Print-your-own wedding invitations are affordable and easy when you have the right information to get you started. Here are some helpful tips hot off the press from Ann’s!
5 Steps for Print-Perfect Wedding Invitations
1. Identify the size of invitation card you’ll be printing. Most printers are capable of printing different sizes, so don’t feel like you have to use 8½” x 11” sheets of paper.
2. Create a template on your computer. You can use Microsoft Word or similar software. (Ann’s provides free printing templates and tips with most of our print-your-own wedding invitations.)
3. Begin typing your wording and customizing the layout, typestyles and font sizes.
4. When you’re finished customizing, adjust the print settings. Go to File: Print: Properties, and change the default paper size to your card size. Load the printer with no more than 20 cards at a time. Use the manual feed tray for laser printers.
5. Run a test print to determine if all settings and positioning are correct. Make adjustments if needed and run another test print until the invitation is perfect.
10 Tips to Help the Process Run Smoothly
1. Use card stock paper to create wedding invitations with a quality look and feel. Don’t worry, most home printers can handle thicker paper stock but you’ll want to check your printer’s manufacturer’s guidelines to see paperweight restrictions.
2. Depending on the size of your wedding invitations, you can print several invites to one 8½” x 11” sheet and trim afterward or you can cut the cards down beforehand and print the individual cards. Home printers are capable of printing different sizes.
3. If you are not using a laser printer, be sure to allow drying time. Dry invitations individually, not stacked.
4. When you run your test print, place a sticker at the top of the invitation to help determine proper positioning and spacing.
5. Address your envelopes using the printer or print return address labels that coordinate with your wedding invitation ensemble. (Tip: envelopes feed better when opened, so no pre-folding.)
6. Print extras! You’ll need spares for mistakes, and printing extras with the original batch is much easier than going through the process again later.
7. Print practice cards on the “Draft” or “Fast” setting — saves ink and money. When you start printing your invitations, print at the highest quality.
8. Have lots of copying or cutting to do? Take it to a copy shop. They’ll charge a fee, but it might be worth the time you’ll save and the quality job they’ll do. This is especially helpful for enclosures.
9. Be careful with vellum. Laser printers work best with vellum, but there is vellum specifically designed for inkjet printers if that’s what you plan to use.
10. Check the packaging for helpful information. Print-your-own wedding invitations will often come with a website for free software, templates and help.
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