Printing Your Wedding Invitation Design: Where To Go?

There are many options available for printing your own wedding invitation design. You can use online services such as Smartpress, GotPrint, Shutterfly, Cards & Pockets, or Canva. Alternatively, you can use local printing stores such as Staples, FedEx, Walgreens, Walmart, or Office Depot. Each option offers different paper stocks, finishes, and customization options, allowing you to create exclusive and unique wedding invitations. Prices vary depending on the quantity, paper stock, and printing options chosen. It is recommended to compare prices and read reviews before selecting a printing service.

Online design tools

There are many online design tools that can help you create your own wedding invitations. These tools offer a range of features, from customizable templates to printing services, to help you design and print your dream wedding invitations.

Canva, for example, offers a free wedding invitation maker with a selection of beautiful layouts to create a unique invitation. You can browse through their library of elegant wedding invitation templates, with options for every theme, including destination weddings, beach weddings, and winter weddings. You can also filter by colour, layout, or style to find the perfect match for your wedding. Canva allows you to personalize your invitations by uploading your own photos, customizing colour schemes, and using shapes, lines, and graphics. You can then print your invitations through Canva Print and have them delivered to your doorstep.

Greetings Island is another great option, offering elegant wedding invitation templates with custom styles. You can choose from professionally designed invites or use their invitation maker to design your own from scratch. They offer DIY templates with custom options for fonts, colours, stickers, and photos. Greetings Island also provides a wide range of affordable premium invitation designs and free online invitation templates for those who prefer a virtual experience. You can download, email, or share your invitations online, or opt for their printing services.

Other websites, such as GotPrint and Smartpress, also offer customizable online design tools and templates to create your own wedding invitations. GotPrint provides a user-friendly Online Designer that allows you to add/edit text and upload your own photos and images. Smartpress offers a wide range of stocks, ink options, fold choices, and finishing options to create unique invitations.

These online design tools provide couples with the flexibility and creativity to design their own wedding invitations, ensuring that their special day is announced in a way that reflects their personal style and theme.

Paper stock options

When it comes to paper stock options for wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider, including the desired weight, texture, colour, and finish. Here are some options to consider:

Solid White Cardstock

This is the most common type of cardstock, characterised by its smooth, matte finish. It is available in a variety of weights, with 80# and 100# being the most popular choices. The heavier the cardstock, the more professional your invitations will look and feel.

Linen Cardstock

Linen cardstock is designed to resemble linen fabric, with a delicate woven texture and a matte finish. It is perfect for hiding imperfections and adding visual interest to your invitations. Linen cardstock is available in various weights, including 80# and 92#.

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 that your invitations will last for years to come.

Parchment

Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marble appearance. It adds a unique touch to spring and small, personal weddings. Parchment is typically available in 65# weight.

Felt

Felt is a thick cardstock with a texture that falls between cotton and canvas, offering a smooth yet coarse feel. It usually comes in weights starting from 110#, making it a sophisticated choice for wedding invitations.

Kraft or Recycled Cardstock

Kraft cardstock, also known as recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and feel. It resembles coarse brown grocery bags but with a thicker and more polished appearance. This type of cardstock is perfect for vintage or outdoorsy-themed weddings.

Vellum

Vellum is a translucent paper that can be used on its own or layered over illustrations, artwork, or photos. It adds a subtle depth to your invitations and is available in various weights, including 93 GSM and 115 GSM.

Coloured Cardstock

Coloured cardstock resembles thick craft paper and is incredibly smooth, without any texture or grain. It is available in a variety of colours and weights, making it perfect for creating a fun and cohesive look for your wedding invitations and envelopes.

When choosing a paper stock, it is essential to consider the printing method you will be using. Home printers may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so it is recommended to start with 80# cardstock and adjust accordingly. Additionally, textured cardstock can help hide imperfections in inkjet printing.

Printing services

There are a variety of printing services available for your wedding invitation design. Many companies offer online services where you can upload your design and choose your paper stock before receiving a soft or hard proof to approve.

