Printing 101: Choosing the Right Printing Method for Your Invitations & Stationery
Ellie EmeryWhen it comes to printing your invitations and stationery, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best method depends on your budget, project type, and quality expectations. Whether you're printing a casual birthday invitation or an ultra-luxurious wedding suite, selecting the right printer can make or break your final design.
At Lovely Little Printables, we recommend three levels of printing—ranging from DIY at home to professional wedding printing—so you can choose the best fit for your project!
🌿 Level 1: DIY at Home – Perfect for Budget-Friendly & Crafty Projects
Best For:
✔ Small batch invitations
✔ Thank you cards, party printables, favor tags
✔ DIY lovers who enjoy hands-on crafting
If you love the control and flexibility of printing on demand, then DIY printing at home is a fantastic option! With the right printer and cardstock, you can create beautiful invitations, signs, and stationery without breaking the bank.
What You'll Need:
- A high-quality inkjet or laser printer (we recommend Canon or Epson for inkjet, HP for laser)
- Premium cardstock (We get all our cardstock and envelopes from Cardstock Warehouse)
- Paper trimmer or craft knife for clean edges
- Envelopes in coordinating colors
Why We Love It:
💰 Budget-Friendly – You print only what you need.
🎨 Full Creative Control – Experiment with colors, textures, and finishes.
⏳ No Waiting Time – Print and assemble your invites instantly.
Pro Tip: If your design is ink-heavy, consider using a laser printer to prevent smudging or sending your PDF to a local print shop for better results.
🎉 Level 2: Professional Digital Printing – Perfect for Birthdays, Showers & Everyday Events
Best For:
✔ Birthday invitations, bridal showers, baby showers
✔ Holiday cards, announcements, & event signage
✔ Customers who want a balance between affordability and quality
If you’re hosting a special event and want vibrant colors, crisp text, and professional-quality printing without spending a fortune, we recommend Prints of Love. This online printer specializes in affordable, high-quality digital printing and even includes free envelopes and fast shipping!
Why Prints of Love?
🌟 High-Quality Digital Printing – Crisp, full-color designs with a smooth finish.
🚚 Fast & Convenient – Orders ship quickly to your door.
📬 FREE Envelopes – No need to source them separately!
♻️ Eco-Friendly – Prints of Love uses sustainable paper options.
How It Works:
- Upload your invitation design (or order from us and we’ll provide the file).
- Choose your paper type and quantity.
- Get it shipped straight to your door!
Pro Tip: Prints of Love offers double-sided printing and rounded corner options to give your invitations a polished, professional feel.
👉 Check out Prints of Love here
💎 Level 3: Luxury & Fine Art Printing – Perfect for Wedding Invitations & High-End Stationery
Best For:
✔ Wedding invitations & full stationery suites
✔ Elegant, high-end events
✔ Printing on specialty materials like letterpress, foil, or handmade paper
For the crème de la crème of invitation printing, we recommend PrintsWell, a luxury printing service that specializes in thicker cardstock, custom finishes, and stunning print quality.
Why PrintsWell?
✨ Premium Paper & Finishes – Choose from cotton, linen, vellum, and even letterpress printing.
💍 High-End Feel – Perfect for wedding stationery with specialty printing techniques.
📦 All-In-One Suite Printing – Invitations, RSVP cards, menus, and thank-you notes can all match beautifully.
When to Choose This Option:
- You want embossing, foil stamping, or letterpress.
- You need a full suite of stationery (invitations, RSVP, menus, etc.).
- You want an ultra-professional look that stands out.
Pro Tip: Order a sample pack before committing to a large order to feel the different paper textures and print options.
👉 Learn more about PrintsWell here
Final Thoughts: Which Printing Method is Right for You?
| Feature | DIY at Home | Prints of Love | PrintsWell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small-batch, craft projects | Event invitations, everyday stationery | Weddings & luxury stationery |
| Price Range | $ | $$ | $$$$ |
| Paper Options | Cardstock Warehouse | Premium cardstock | Fine art, letterpress, & foil |
| Turnaround Time | Instant | 3-5 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Finishing Touches | Basic | Rounded corners, double-sided | Foil, letterpress, vellum |
Our Recommendation:
✔ DIY printing is great for quick, budget-friendly projects.
✔ Prints of Love is the perfect middle ground for parties & events.
✔ PrintsWell is ideal for luxurious, high-end stationery.
No matter which option you choose, Lovely Little Printables is here to help you create gorgeous, high-quality stationery that fits your vision and budget! 🎨💌
Which printing method do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! ⬇
