Diy Wedding Invites: Where To Buy Supplies

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun and creative way to prepare for your big day. There are many online retailers that offer customizable wedding invitation templates, such as The Knot Invitations, Minted, Zazzle, and VistaPrint. These websites allow you to personalize your invitations with various fonts, colours, images, and even QR codes. You can also order customized samples before placing your final order. If you're looking for something more hands-on, you can purchase materials from Etsy, Hobbycraft, or The Range and design your invitations from scratch.

Online Printing

If you're looking to save some money on your wedding invites, online printing services are a great option. They can be more affordable than going to a dedicated stationery design studio, and many offer customizable templates, so you can still have creative control over the design.

Vistaprint is a popular choice for printing wedding invitations online. They offer a wide range of paper goods, from invitations and save-the-date cards to thank-you cards and envelopes. You can also choose from a variety of paper stocks, including matte, pearl, linen, glossy, and hemp-blend. Plus, they often have sales and coupon codes to help you save even more.

Another option is Prints of Love, which offers high-quality printing at affordable prices. They print a wide range of sizes and orientations, so you can order everything from invitations to menus and posters. They also offer customizations like rounded edges and linen paper, and they provide free basic envelopes and 2-3-day shipping.

If you're looking for a large assortment of products and options, Zazzle is a good choice. They have thousands of wedding invitation templates that you can customize, as well as coordinating pieces like table numbers, signage, and menus.

Overnight Prints is another environmentally-conscious option, using recycled paper and waterless printing. They can print everything from save-the-date cards to thank-you notes, and they offer high-quality printing services at affordable prices.

Finally, if you're looking for an all-in-one design and printing service, Canva is a great choice. They have a DIY design tool that you can use to create your own invitations, and you can then print them directly through the Canva website.

At-Home Printing

If you're looking to print your wedding invitations at home, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of invitation you want to send. Traditional invitations are formal and include several enclosures, such as a reception invitation and response card, whereas casual invitations are ideal for themed weddings and may feature distinct paper designs. The type of invitation you choose will determine the kind of paper and envelopes you need to purchase.

When it comes to paper, uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice for a luxurious look and durable feel. However, you can also opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish for a more textured appearance. It's important to ensure that your printer can handle the weight and size of the paper you choose. 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.

Once you've selected your paper, it's time to design your invitations. You can use a word-processing program or professional desktop publishing software to create your design. Choose two complementary fonts for your invitation and experiment with different font sizes and treatments. Add visual interest with graphic elements, such as high-resolution clip art, and carefully placed pops of colour.

Before printing your invitations, run a test print to ensure that your design comes out as expected. Feed your cardstock into the printer and adjust the settings as needed. Printing your invitations at home will take time and patience, so be prepared to monitor the process closely.

Finally, assemble your invitations by placing the inserts into their corresponding envelopes and adding any desired embellishments, such as ribbons or wax seals.

Local Printing

Local print shops are a great option for short-run printing. While they may not be able to match the price of many online vendors, you get to have more control over the process and the end result. Some will even let you bring in your own paper, and most will let you use their paper cutters for free.

However, not all local shops are created equal—some FedEx Office shops are great, others not so much. You’ll need to do your research to find a good match. InkerLinker is also a good place to find amazing, non-FedEx print shops near you.

When it comes to printing, there are a few options to consider. Letterpress is the designer and paper lover's dream, but it is expensive because it requires fine art and heavy machinery. Gocco printing is a pretty, small-scale version of screen printing, but it is also a dying art. You can also consider screen printers in your area for a similar style to letterpress, but it will be pricier.

If you're looking for floral wedding invitations, Papier's wedding invitation website is one of the best places to shop. The brand offers a few "create your own design" templates as well as some semi-customizable styles by independent designers. You can edit the text, font, and layout to reflect your unique love story and your first sample is free.

If you're on a strict budget, The Knot Invitations has the best-priced all-in-one invitations compared to other leading wedding stationery retailers. The foldable format includes an invite, RSVP card, and envelope that looks like you spent a small fortune. Invitations range from $1.49 to $4.09 each, with bulk pricing available.

Paper Choices

There are several factors to consider when choosing the paper for your DIY wedding invitations. The paper's finish, weight, colour, and eco-friendliness can all impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are some tips to help you select the best paper for your special day:

• Finish: The finish of your paper will affect the printing process and the final appearance of your invitations. Glossy papers, for instance, tend to absorb more ink and take longer to dry. Linen papers and textured papers are more prone to bleeding, so they may not work well with all at-home printers. If you're unsure about which finish to choose, a matte card stock is a safe and versatile option that will work with most printers.
• Weight: Paper thickness is measured by weight, with higher numbers indicating thicker paper. While thicker paper can give your invitations a more luxurious feel, it's not necessary to choose the heaviest option. Most card stocks are suitable for wedding invitations and can withstand the mailing process.
• Colour: When selecting the colour of your paper, consider your overall wedding theme and colour palette. If you want a traditional look, go for white paper, but keep in mind that there are various shades of white, from bright white to creamy ivory. You can also opt for coloured paper to add a unique touch to your invitations.
• Eco-friendliness: If you're conscious about the environment, look for paper made from recycled materials or sourced from sustainable forests. Some companies offer paper with recycled content and post-consumer waste, ensuring your invitations are both beautiful and eco-friendly.

When choosing the paper for your DIY wedding invitations, it's essential to consider the printing process and your desired aesthetic. Don't be afraid to experiment with different papers and finishes to find the perfect combination for your special day. Remember to order a few extra sheets for practice and in case of any mistakes. Happy crafting!

Design Tips

Designing your own wedding invitations can be a fun and creative process, but it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a polished and professional result. Here are some design tips to help you create beautiful and effective DIY wedding invitations:

• Know your vision: Before you start designing, have a clear idea of the theme, colours, materials, and overall look you want to achieve. Take inspiration from professional wedding stationery designs, but be realistic about your skill set and the time you have available.
• Choose the right software: For professional-level designs, consider using designer software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. If you're a beginner, user-friendly options like Canva or Microsoft Word are also great choices.
• Select appropriate paper: The type of paper you choose will impact the look and feel of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is a popular choice for a luxurious and durable finish. For a textured look, opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish.
• Consider embellishments: Add a special touch with ribbons, wax seals, envelope liners, gold leaf, lace, or faux flowers. These details can elevate your invitations and make them more reflective of your wedding theme.
• Keep it simple: While it's tempting to add multiple layers and intricate details, sometimes less is more. A well-designed invitation with clean lines and a simple layout can be just as impressive as a complex one.
• Proofread and print carefully: Before printing, proofread your design for any errors and make sure the colours and text are exactly as you want them. Test print on your chosen paper to ensure the colours display accurately and the text is legible.
• Allow enough time: Don't rush the process. Give yourself plenty of time to design, proofread, print, and assemble your invitations. This will help you avoid mistakes and reduce stress.
• Seek help if needed: DIY doesn't have to mean doing it all alone. If you need assistance, reach out to crafty friends or consider hiring a professional designer for specific tasks.
• Make it personal: Add symbolic touches that represent your relationship and wedding theme. This could be a small illustration, a meaningful quote, or even a custom crest. These details will make your invitations unique and special.
• Be mindful of postage: Keep the final posted invitation in mind when designing. Avoid overly bulky or fragile embellishments that may increase postage costs or risk damage during transit.

Frequently asked questions