Smartpress

Smartpress offers a wide range of stocks like coated and linen, full-colour ink to match your theme, numerous fold options, and digital laser cutting to add intricate details. They can also add drill holes for ribbons and process your guest list to personalise each invitation. You can use one of their wedding invitation templates or create your own. They also offer finishing options like scoring, folding, and perforation.

GotPrint

GotPrint has a user-friendly online designer that allows you to add/edit text and upload your photos and images. They offer a variety of luxurious paper stocks, finishes, and customisation options. Their Trifecta paper stock options have a velvety feel, while their 16 pt. matte or triple-layered Trifecta will enhance the durability and longevity of your invitations.

CatPrint

CatPrint offers free stationery sample kits, hard copy proofs, and affordable envelopes. They have a variety of paper options, including cream linen cardstock, and their state-of-the-art printing technology ensures high-quality results.

Shutterfly

Shutterfly guarantees 100% happiness, promising to work until you are completely satisfied with their best-in-class printing services.

Cards & Pockets

Cards & Pockets offers a seamless and easy way to bring your personalised creations to life. You can upload your own design and choose from a range of high-quality paper sources. They cater to a wide range of needs, from acrylic invitations to holiday cards, and their state-of-the-art printing technology ensures your invitations reflect the quality you expect.

Design templates

There are many online services that offer design templates for wedding invitations. These templates can be customised with personal photos, text, images, colours, fonts, and stickers. Some websites, like Greetings Island, offer free downloadable templates, which can be printed at home or through a professional printing service. Other sites, like GotPrint, offer custom design services where you can work with in-house designers to create a unique invitation.

Smartpress offers a wide range of customisable options, including size, stock, weight, ink, and finish. They also provide laser cutting for any shape, design, pattern, or lettering. Canva also has hundreds of editable designs suitable for any wedding theme, which can be printed and delivered to your door.

If you're looking for a more premium option, Greetings Island offers a Premium membership that unlocks over 5000 designs for $3.49 per month or $26.99 per year. This option is cost-effective if you need multiple invitations, cards, and announcements.

Customisation options

When it comes to customising your wedding invitations, there are several online platforms that offer a range of options to make your invites unique. Here are some customisation options to consider:

Paper Type and Finish:

• Paper Stock: Choose from a variety of paper stocks, such as coated, linen, matte, gloss, or uncoated. Some providers offer luxurious options like triple-layered Trifecta paper with a velvety finish or a pearl finish with a canvas texture.
• Paper Weight: Opt for thicker paper stock, such as 16 pt. matte, for a more durable and long-lasting invitation.
• Finish: Select a finish that reflects the impression you want to convey. For instance, a gloss finish adds shine, while a matte finish offers a natural feel.

Design and Layout:

• Size: Decide on the size of your invitations, with popular options being 4" x 6" and 5" x 7" for flat or folded invites. You can also choose square invitations, such as 5" x 5", for a unique look.
• Custom Artwork: Many platforms allow you to upload your own artwork or design. You can create your design using tools like Canva or hire a professional designer to create a custom illustration.
• Templates: If you need inspiration or a starting point, some websites offer customisable templates with various themes like modern, rustic, floral, or beach.
• Text and Fonts: Personalise your invitations with your own text and choose fonts that reflect your style. Include all the important details, such as ceremony and reception information.

Printing and Customisation Options:

• Double-Sided Printing: Decide if you want your invitations printed on one or both sides. Double-sided printing allows for more information or design elements.
• Drill Holes: Add drill holes to your invitations to attach ribbons or other decorative elements.
• Folding and Perforation: Choose from various folding options, such as double parallel folds, or opt for perforations for a unique look.
• Laser Cutting: Some providers offer digital laser cutting to create intricate shapes, designs, or lettering on your invitations.
• Variable Data Printing: This option allows you to design and print multiple versions of your invitations, personalised for specific recipients.
• Envelopes: Customise your envelopes by size, stock, address placement, and font. You can also add return address labels or stamps.

Extras:

• RSVP Cards: Include RSVP cards with your invitations, allowing guests to easily confirm their attendance.
• Thank You Cards: Order matching thank you cards to send to your guests after the wedding.
• Other Stationery: Consider ordering other matching stationery, such as save-the-date cards, programs, place cards, or menus.

Frequently asked questions