When planning a special event, one of the most exciting parts is sending out invitations to your guests. While there are plenty of options to choose from, including hiring a professional to design and print your invitations or ordering pre-made sets, many people are opting to go the DIY route. But is it worth printing your own invitations? In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of printing your own invitations and help you decide if this is the right choice for your next event.
The Pros of Printing Your Own Invitations
There are plenty of positives to creating your own invitations, including:
Cost Savings
One of the most significant benefits of printing your own invitations is the cost savings. When you design, print, and assemble invitations on your own, you are eliminating the fees charged by professionals, leaving you to purchase just the materials needed for your design. With pre-made sets, you often pay for the convenience of having everything done for you, but this usually comes with a higher price tag.
Customization Options
When you print your own invitations, you have complete control over the design, layout, and wording. This means you can get creative and make your invitations stand out from the rest, which is particularly important if you’re hosting a unique event or want your invitations to reflect your personality or theme.
Flexibility
Another benefit of printing your invitations is the flexibility it offers. You can print as many invitations as you need, making it easy to adjust the number based on your guest list. Additionally, you can make changes to the design or wording as you go if you need to add or remove information or want to tweak the aesthetics.
The Cons of Printing Your Own Invitations
While there are plenty of reasons why printing your invitations is a great option, there are also some downsides to consider:
Time-Consuming
Designing and printing your invitations can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re not familiar with design software. You’ll need to research options, experiment with designs, and perfect your layout before you start printing. This can take a significant amount of time, which is something to keep in mind if you’re already juggling a busy schedule.
Quality Concerns
While there are plenty of high-quality printing options available, printing your invitations at home can sometimes result in lower quality invitations. Depending on your printer, ink, and paper, the final product may not look as professional or well-done as professionally printed invitations. This is something to consider if presentation and aesthetics are important to the success of your event.
Mistakes and Errors
Finally, when you print your invitations, you run the risk of making mistakes or errors that can be costly to fix. Unlike working with a professional, you won’t have an outside party reviewing your work or checking for errors in the final product. This means you’ll need to proofread and double-check your design thoroughly to ensure there are no typos or mistakes.
Conclusion
So, is it worth printing your own invitations? It ultimately depends on your priorities and what you’re looking for in your invitations. If cost-savings, customization, and flexibility are top priorities, then printing your invitations may be the way to go. However, if time is of the essence, quality is crucial, or you want the peace of mind of having an expert review your invitations, then it may be worth investing in professional invitations instead. Whatever you decide, remember that your invitations are a reflection of you and your event, so be sure to put in the time and effort to make them look and feel just right.
FAQ
How much does it cost to print an invitation?
The cost of printing invitations varies depending on several factors such as the type of paper, printing process, design complexity, and the number of invitations needed. The average cost of printing an invitation ranges from $0.35 to $2.00 per invite for digital printing. For more high-end options like engraving, prices can range from $15 – $20 per invite.
If you plan to print invitations using digital printing, it is the most affordable option which is suitable for most events. Digital printing uses an inkjet or laser printer to produce high-quality prints that can showcase intricate designs and colors on a range of paper types. This method creates clear, crisp images and is ideal for printing photos or detailed graphics.
However, if you prefer a more elegant look, engraving is the most luxurious way to print invitations. This process involves carving the letters or design onto metal plates, which are then used to imprint the invitation onto the paper with raised ink. The result is a beautifully crafted invitation with a tactile feel, which will impress your guests. Engraving is the most expensive printing method due to its labor-intensive process and the need for special equipment.
Additional costs that can add to the overall price of printing invitations are the envelopes, liner materials, and any other embellishments like ribbons or wax seals. These add-ons can make a significant difference but can elevate the elegance of the invitations. Nowadays, there are a plethora of options when it comes to sourcing the materials, including online shops, local printing stores, and stationery suppliers.
The cost of printing invitations ultimately depends on your desired style and budget. Careful consideration of the type of printing process you want to use, as well as additional options for paper and embellishments, can help you create beautiful and memorable invitations that set the tone for your special occasion.
How many invitations should I print?
When it comes to creating your wedding invitation list, one of the biggest questions that arises is how many invitations to print. It’s important to keep in mind that you won’t need as many invitations as the number of guests you’re inviting. Many of your guests will be couples or families who’ll only require one invitation.
So, how do you determine the number of invitations needed? The answer to this question can vary depending on factors such as your guest list, budget, and event size. A good general rule of thumb is to estimate that you will need roughly 60% of the number of guests you plan to invite.
For instance, if you’re inviting 100 guests, you’ll only need to print approximately 60 invitations. This number will likely fluctuate based on your specific circumstances, though; for example, if you’re inviting a large number of families with children, you may need to print more invitations. Also, if you’re hosting multiple wedding events (such as a rehearsal dinner or morning-after brunch) and intend to send separate invitations for each, the total number of invitations you’ll need will increase accordingly.
It’s worth noting that there are some practical reasons for keeping the number of invitations you print on the lower side. For one, fewer invites means less money spent on paper, printing, and postage. Additionally, if you overestimate the number of invitations needed you may end up with extras that go unused – wasted money and materials that could have been spent elsewhere in your wedding planning.
The specific number of invitations you’ll need will be unique to your wedding. It’s a good idea to begin with an estimate, then adjust as needed based on factors like guests’ living situations and any additional wedding events that require an invite. By keeping these variables in mind as you create your invitation list, you can ensure you’re printing the right number of invites while staying within your budget.
Do people still use paper invitations?
With the rise of digital communication and online tools for organizing events, it might be tempting to think that the printed invitation is a thing of the past. However, despite this convenience offered by modern technology, many people still appreciate the effort and elegance of a physical paper invitation.
There are various reasons why people continue to use paper invitations. For one, printed invitations can set the tone and style of an event, providing guests with a sneak peek of what they can expect. A carefully designed invitation can convey important details about the venue, dress code, theme, and other essential information that can’t always be seamlessly communicated through digital means.
Another benefit of using paper invitations is the personal touch they provide. By sending out invitations via mail, it shows that the host has taken the time and money to invest in the event to make it special. Guests may also feel more valued and appreciated when receiving a physical invitation that has been given some thought and attention.
It is also worth noting that traditionalists and etiquette experts maintain that printed wedding invitations are custom, and it is still expected for formal events such as weddings and black-tie events to have a printed invitation. Although it can still depend on the type of event, for more casual events like birthdays, bridal showers, and holiday gatherings, email or digital invitations may suffice.
While digital invitations and RSVPs are quickly gaining popularity, it appears that society is still continuing the tradition of mailing a paper invitation. According to a recent study by the Greeting Card Association, more than 58% of people still prefer to receive paper invitations instead of digital ones. Thus, it’s evident that paper invitations aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and those who are interested in planning a memorable event should still consider the appeal of a well-crafted, physical invitation.
