Choosing The Best Printer For Your Wedding Invitations

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and with so many things to consider, it's easy to get overwhelmed. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is sending out invitations. After all, you want your guests to have a beautiful keepsake that they can cherish even after the event. There are many options for printing wedding invitations, ranging from online services to local print shops, and each option has its own advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and customisation.

Online printing services

There are many online printing services that can help you print your wedding invitations. Here are some options:

Staples

Staples offers a range of custom invitation printing services. You can choose from various paper options, including glossy and matte finishes, and select add-ons such as rounded corners and backside printing. They also provide envelopes with your order. Same-day printing is available if ordered before 12 pm, and delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days.

Smartpress

Smartpress allows you to create fully customisable wedding invitations. You can select from a wide range of stocks, including coated and linen, and choose from various fold options and finishing details such as drill holes for ribbons. They also offer digital laser cutting to add unique shapes and designs to your invitations. Smartpress provides a soft proof within one business day after submitting your artwork, and you can request a custom quote to discuss specific requirements.

Gold Image Printing

Gold Image Printing offers highly customisable wedding invitations at affordable prices. They have a range of paper stocks available, including semi-gloss, matte, fine finch, eggshell ultra-white, and more. You can also add special finishes such as soft-touch laminate, velvet lamination, white ink, letterpressing, embossing, debossing, and foil stamping. Gold Image Printing provides a quick turnaround, often as fast as the same business day, and shipping times may vary by location.

Vistaprint

Vistaprint is another popular option for printing wedding invitations. They offer promotional deals and discounts, and you can upload your own designs or choose from their templates. Vistaprint provides a quick turnaround, sometimes as fast as next-day printing, and shipping times may vary.

Canva

Canva is a well-known platform for designing wedding invitations and other stationery. You can create your designs from scratch or use their customisable templates. After designing, you can download your file and print it through various online printing services, such as Print Place, Vista Print, or your local print shop. Canva also offers its own printing services, with competitive pricing and good-quality prints.

Other Options

In addition to the above, there are several other online printing services to consider, including CatPrint, Walmart, Moo, Basic Invite, and GotPrint. Each of these services offers unique features, customisable options, and competitive pricing. Be sure to explore their websites and compare their offerings to find the best fit for your needs.

Local print shops

If you're looking for a local print shop to print your wedding invitations, there are several options to choose from. Here are some detailed suggestions:

FedEx/Kinko's or Staples

These large chain stores offer printing services and are likely to have a location near you. You can bring your design on a USB drive or send it via email, and they will help you with all your printing needs. This option is great if you need your invitations printed quickly, want to see them in person before placing a large order, or want to support a local business.

Vistaprint

Vistaprint is an online printing company that offers a wide range of paper stocks, sizes, and shapes for your wedding invitations. They have been in the custom printing business for over two decades and are a trusted option for many. You can easily use their website to print your invitations, and they often have sales or coupon codes available to help you save money.

Depending on your location, there may be smaller, independent print shops in your area that can handle your wedding invitation printing. These shops often offer more personalized service and may be able to work with you to create custom designs or add special touches to your invitations. A quick online search for "local print shops near me" should bring up a list of options in your area.

Smartpress

Smartpress is another online printing company that offers customizable wedding invitation printing. They provide a wide range of stocks, such as coated and linen, as well as full-colour ink to match your wedding theme. They also offer various finishing options, such as drill holes for ribbons, scoring, folding, and rounded corners. You can submit your artwork and receive a soft proof within one business day to ensure your invitations look exactly how you want them to.

When choosing a local print shop, it's important to consider factors such as price, turnaround time, and the level of customisation you require. It's always a good idea to request quotes from multiple shops and compare their services before making a decision.

DIY at home

Printing your wedding invitations at home is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create beautiful DIY wedding invitations:

Step 1: Choose the Right Paper

Select a paper that reflects your wedding style and theme. Uncoated cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it has a luxurious look and durable feel. You can also choose paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish for a more textured appearance. Consider the size and weight of the paper to ensure it is compatible with your home printer.

Step 2: Select a Design

Decide on the look and feel of your invitations. You can opt for a modern and minimalist design or go for something bolder and more colourful. If you need inspiration, try searching Pinterest for ideas. You can also purchase pre-made templates from sites like Minted, Shutterfly, Zazzle, or Etsy.

Step 3: Create Your Content

The wording of your invitations is essential. Select a tone that reflects your wedding aesthetic and your personality. If you're having a black-tie affair, consider using a formal tone. Be sure to include all the essential information such as your names, the date, time, and place of the wedding, and RSVP details.

Step 4: Proofread and Print

Before printing, carefully proofread your design and have someone else do the same to catch any errors. Then, run a few tests on your home printer to ensure the colours and text are correct. Adjust the settings as needed until you're happy with the result.

Step 5: Assemble and Embellish

Cut your invitations to the right size—the standard size is five by seven inches. Then, assemble your invitations by placing any inserts inside the corresponding envelopes. You can also add adornments like ribbons, wax seals, or envelope liners for a special touch.

Step 6: Address and Stamp

Finally, address your envelopes. You can write the addresses by hand or use printed labels. Don't forget to add the correct postage! It is recommended to send your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Etsy templates

Etsy is a great place to source wedding invitation templates, with over 5,000 results for "printable wedding invitations" and "wedding invitation templates".

Etsy offers a wide range of templates, from simple and elegant designs to more unique and quirky options. Many of the templates are editable, allowing you to personalise your invitations with your own text and photos.

• Botanical Fine Art Wedding Bundle: This template features a minimalist design and is editable, allowing you to customise the text and colours.
• ALL IN ONE Wedding Invitation: This template includes a QR-coded RSVP card and details card, as well as an envelope with a pocket.
• Passport Wedding Invitation: A fun and unique template with a travel theme, designed to look like a passport.
• Beach Wedding Invitation Template: A printable, DIY template featuring a tropical beach theme.
• Wildflower Wedding Invitation Template: A printable template featuring a white and green colour scheme and a floral wreath design.

Etsy also offers a range of digital wedding planning templates, such as checklists, spreadsheets, and budget trackers, which can be helpful for organising your big day.

In-store printing

If you're looking to get your wedding invitations printed in-store, there are several options available to you. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Staples

Staples offers a range of customizable wedding invitation templates, making it easy to find the perfect style for your special day. You can choose from various designs, including photo- and illustration-based options, and select the size and finish that best suit your needs. They also offer same-day printing if ordered before 12 pm, so you can get your invitations printed in a hurry if needed.

Paper Source

Paper Source allows you to design your unique invitation by choosing from a range of styles, print methods, envelope colours, and liners. They offer a seamless experience and a flawless printed finish. You can book a free appointment with their virtual consultants to guide you through the process and ensure your invitations are perfect.

FedEx

FedEx offers a printing service where you can upload your custom design and select the size and paper type. They provide a range of shipping options, including free delivery and next-day pickup at a UPS store.

Walgreens

Walgreens offers a printing service for wedding invitations. They provide various paper options, including cardstock, and can handle custom designs.

Walmart

Walmart's printing services include wedding invitations printed on glossy photo paper or cardstock. They offer competitive pricing, with prints as low as $0.25 per 4"x6" print, and you can test the quality by ordering a small quantity before committing to a larger order.

These are just a few examples of the many in-store printing options available for wedding invitations. Each option has its advantages, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs, budget, and design preferences.

Frequently asked questions