Best Printing Tips for DIY Party Invitations and Decorations
Ellie EmeryPrinting your own DIY party invitations and decorations can save money, offer creative control, and add a personal touch to your celebrations. However, getting professional-quality results from home requires the right materials, settings, and techniques. In this guide, we’ll share the best printing tips to help you achieve stunning results every time.
Choosing the Best Paper for DIY Invitations and Decorations
The foundation of high-quality prints is choosing the right paper. Here are some tips to select the perfect paper for your project:
Cardstock for Invitations: Use cardstock that is 110 lb (300 gsm) or heavier for sturdy, professional-looking invitations. Look for options labeled as "smooth" or "matte" for vibrant colors and sharp text.
Specialty Paper for Decorations: For party decorations like banners or table cards, consider textured or patterned cardstock to add an extra layer of elegance and charm.
Where to Buy: We recommend Cardstock Warehouse for affordable, high-quality paper in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. Their cardstock is perfect for both home printers and professional printing services.
Setting Up Your Printer for Success
Your printer settings can make or break the final look of your printables. Here are the best practices:
Paper Settings: When printing invitations or decorations on cardstock, adjust your printer settings to match the type and weight of the paper. Many printers have options for "Cardstock" or "Heavy Paper."
Print Quality: Always select "Best Quality" or "Photo Quality" in your printer settings. This ensures sharp lines and vibrant colors, especially for designs with intricate details or bright hues.
Check Printer Margins: Make sure the design fits within your printer’s printable area. Most printers require at least a 0.25-inch margin, so avoid designs that extend too close to the edges.
Ink Levels: Check your ink levels before starting. Low ink can lead to streaks, uneven colors, or faded prints.
Test Prints: Always print a single copy first to check for alignment, colors, and clarity before printing in bulk.
Supplies to Make Your Printables Shine
Having the right tools and supplies ensures your printables look polished and professional:
Paper Trimmer: A paper trimmer or guillotine cutter will give you clean, straight edges for cutting invitations and decorations.
Adhesives: Use double-sided tape or glue dots to assemble multi-layered designs or attach decorations.
Envelopes: Pair your invitations with coordinating envelopes. Look for A7-sized envelopes (5.25" x 7.25") for standard 5" x 7" invitations. Cardstock Warehouse offers a wide selection of matching envelopes.
Ribbon or Twine: Add a decorative touch to your invitations or favors with ribbon or twine that complements your theme.
Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues
Even with the best preparation, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle common problems:
Colors Look Dull: Check your printer’s color settings and ensure you’re using the highest quality mode. Matte paper can sometimes dull colors, so consider a glossy or semi-gloss option for vibrant results.
Smudging or Streaking: Ensure your printer is set to the correct paper weight. Heavy cardstock can smudge if the ink doesn’t dry fast enough. Allow prints to dry completely before handling.
Alignment Issues: If the design isn’t centered, adjust the layout in your printing settings or resize the template slightly to fit your printer’s printable area.
Paper Jams: Avoid overloading the paper tray, and ensure the cardstock is compatible with your printer. Feeding one sheet at a time can also help.
Printing at Home vs. Professional Printing Services
While printing at home is convenient and cost-effective, some projects may benefit from professional printing services.
Here’s how to decide:
When to Print at Home
Smaller quantities (e.g., fewer than 50 invitations).
When you have a reliable printer and high-quality ink.
For quick, last-minute projects.
When to Use a Professional Printer
Large quantities that may strain your home printer.
Specialty finishes like foil, embossing, or die-cut designs.
When you want guaranteed color accuracy and high-end results.
Popular services like Staples, FedEx, or Vistaprint offer affordable options for professional-quality printing.
Final Thoughts
DIY party invitations and decorations can be a rewarding way to add a personal touch to your celebrations. By choosing the right paper, setting up your printer correctly, and using quality supplies, you can achieve stunning results at home. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about a design or need additional tips, our blog is here to help you every step of the way!
