TABLE OF CONTENTS
- • How can I print my own wedding envelopes?
- • What kind of printer do I need for printing on wedding invitation envelopes?
- • Can I print on dark-colored envelopes with white ink?
- • Which supplies will I need to print my own wedding envelopes?
- • Choosing the Right Envelopes
- • Designing the Envelope Layout
- • Test Printing and Troubleshooting
How can I print my own wedding envelopes?
Printing your own wedding envelopes can add a personal touch to your special day and is easier than you may think! We detail everything below, but the basic steps are: purchase the envelopes that you wish to use (ensuring that they are compatible with your printer), create an address template on your computer using a word processing or design program, select a beautiful font that matches your invitations, and print the envelopes out!
What kind of printer do I need for printing on wedding invitation envelopes?
If you're looking to print your own wedding invitation envelopes, you'll need a printer that can handle thick cardstock and envelopes without smudging or jamming. A basic inkjet printer with a straight paper path is ideal as it won't bend or crease your envelopes as they go through. Look for a printer that can print borderless images as well as one that has a manual rear feed tray so you can print your envelopes one by one.
Another important factor is ink quality. You'll want to ensure that your printer produces high-quality, vibrant colors to make your lettering clear and fine. And last but not least, make sure your printer is compatible with your computer's operating system and software (which isn't much of a problem these days but we thought we'd still mention it!).
Can I print on dark-colored envelopes with white ink?
The short answer is yes! The more detailed answer is that it will be quite a financial investment as you will need to have a compatible laser jet printer and a Ghost White toner cartridge. If you don't already have these, you are looking at an investment of over $600 which might not be feasible for your one-time wedding DIY! If your heart is set on white-colored ink on your envelopes, it may be best to either hire a calligrapher to handwrite in white ink or a stationer who already has the specialty printing equipment.
Should you be all in for doing your own white ink printing, you will need to purchase a laser jet printer suitable for white ink printing as well as Ghost Toner Ink.
Which supplies will I need to print my own wedding envelopes?
If you've decided to print your own wedding invitations, there are a few supplies you'll need to ensure that they come out perfectly. First and foremost, you'll need a good quality printer. This should be able to handle cardstock and be able to print high-quality details. Don't forget to grab some new ink cartridges as well as envelopes that will fit the size of your invitations. You will also want to order a few extra envelopes beyond what you actually need to do test printing and in case of mishaps.
If you're making your own Cricut wedding invitations, then you may need standard 5.35" x 7.5" envelopes (for a 5x7 sized invitation) or make your own envelopes. With the right supplies in hand, printing your own wedding invitations can be a fun and rewarding experience that can add a personal touch to your special day!
• Inkjet printer (Our editor-in-chief Chelsea used a Canon Pixma for her wedding invites!)
• Ink cartridges
• Quality envelopes (a good envelope paper thickness/weight is at least 120gsm)
• Computer
• Word processing or design app (e.g., Microsoft Word, Photoshop, etc)
And if you're feeling extra crafty, add ribbon or make your own wax seals with a hot glue gun to finish your wedding invitations!
Choosing the Right Envelopes
When it comes to choosing the right envelopes for your wedding invitations, there are a few key factors to consider. You'll want to select envelopes that match the overall style and theme of your wedding. Are you going for a traditional and elegant look, or do you prefer something more modern and fun? The envelopes you choose should complement your wedding theme and set the tone for the celebration just as much as the invitations inside.
Next, consider the size of your invitations. Make sure to measure your invitation cards before purchasing envelopes to ensure a perfect fit. You don't want your invitations to be too loose or too snug in the envelopes. A properly fitting envelope not only looks more professional, but it also helps protect your invitations during mailing.
Another important factor to consider is the color of the envelopes. Do you want a classic white or cream envelope, or would you prefer something more vibrant and eye-catching? If you want your envelopes a certain color, be sure your printer's ink shows up well on them!
Designing the Envelope Layout
Designing the layout of your wedding envelopes is an important step in creating a personalized and cohesive look. There are several elements to consider when designing the envelope layout, including the placement of text and any additional design elements.
First, think about where you want to place the recipient's address on the envelope. Many couples choose to have the address centered on the front of the envelope, with the names of the recipients written above. This creates a clean and classic look. Alternatively, you can choose to have the address placed on the bottom right corner of the envelope for a more contemporary style, leaving the rest of the front surface open for additional design elements.
Next, consider if you want to include any decorative elements on the envelope, such as a monogram, florals, or themed postage stamps. These can be placed in the top left corner or around the edges of the envelope to add visual interest. Just be sure that any additional design elements do not detract from the legibility of the address.
When it comes to font choice, opt for a style that is easy to read and matches the overall aesthetic of your wedding invitations. You can choose a calligraphy-style font for a more formal look, or a modern font for a contemporary feel. Be consistent with font styles throughout all of your wedding stationery for a cohesive look.
Lastly, consider the placement and size of any return addresses or RSVP information on the envelope. These should be clearly visible and easy for guests to find. Consider using a smaller font size for this information to ensure it fits neatly on the envelope without overwhelming the design. A lot of couples add return addresses on the back flap of the envelope for a clean look.
Test Printing and Troubleshooting
Test printing is an essential step in the envelope printing process. Before printing all of your envelopes, it's important to do a test run to ensure that everything looks as expected. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments before printing the final batch.
To do a test print, set up your printer with the appropriate settings and load a blank envelope. Print a sample envelope with the text and design elements you plan to use. Check for any alignment issues, smudging, or other printing errors. Make sure that the text is clear and legible, and that the design elements are properly positioned.
If you encounter any issues during the test print, don't panic. Troubleshooting is part of the process, and there are steps you can take to address common problems. For example, if the text is smudged, check the ink levels of your printer and how smoothly it is feeding through your printer or adjust the print settings. If the alignment is off, adjust the placement of your design elements or consider repositioning the envelope in the printer. Use your printer's tray guidelines if needed. And if you're looking for more tips on mistakes to avoid with your wedding invitations, we have you covered there, too!
Go Forth and Print
Printing your own wedding envelopes is a great way to save time and money while getting creative with your wedding stationery. Whether you're a hobbyist or a pro, you can make beautiful, one-of-a-kind envelopes if you equip yourself with the right tools. As you can see, printing envelopes is a great DIY hack to express your own style and make your wedding extra special. So start by selecting your favorite design, invest in the right tools, and don't forget to test out your layout! We hope that this article has inspired you to get creative and start printing your own wedding envelopes. So go ahead, get crafting and show off your inviting style to your guests!
