Should You Print Your Own Wedding Invitations?

blue wedding invitations on white wood background

Should You Print Your Own Wedding Invitations?

From color schemes to catering, it seems like there are a million choices to make when you’re planning a wedding. But one of the earliest decisions you and your partner must make is whether or not to design and print your own wedding invitations. 

Many couples go the DIY route because it’s cost-effective. However, DIY can also be time-consuming and limit your paper and printing options. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of printing your own wedding invitations, so you can make an informed decision. 

The Pros and Cons of DIY Wedding Invitations

Pros: 

Cost-Effective

It is typically cheaper to print your own wedding invitations than to choose a company that designs and prints your invites for you. But that doesn’t mean DIY printing is cheap. You still need to invest in ink, paper, envelopes, custom inserts, etc. And not all printers can handle printing on cardstock, so you may also need to invest in a new machine. 

Customization

When you order wedding invitations online, it can be difficult to find a pre-made design or template that fits your exact vision. Designing and printing your own invitations gives you the freedom to create the invites of your dreams. You and your partner get to choose the colors, fonts, wording, and add any other elements you want to make the invitation as elegant or quirky as you wish. 

Cons:

Limited Printing Options

One major drawback of DIY wedding invitations is that it limits your options when it comes to paper and print effects like embossing. Print shops stock high-quality materials and have a wider range of stock to choose from, especially compared to what will work with a home printer. And you won’t be able to achieve unique options like embossed or metallic lettering at home, either.

Time-Consuming

Printing your own wedding invitations can be extremely time-consuming, and you’re already busy enough. First, you’ll need to research the right type of paper, ink, and tools you’ll need to achieve your vision. You will also need to purchase extra supplies to account for any mistakes that happen or changes you decide to make. So printing your own invitations may not be the right choice if you’re on a tight deadline or budget.

Where to Print Your Wedding Invitations

There are many benefits to designing your own wedding invitations, but that doesn’t mean you have to also print them at home. Working with a local print shop can offer you the best of both worlds. 

You can still design your own invitations, but you can leave the printing up to professionals so they turn out exactly the way you want them. Plus, print shops have more options, so you can choose the perfect size and paper type to make your invitations memorable.

Remember to Plan Ahead

Whether you choose to print your own invitations or work with a print shop, it’s important to plan far ahead. Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. But don’t wait until that deadline to start printing your invitations! 

You should always order products from a print shop with plenty of time to spare, just in case there are any issues with the supply chain. And even if you choose to print at home, you should get started as soon as possible, in case there are any hiccups that set you back.   

Wedding Stationery Printing in Tempe, Arizona

Mousegraphics is your one-stop shop for wedding stationery. We can print everything you need for your special day, including wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and dinner menus. 

We’ll help you select the perfect paper options to make your stationery as magical as your wedding day. Give us a call at 480-470-7438 today to discuss our printing services. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/17/2023). Photo by Mockaroon on Unsplash