Kinkos: A One-Stop Shop For Wedding Invitation Printing

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of planning your big day, and printing them can be a tricky process. Kinko's, now FedEx Office, is a popular choice for printing wedding invitations. The process involves creating and saving your invitation design, choosing your printing options, and either picking up your invitations or having them shipped to you. FedEx Office offers both in-store and online printing services, providing convenience and flexibility for couples planning their wedding. With FedEx Office's printing services, couples can ensure their invitations are professionally printed and ready for their special day.

Printing wedding invitations at FedEx/Kinko's: what to do

Printing wedding invitations at FedEx/Kinkos: what to do

FedEx/Kinkos is a great option for printing your wedding invitations. Kinkos was bought by FedEx a few years ago and is now called FedEx Office. The company offers two ways to get your wedding invitations printed: in-store or online.

In-store

Before heading to your nearest FedEx Office, finalise your invitation design and save it on a compact disc, floppy disc, or flash drive. If you have specific paper that you want your invitations to be printed on, bring it with you.

Once at the store, approach a customer service representative and provide them with your design, the number of invitations you want, the type of paper you prefer, and any other specifications (e.g., two-sided printing, tissue paper). Ask the representative to print a couple of samples so you can review them before finalising the print job.

Before leaving, confirm with the representative when your invitations will be ready for pickup. Make sure to give yourself enough time in case there are errors and you need to reprint. Provide your contact and payment information to finalise the order.

Online

Start by downloading and installing the File, Print FedEx Kinko's application on your computer. This application will allow you to customise the settings to print your invitations in professional quality.

Open your invitation design on your computer and click "Print." Select "File Print FedEx Kinko's" as the printer, and then finalise the print command. The FedEx Kinko's application will open, where you can choose your printing options, including the number of copies and paper type.

Finally, decide whether you want to pick up your invitations from a FedEx Office location or have them shipped to you. If you choose shipping, provide your shipping address and payment information. If you opt for pickup, choose a location that is convenient for you.

Tips and Advice

• If you are unsure about the printing process, call ahead or visit a FedEx/Kinkos location to discuss your options with a customer service representative.
• FedEx/Kinkos cannot print white ink on dark paper. If this is your desired effect, consider a specialty printer or use white paper with dark printing.
• Bring your invitation file in PDF format to preserve the font.
• Have your invitation file exactly as you want it to be printed. FedEx/Kinkos charges a fee for any file manipulation they have to do.

Invitation design: file format, font, and layout

When designing your wedding invitations, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure they are both visually appealing and informative. Here are some tips for choosing the right file format, font, and layout for your invitations:

File Format

The file format you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on the software you use to create them and the printing requirements of the print shop you select. Common file formats for invitations include PDF, PSD, and AI. It's important to check with the print shop beforehand to ensure that your file is in a compatible format.

Font

The font you choose for your wedding invitations should be legible and match the style or theme of your wedding. Select a font that is easy to read and avoids excessive flourishes or intricate details that may be difficult to print clearly. Consider the size of the font and the amount of text you need to include. The font size should be large enough to read, with a clear hierarchy for different elements such as dates, locations, and any special messages.

Layout

The layout of your wedding invitations should be well-organised and visually appealing. Consider the placement of text, images, and any other design elements. Leave enough white space to avoid clutter and make the invitation easy to read. If you're including multiple pages or inserts, plan the flow of information across the different panels. The layout should guide the reader's eye through the important details, with a clear call to action, such as an RSVP request.

• Choose a theme or style that reflects the mood of your wedding. This could be elegant and minimalist, rustic, or modern, depending on your personal taste.
• Consider adding personal touches such as a photo or a message that reflects your love story.
• Use colours that match your wedding theme or personal preferences. This can help create a cohesive look for your wedding stationery.
• Enhance your invitations with decorative elements such as ribbons or embossing, but be mindful of any potential impact on printing costs.
• Proofread your invitations carefully to avoid any typos or errors. Double-check all the important details, including dates, times, and locations.

Printing options: paper type, colour, and ink

Paper type, colour, and ink are essential components of the printing process, and choosing the right combination can elevate your wedding invitations. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate these printing options:

Paper Type

The type of paper you choose will significantly impact the overall look and feel of your wedding invitations. Here are some common types of printing paper:

• Matte Paper: This is the most common type of paper used for printing documents. It has a smooth, matte texture that absorbs ink and dries quickly, preventing smudging. It is ideal for everyday printing and basic print jobs.
• Glossy Paper: Glossy paper has a coat of polymer that gives it a smooth, shiny finish. This type of paper enhances colour output and is perfect for printing high-quality photographs or images with rich, vibrant colours. However, glossy paper has a longer drying time, so using a laser printer can help avoid smudges.
• Bright White Paper: This paper has an exceptionally smooth surface and a brilliant white coating. It is a high-quality option for documents with photos that require a vibrant finish without a glossy shine.
• Photo Paper: Photo paper is specifically designed for printing photographs or pictures. It usually has a high-gloss sheen on one side and a matte finish on the other, with a thicker texture than standard paper.
• Cardstock: This is a heavyweight paper option, commonly used for printing business cards, postcards, and other durable materials. It is thicker and sturdier than regular paper, making it ideal for scrapbooking or printing items that need to withstand handling.
• Resume Paper: Resume paper is slightly heavier than standard paper and has an off-white appearance, often in ivory or cream tones. It is commonly used for important documents like resumes or CVs, adding a touch of elegance and indicating the printed information's significance.

