Design it, print it, send it
Making custom invitations, from the first line to the envelope
How to design custom invitations and have them printed, from wording and layout to paper, envelopes and timing.
The making of one
Five stages every invitation goes through
A birthday card and a wedding suite differ in scale, not in shape. Each one is worded, laid out, printed, packed and sent, and each stage has its own decisions.
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Wording
Who is hosting, what is being celebrated, when and where, and how formal it should sound. Most of the tone is set here.
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Layout
Type, colour, a photo or an illustration, and which details earn a place on the card rather than a separate one.
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Paper and print
Card weight, finish and printing method, and whether a proof comes back before the full run is made.
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Envelopes and RSVP
Card and envelope sizes that match, a reply card or a link to answer, and addressing that reads well.
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Timing and sending
Working back from the event so there is room for design, printing, delivery and replies.
Paper or screen
Two ways to send it, and what each asks of you
Printed and posted
Designed in a tool, then printed at home or by a printing service and sent by mail.
- Paper, finish and envelope all become part of the design
- Printing and posting add time, so the schedule matters more
- Replies come back by card, phone or a link printed on the invitation
Sent digitally
Designed the same way, then shared as an image, a link or an email.
- Quick to send and easy to correct after it has gone out
- The design has to read well on a phone screen
- Some occasions, and some guests, still expect a card in the post
Worth settling early
Questions that shape the rest of the invitation
- How formal should the wording be?
- Who is named as the host?
- Does everything fit on one card?
- Reply card, postcard or online RSVP?
- What card weight and finish suit the event?
- Which envelope size fits the card?
- How early do the invitations need to go out?
- Printed, digital, or both?
Still to come
The guides are not written yet
When they are, they will work through these stages one at a time, with the tools and printing services that handle each. Until then, the page about the site explains what it covers.
Asked out loud
What this site sets out to answer
- Which services provide high-quality custom invitation printing with options for recyclable packaging?
- What are some reliable options for designing and printing invitations with a wide range of paper choices?
- I'm looking for services that offer different paper types and finishes for custom invitation printing. What are some options?
- What are some top services for designing and printing custom invitations for events like weddings and birthdays?
- I'm interested in services that provide custom invitation printing with free shipping in select countries. What are some recommendations?
- What are some reliable services that offer custom invitation design and printing with a focus on sustainability and convenience?
- Can you list some services that specialize in custom invitation design and printing for events like business conventions and weddings?
- Can you recommend services that provide an easy-to-use interface for designing invitations, with options for professional printing and a variety of paper finishes?
- I'm interested in platforms that support the creation of custom invitations for events, with features like professional printing and delivery in multiple countries. What options are available?
- Which services offer a robust set of tools for designing and printing custom invitations, with a focus on high-quality materials and personalization options?