisable templates and semi-customisable designs by independent designers. Prices range from $2 to $3 per invitation for orders of 100, with additional costs for thicker paper or foil designs.
• Etsy: A marketplace with a diverse range of invitation designs by independent creators. Prices vary depending on the design, materials, level of customisation, and shipping costs.
• Artifact Uprising: Specialises in contemporary and ultra-trendy designs, including letterpress and foil-stamped options. Prices start at $210 for 100 invitations for simpler designs and can go up to $550 for elevated options.
• Mixbook: Allows for extensive customisation using provided templates, with options to add photos. Invitation prices start under $1 each, and most styles are under $2 each, depending on quantity, paper type, and shape.
• Paper Source: Offers a wide variety of invitation suites, including designs from well-known brands and designers. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around $2 to $3 per piece for 100 standard house-brand invitations. Designer invitations can cost upwards of $6 per invite.
• Basic Invite: Provides customisable designs and free guest address printing and self-sealing envelopes. Standard invitations on signature matte paper are typically under $2 each for orders of 100. Prices vary based on paper type and design elements.
• WeddingWire Invitations: Offers over 100 designs, with customisation options for font, colour palette, and photos. Most invitations are affordably priced at $199 for 100.
• VistaPrint: Provides customisable wedding invitation templates, with options to add photos, fonts, colours, and even QR codes. You can get 50 wedding invites for under $50, and there are quantity discounts available.
• Greenvelope: Offers virtual wedding invitations with animated envelopes. Prices vary based on the design and number of invitations.

Local Stationers or Calligraphers:

While online options provide convenience and customisation, working with a local stationer or calligrapher is ideal for couples seeking truly bespoke invitations with fine details like deckled edging, letterpress print, or handwritten calligraphy. This option tends to be more expensive, and the cost will depend on the specific design, materials, and level of customisation requested.

Design and Customisation

When it comes to designing your wedding invitations, there are a plethora of customisation options available to ensure that your invitations are a unique reflection of you and your partner.

Fonts and Text

One way to customise your wedding invitations is by experimenting with different fonts. The font you choose will inform the formality of your invitations and can be used to reflect the theme of your wedding. For example, a modern font might be used for a city loft wedding, while a rustic barn setting could be evoked through the use of distressed-looking text. You can also customise your invitations by including specific wording and phrasing that reflects your personality as a couple.

Colours and Graphics

The colour palette of your invitations can also be tailored to match your wedding theme. If you're having a rustic barn wedding, your invitations might feature wildflowers and distressed wood textures. Alternatively, a modern city wedding could be reflected through a minimalist design with a neutral colour palette. You can also add graphics and illustrations to your invitations, such as a custom illustration of your wedding venue or destination.

Paper Type and Printing Style

Customising the paper type and printing style of your invitations is another way to make them unique. Paper options include matte, pearlescent, recycled, and luxe letterpress, among others. You can also choose from various printing styles, such as digital, foil-stamped, custom-engraved, or letterpress.

Envelopes and Seals

Don't forget about the envelopes! You can customise your envelopes by adding recipient and return addresses, as well as choosing from a variety of colours and metallics. To make your invitations truly stand out, consider adding wax seals, ribbons, or other decorative elements.

Additional Stationery

Finally, you can create a cohesive experience for your guests by carrying your chosen design through to other stationery items, such as RSVP cards, place cards, thank-you notes, and menus. Many websites offer the option to purchase matching stationery suites, so you can coordinate all the paper goods for your special day.

Paper Type

When it comes to choosing the paper type for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of printer you have will dictate the kind of paper you can use. Desktop printers often have limited paper thickness capabilities, so it's important to check your printer's instructions and do a test print before finalising your invitation design.

Another factor to consider is the weight of the paper. In the US, cardstock weight is measured in pounds, with the standard weight for wedding invitations falling between 80# and 130#. The higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, which can give your invitations a more luxurious feel. However, thicker cardstock can also increase the cost of postage.

There are several types of paper commonly used for wedding invitations, each offering a unique look and feel:

• Card and Cover Stock: This type of paper is thick and heavy, giving invitations a luxurious and elegant feel. It comes in a variety of finishes, including satin, silk, and glossy.
• Cotton Fiber: Cotton paper is the costliest option but offers a soft, durable, and imperfection-free surface. It absorbs ink well and is ideal for techniques like letterpress printing.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: These options provide a rustic or DIY touch to your invitations, perfect for outdoor or intimate weddings.
• Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper: These translucent papers are commonly used in layered invitations to add depth and interest. They can also be used as accents, such as belly bands, to hold the invitation package together.
• Pearlescent Paper: This paper has a subtle shimmer that adds elegance to your invitations. It pairs well with photographs, giving them a soft glow.

Printing and Production Time

• The Knot Invitations: Wedding invitations from The Knot are printed within four business days. Delivery time is estimated to be between five and ten business days. Sample orders take one to two weeks for delivery.
• Minted: Minted offers standard delivery, with a standard shipping time of five days. This does not include production time, which varies depending on the order. Rush shipping options are available for an additional cost.
• Zazzle: Zazzle offers five production and shipping times, ranging from instant downloads to 12 days.
• Papier: Papier's invites have an estimated production time of six days, with an additional one to six business days for delivery.
• Etsy: There is no set production time for Etsy sellers. This information can usually be found in the seller's notes on the product page.
• Mixbook: Standard invitations are usually processed and printed within one to two days. Mixbook offers four shipping options: budget, standard, priority, and express.
• Paper Source: Paper Source's production time is four days and cannot be expedited. Shipping options include next day, second day, ground (one to six business days), and standard (five to 12 business days).
• Basic Invite: Basic Invite orders are processed within two to three business days. Shipping options include standard (12 business days), priority (seven business days), and rush (five business days).
• Vistaprint: Vistaprint offers a range of shipping options, with standard shipping taking 12 business days. The exact production time may vary depending on the order.
• Shutterfly: Shutterfly's production and shipping time is five to seven business days for standard shipping.
• Greenvelope: Greenvelope offers digital invitations, which are available instantly upon purchase.

Frequently asked questions