How to print your invitations and signs
Everything you need after editing: which file to download, what paper to buy, the right settings, and what to ask at a print shop. Pick the way you want to print to jump straight to it.
At home
Cheapest for cards up to 5 x 7 in and small numbers of guests.
Ready tonightAt a print shop
Best for large signs on foam board and last-minute prints.
Often same or next dayOnline, delivered
Best for a full run of invitations with envelopes, on thick paper.
Delivered in a few days1. Download the right file
The file you download matters more than the printer. For anything you print, download a PDF. Image files like PNG and JPG are for sending by text or email.
From Canva
Click Share, then Download, and choose PDF Print. For a print shop, tick Crop marks and bleed only when asked.
From Templett
Click Download and choose PDF. Pick a paper layout only when you want several copies on one sheet. Use bleed only when your printer asks for it.
What bleed means
Bleed is an extra 1/8 inch of background around the edges. A printer trims it off so no white line remains at the edge. At home, print on a larger sheet and trim.
2. Print at home
An ordinary inkjet or laser printer can make lovely invitations, place cards, and small table signs. Heavy paper and careful trimming make them look professional.
What you need
- Cardstock: 80 to 110 lb cover, about 216 to 300 gsm.
- A printer that takes thick paper: use its rear or manual feed tray when available.
- A paper trimmer: straighter edges than scissors.
Before you press print
- Set scale to Actual size or 100%, not Fit to page.
- Set paper type to Cardstock, Heavy, or Matte photo paper and quality to Best.
- Print one test page on plain paper first.
- Feed cardstock one sheet at a time if the printer jams.
- Print 5 to 10 percent extra for mistakes and late guests.
3. Print at a local print shop
Office stores and copy shops print cards on cardstock and large signs on foam board. Ask to see one proof before the full stack.
Please print this PDF at 100 percent, no scaling, on 110 lb white cardstock, and cut to 5 x 7 inches.
Please print this welcome sign at 18 x 24 inches on 3/16 inch foam board.
4. Order prints online
For a full set of invitations with envelopes, an online printer is often the best value. Upload your PDF, choose the paper, and finished cards arrive at your door.
Our print partner: Prints of Love
They print flat and folded cards, signs, foam boards, and more directly from the PDF you download.
Print with Prints of LoveWe may earn a small commission when you order through this link, at no extra cost to you.
- Choose flat card, folded card, or sign.
- Pick the size listed in the What you get box.
- Upload the PDF and check the preview.
- Choose paper and quantity.
- For a big order, get one sample first.
5. Size and paper chart
Your exact template sizes are listed on each product page.
| Item | Common sizes | Paper | Best place to print |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invitation | 5 x 7 in | 110 lb cover | Home, shop, or online |
| Details card, diaper raffle, books for baby | 3.5 x 5 in | 80 to 110 lb cover | Home or online |
| Place card | 3.5 x 2 in flat, 3.5 x 4 in folded | 80 lb cover | Home |
| Menu | 4 x 9 or 5 x 7 in | 100 to 110 lb cover | Home or online |
| Welcome sign, seating chart | 18 x 24 or 24 x 36 in | Foam board or poster paper | Shop or online |
Paper weights, in plain words
65 lb cover feels like a sturdy flyer. 80 lb cover feels like a greeting card. 110 lb cover feels like a wedding invitation. Outside the US, look for 250 to 300 gsm.
6. Envelope sizes
| Card size | Envelope | Envelope size |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 x 5 in | 4 Bar | 3 5/8 x 5 1/8 in |
| 4.25 x 5.5 in | A2 | 4 3/8 x 5 3/4 in |
| 4 x 6 in | A6 | 4 3/4 x 6 1/2 in |
| 5 x 7 in | A7 | 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 in |
7. Large signs
- Foam board is light and common for 18 x 24 and 24 x 36 in.
- A poster in a frame works well for 16 x 20 in and smaller.
- An 8 x 10 in sign for a bar or gift table prints fine at home.
8. Fix common problems
It printed smaller
Set scale to Actual size or 100%.
White line at the edge
Print on a larger sheet and trim, or use bleed at a shop.
It looks blurry
Download PDF Print rather than an image file.
Colors differ from screen
Print one test copy before the full batch.
9. Questions about printing
Do you print and ship invitations?
No, we sell digital templates only. Prints of Love can print from your finished PDF.
What is the cheapest way to print?
For small cards, print at home on cardstock. For large signs, use a local print shop.
Can I print on both sides?
Yes, if your template has a back side. Test the feed direction on plain paper first.
How many invitations should I print?
One per household, plus 5 to 10 extra.