If you are considering printing your own invitations, it is likely you have heard all of the great reasons to do so: It saves money. It is a great way to interject your own personality and creativity into your event. It may become a new creative hobby. Invitation assembly is a perfect reason to gather with friends and family. You will impress your guests. Last, it is fun!
Yet while all of these reasons are indeed great, in reality, if you have never printed your own invitations, the prospect of doing so may be daunting. This is understandable, and in fact, quite common. Deciding to print at home brings to light a host of concerns that otherwise may never have crossed your mind. Take, for example, the following:
“I have only used my printer for standard 8 1/2 x 11 office paper. Will this unique size, finish, or weight paper go through my printer?”
“How do I set my word processing document up for this invitation?”
“I have never had to write my own invitation wording before. How do I properly word my invitation?”
“What if I mess up?”
“Will my invitations look as nice as professionally printed invitations?”
If these questions sound familiar, you are not alone! While these concerns are initially intimidating, fortunately, they are easily remedied. Not to worry, with a bit of confidence and creativity, you too can make beautiful invitations, and it is a lot easier than you may think! Read on to find out how simple and fun printing your own invitations can be!
Will this unique size, finish, or weight paper go through my printer?
Like many people, if you are accustomed to using your printer only for basic 8 1/2 by 11 documents, you may question what else your printer is capable of. In most cases, your home software and laser or inkjet printer is perfectly capable of producing quality documents of a wide range of custom sizes.
How do I set my word processing document up for this invitation?
Printing on custom size invitation cards is as simple as setting custom margins on your word processing document. Please visit the following link for step-by-step instructions on how to do so.
Printing Invitations With Microsoft Word
In many cases, free templates for custom invitations are available for free download as well, eliminating the need for manual margin set up. Please see LCI’s Custom Word Document Templates.
How do I properly word my invitations?
Just as you can download free templates to make the invitation printing process easier, you can find numerous Internet sites with invitation wording with a simple Google search. Even if you find appropriate wording its a helpful way to jump start the creative process
What if I mess up?
An overriding, and perhaps the most intimidating concern, is that of making a catastrophic mistake. In this case, the old sayings are true: it is okay to mess up, and if you do, it will only help you learn and prepare for the next time. However, there are a few “goof proof” tips to keep in mind:
- Before you start printing the project, run one copy on a piece of paper the size of your invitation cards. This will let you know if there are any typing errors, and you can make sure everything is lined up the way you want it.
- Be sure to order extra invitations, in the event of a paper jam, ink smear, or other unforeseen problem.
- Consider keeping an extra ink cartridge on hand. You do not want to run out in the middle of printing your invitations, especially if you are running on a tight schedule.
Will DIY invitations look as nice as professionally printed invitations?
The last major concern of printing your own invitations, self doubt. As previously stated, intimidation is understandable, but easily remedied. With a bit of confidence, creativity, and a trial run, you will be amazed at the professional looking, elegant invitations you will create. Not only will your guests be impressed by your custom, cost-effective invitations, but also honored that you took the time to add your own personal touch to your event.