Colour

When it comes to colour, there are a few aspects to consider:

• Paper Colour: While white is the most common colour for printing paper, you can also explore options like cream, ivory, or coloured paper to add a unique touch to your wedding invitations.
• Brightness: Brightness refers to the degree of whiteness and brightness of the paper. It is usually measured on a scale of 0-100, with higher values indicating a brighter and whiter sheet. Brightness affects the sharpness and colour accuracy of your print, so choosing the right brightness can enhance the overall quality of your invitations.

Ink

The choice of ink depends on the paper you select and the desired outcome:

• Inkjet Ink: This type of ink is commonly used with inkjet printers and works well with specific inkjet paper types, including photo, glossy, business card, and greeting card variants.
• Laser Ink: Laser ink is designed for laser printers and is often used in business environments for printing documents, cheques, and mailing labels.
• Pigment-based Ink: If you want your wedding invitations to last a long time, consider using pigment-based ink. This type of ink is known for its longevity when printed on artist-grade paper.
• Dye-based Ink: Dye-based ink is best printed on glossy paper, but it tends to fade more quickly than pigment-based ink.

Remember, the printing options you choose will depend on the specific printer you have or the printing service you plan to use. Always ensure that your chosen paper is compatible with your printer to avoid any issues like paper jams or blurred images.

Printing costs: FedEx/Kinko's fees

Printing costs: FedEx/Kinkos fees

Printing costs at FedEx/Kinkos can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the type of paper, and any additional options you choose. It's important to note that FedEx/Kinkos charges may differ from those of independent print shops or online services, and their pricing structure may include fees for specific services.

When printing wedding invitations at FedEx/Kinkos, you can choose to bring your own paper or select from their available paper types. If you opt for their paper, the cost per invitation will depend on the paper quality and any additional features, such as double-sided printing or specialty finishes. FedEx/Kinkos offers a range of paper options, from standard copy paper to higher-quality cardstocks, and the price per invitation will vary accordingly.

If you require design assistance, there may be additional charges. FedEx/Kinkos can provide basic design services, such as file manipulation or layout adjustments, but these typically incur a fee. For example, if you need them to adjust your file or create a print-ready version, there might be a $10 fee for each file they need to manipulate. This can add up if multiple files or adjustments are necessary.

The number of invitations you need printed will also impact the overall cost. FedEx/Kinkos may offer discounted rates for larger quantities, so printing a higher volume of invitations could result in a lower price per invitation. Conversely, printing a smaller batch may result in a higher price per invitation.

In addition to the printing costs, FedEx/Kinkos may charge for any special finishing options you choose. This includes features like tissue paper inserts, custom envelopes, or unique cuts and folds. These add-ons can enhance the overall presentation of your invitations but will contribute to the total printing expenses.

It's always a good idea to contact your local FedEx/Kinkos directly and discuss your specific requirements to obtain an accurate quote. Their customer service representatives can guide you through the available options, provide recommendations, and offer pricing estimates based on your unique needs.

Pick-up and shipping: receiving printed invitations

Pick-up and shipping options are available when receiving your printed wedding invitations from FedEx Office (formerly known as Kinko's). You can choose to pick up your invitations from a FedEx Office location or have them shipped to your address. If you opt for pick-up, select a location that is convenient for you.

When visiting the FedEx Office location for pick-up, ensure that you have provided them with your contact and payment information. Check each invitation thoroughly for consistency and errors, as different printers may yield slightly different results. If you notice any issues, it is advisable to have extra time built into your schedule to allow for reprints if necessary.

If you prefer to have your invitations shipped to you, provide your shipping address and payment information during the ordering process. This option ensures that you receive your invitations without needing to visit a physical location.

It is worth noting that FedEx Office offers two primary methods for printing wedding invitations: visiting one of their locations or utilising their website. If you opt for the online route, you can download and install the File, Print FedEx Kinko's application, which simplifies the process of customising your invitation settings and facilitates professional-quality printing. This application also adds the FedEx Kinko's driver to your list of print drivers.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is essential to finalise your invitation design before submitting it to FedEx Office. This includes deciding on the paper type, whether you will provide your own paper, and any special options such as double-sided printing or tissue paper. By providing clear instructions and reviewing the final product, you can ensure that your wedding invitations meet your expectations.

Frequently asked questions