A fun and budget-friendly guide for printing wedding invitations.
Printing your own wedding invitations at home is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. With the right materials, design tools, and printing techniques, you can create beautiful invites that look just as good as professionally printed ones. Here’s everything you need to know to make the process smooth and stress-free!
1. Picking the Right Invitation Size
Before you start designing, you’ll want to choose the right size for your invitations. Sticking with standard sizes makes it easier to find envelopes that fit properly. Here are some popular options:
- A7 (5″ x 7″):The go-to size for wedding invitations. Fits perfectly into an A7 envelope.
- A2 (4.25″ x 5.5″): Great for RSVP cards or extra inserts.
- A6 (4.5″ x 6.25″): A slightly smaller option that’s still elegant and easy to mail.
- Square Invitations (5″ x 5″ or 6″ x 6″): A trendy choice, but might require extra postage.
- DL (3.9″ x 8.2″): A modern, sleek design perfect for contemporary weddings.
If you’re using a non-standard size, check with the post office to make sure you’ve got the right postage!
2. Choosing the Best Paper
The type of paper you use makes a huge difference in how your invitations look and feel. Here are some great options:
- Cardstock (80lb-110lb): Thick and sturdy, perfect for formal invitations. (FYI, cardstock thickness is measured in pounds per 500 sheets, so don't be thrown off by the big weight numbers!)
- Matte Paper: Smooth, non-glossy, and easy to print on.
- Glossy Paper: Great for bright colors and photo-heavy designs.
- Textured Paper (Linen, Cotton, Parchment): Adds a unique and classy touch.
- Recycled Paper: A great eco-friendly option for sustainable weddings.
3. Designing Your Wedding Invitations
If you’re not a graphic design pro, don’t worry! There are plenty of beginner-friendly programs to help you create gorgeous invitations:
- Canva (Free & Paid): Super easy to use with tons of templates.
- Adobe InDesign (Paid): Perfect if you want full creative control.
- Microsoft Word & PowerPoint (Free with Microsoft 365): Simple but effective.
- Affinity Designer (One-time Purchase): A great alternative to Adobe.
- Procreate (iPad): Ideal for hand-drawn or artsy designs.
- Etsy Templates: Buy and customize ready-made designs from talented artists.
4. Printing Tips for the Best Results
Home printing takes a little trial-and-error, but with these tips, you’ll get it right:
A. Choosing the Right Printer
- Inkjet Printers: Best for vibrant colors and photo-based designs.
- Laser Printers: Ideal for crisp text and sharp lines, but may not work well with textured paper.
B. Printer Settings
- Use ‘High Quality’ or ‘Best Print’ Mode: Makes a big difference in how sharp your prints look.
- Select the Right Paper Setting: Adjust for cardstock or specialty paper.
- Test Print First: Always print on regular paper before using expensive cardstock.
- Check Margins and Bleed Areas: Make sure nothing important gets cut off.

5. Cutting and Adding Special Touches
Once your invitations are printed, it’s time to trim and embellish them:
- Paper Trimmer or Guillotine Cutter: For clean, straight edges.
- Corner Punch: Creates rounded corners for a polished look.
- Embossing or Foiling: Adds an elegant, luxe touch.
- Ribbons, Wax Seals, or Envelope Liners: Small details that make a big impact.
6. Addressing and Mailing Your Invitations
Now that your invites are ready, it’s time to send them out!
- Handwritten Calligraphy: A beautiful, personal touch.
- Printed Address Labels: A neat and consistent option.
- Custom Stamps or Wax Seals: Elevate the envelope’s look.
- Weigh Your Invitations: Bring one to the post office to make sure you have the right postage.
7. Fixing Common Printing Problems
If you run into issues, here’s how to fix them:
- Ink Smudging: Let prints dry fully before handling.
- Paper Jams: Use the rear feed tray for thick cardstock.
- Colors Not Matching: Check your screen calibration and use high-quality ink.
- Alignment Issues: Adjust your printer’s margin settings or use alignment guides in your design software.
Printing wedding invitations at home is an awesome way to save money and get creative. With the right paper, design software, and a little patience, you can make invitations that look amazing and feel personal. Just take your time, test things out, and have fun with the process!
Cover photo by George Milton; photo 2 by Andrei Ciubotariu;
You must be logged in to post a comment.