Order at least 20 to 25 percent more invitation suites than you plan to send. This allows for extra pieces in the event of mistakes as you are printing them. For example, if you plan to print 100 invitations, order 125 invitation suites.
Order at least 25 to 50 additional pieces of cardstock to allow for printing mistakes. Order envelopes for the invitations and enclosures. An invitation suite comes with envelopes for the invitations and enclosures, but if you are making your own invitations from cardstock, you will need to order the envelopes separately. For example, if you want guests to mail back a response card, you need to supply an envelope that fits the response card. Some couples choose to use outer envelopes and inner envelopes. The outer envelopes are addressed, while the inner envelopes protect the invitation and enclosures. If you are using both outer and inner envelopes, be sure to order the correct quantities and sizes for your invitations.
Do not add layering papers to pre-cut invitation suites, as the final invitation size may not fit in the envelopes provided with the invitation suite.
Mix and match color palettes to find colors that complement each other. If you choose to use layering papers or colored inks, evaluate how the colors look with the white or cream cardstock you choose before purchasing any paper.
Experiment with free fonts available for download online. Try different font combinations and font treatments, such as italics, lowercase and uppercase typeface. Try different font sizes. The font size is how big the text appears on the invitation. Because fonts vary in typeface size, it is difficult to provide a suggested font size for invitations. As a rule of thumb, avoid font sizes smaller than 9 point. Consider using larger font sizes to highlight different parts of the invitation text, such as the names of the bride and groom.
Look for clip art with resolutions of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). Low resolutions graphics do not reproduce well and often appear blurry. For crisp, high quality graphics, use only high resolution images. Incorporate graphic elements that carry out the theme of your wedding. If your wedding does not have a specific theme, consider images like florals, branches and Victorian flourishes to create invitations with timeless appeal.
Consider adding color to the finished invitations with embellishments like ribbon or paper strips. Wrap a single ribbon around the invitation suite (with the invitation in front and the enclosures behind it) and secure with a piece of tape along the back of the invitation. You can also use patterned strips of paper or fabric instead of the ribbon to add color.
Feed the cardstock into your printer. If you are printing many invitations, the printing process may take a while. Be patient and allow for plenty of time to print the invitations. Stay by the printer while the invitations are printing. You will be able to notice the moment there is a printing problem, stop the printing process and not waste paper. Purchase extra printer ink before beginning the printing process. You don’t want to be halfway through printing your invitations and suddenly have to run to the store to get more ink.
