Printing Your Etsy Wedding Invites: A Guide To Services

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but Etsy offers stylish invites that won't break the bank. However, finding the right printing service for your Etsy wedding invitations is crucial to ensuring they look perfect. You can choose to print your invitations at home or use an online or local printing service. Online printing services such as Shutterfly and Vistaprint offer convenience and simplicity, while local printing services allow you to see and feel different paper options and get expert guidance. It's important to consider factors like quality, pricing, turnaround time, and customer reviews when selecting a printing service. Be sure to do your research and ask for test runs to ensure your invitations are printed correctly and meet your expectations.

Online printing services

Prints of Love is another online printing service that provides simplicity, affordability, and speedy service. They offer high-quality, professional printing without compromising your time or budget. They also print addressed envelopes, saving you the trouble.

Canva is a unique platform that allows you to design and print invitations. While it may be more user-friendly on a computer than on a phone, it is a good option for those already familiar with the platform for designing social media posts, newsletters, and presentations.

For those who prefer classic options, FedEx and Staples offer online printing services with quick turnaround times and a range of choices. These shops are worth considering if you want to see and feel the cardstock and discuss your needs with a printer in person.

Local printing services

One of the benefits of going local is that you can see and feel every paper option and detail, including embossing and metallic detailing. This can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that your invitations look and feel exactly how you want them to.

Additionally, local printers can provide valuable expertise and guidance if you're feeling unsure about the printing process. They can offer personalised advice and recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences. If you're working with a wedding planner, it's a good idea to bring them along to these meetings so that everyone is on the same page.

When choosing a local printing service, be sure to consider the quality of the final product. Ask for test runs and pay attention to factors such as blurriness, off-centred design, and paper quality. It's also important to inquire about reprint policies in case there are any issues with the final product.

Pricing and turnaround time are other crucial factors to keep in mind. Compare prices between different local printers and ask for quotes to ensure you're getting the best deal. Additionally, ask about their turnaround time to ensure it aligns with your wedding timeline, as invitations should ideally be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Paper weight

The weight of paper is measured differently in different parts of the world. In the US, paper weight is measured in pounds, while in Europe, it is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Cardstock weight used for wedding invitations can range from as low as 65lb (176gsm) to over 222lb (600gsm).

When choosing the weight of your wedding invitation paper, it is important to consider the printing process. If you are printing your invitations at home, you will need to check the paper weight capabilities of your printer, as most home printers are designed for lightweight copy paper. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle paper weight up to 100lb (270gsm), but it is important to check your specific printer's manual for card stock printing information and recommendations.

If you are using a professional printing service, it is important to choose a printer that can accommodate your chosen paper weight, thickness, and texture. Some printing methods, such as offset printing, can handle a variety of paper weights and surfaces, while others, such as letterpress printing, may require heavier-weight cardstock.

The weight of your invitation paper will also impact the cost of postage. Invites weighing more than one ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter-weight paper can help keep costs down.

Ultimately, the weight of your wedding invitation paper is a personal preference, and you should choose the weight that works best for your design, budget, and printing method.

Pricing and turnaround time

When it comes to pricing, it is worth shopping around and comparing rates from different vendors. Some printing services may offer discounts or coupons, so be sure to look out for those. For example, Vistaprint and Shutterfly are known for offering great discount codes and coupons. Etsy sellers may also offer deals and discounts on their printing services, so be sure to explore their listings.

In terms of turnaround time, it is crucial to find a printer that can work within your timeline. Wedding invitations should ideally be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, so choose a printer that can meet this deadline. Some printers may offer quick turnaround times, such as 24 hours, while others may take a few weeks. Be sure to ask about turnaround time before placing your order.

Additionally, it is important to consider the quality of the printing service. Heavy-weight cardstock, for example, tends to feel fancier and give off a high-quality aesthetic. Be sure to ask for test runs before printing your entire batch of invitations, and don't be afraid to ask for revisions if necessary.

Overall, by taking the time to compare pricing, turnaround time, and quality, you can be confident that you are getting the best value for your money and ensuring that your wedding invitations are delivered on time.

Customer reviews

Online Printing Services:

• Vistaprint: Many customers have had positive experiences with Vistaprint, praising their sales and discounts. One user said, "I designed my save the dates on Canva and then printed through vista print. I was very happy with how they turned out!" Another mentioned, "I loved my Vistaprint invites. It made the process so easy and I got a ton of compliments."
• Shutterfly: While Shutterfly is mentioned as an option, there is no specific feedback about their services.
• FedEx/Kinkos: Some couples have used FedEx or Kinkos for printing, but there are mixed reviews. One person said their invitations got jammed and wouldn't go through, while another praised the quality and convenience of printing in-store.
• Staples: Similar to FedEx, reviews for Staples are mixed. Some customers were happy with the quality and pickup option, while others experienced issues with printing and cutting accuracy.
• Zazzle: A couple mentioned using Zazzle with good experiences, especially with their upload-your-own-design feature.

Local Printing Services:

• LCI Paper: One user praised the paper quality from LCI Paper but had issues with printing at FedEx and Staples. They ended up having LCI print the invitations, which turned out well.
• Cards and Pockets: A few customers recommended Cards and Pockets for their invitation printing and DIY kits. One person said, "They sent me samples of my STD and invite, and the quality was great. I'm very happy with how they turned out."
• CatPrint: CatPrint received several positive reviews for their printing services. Customers appreciated their free stationery sample kits, proofing process, and affordable pricing. One user commented, "I loved my invites! I paid $24 for the invitation suite, and my total at CatPrint was like $75, including shipping, RSVP cards, and information cards."
• Office Depot: There are mixed reviews for Office Depot. While some customers were satisfied, others experienced issues with text printing and cutting accuracy.
• Walmart: Walmart is an affordable option, with printing costs as low as $0.89 per invitation. However, one user noted that Walmart may not be the best choice for those seeking high-quality results.
• Overnight Prints: This company is recommended by The Budget Savvy Bride for their quick, affordable, and environmentally-conscious printing services. They offer a range of wedding stationery options and are the only online printing company that offers next-day delivery.

When choosing a printing service, it is essential to consider factors such as quality, pricing, turnaround time, and customer reviews. Reading testimonials and learning from others' experiences can help ensure a smooth process and beautiful results for your Etsy wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions