Wedding Invites

Most couples come to us with their design already done. Maybe a friend helped out, or you found a template on Etsy that was exactly what you had in mind, or you spent a Sunday afternoon in Canva getting it just right. However you got there, we're here to turn that design into something you can actually hold and post.

If this is your first time getting something commercially printed, don't worry. We'll check your file before anything goes to press and let you know if there's anything that needs tweaking. You won't end up with 100 invitations and a problem.

Choosing Your Size

We print wedding invitations in A5, A6, DL, and square formats. There's a practical reason we stick to these: they're the sizes you can easily buy envelopes for. It sounds obvious but it catches people out. You design something beautiful in Canva, export it, send it to us, and then discover the template was a US size that doesn't match any envelope you can find in Ireland. Now you're either hunting for custom envelopes or redesigning two weeks before you need to post.

So we'd suggest working backwards. Pick your envelope first, then design to fit. A6 is the most popular for invitations - it's a nice size to hold, fits through the letterbox without folding, and C6 envelopes are easy to source. A5 gives you more room if you've got a lot of information or a detailed design. DL works well for something a bit different, and square invitations have a lovely feel to them if that suits your style.

Card Stocks

The card you choose changes how the finished invitation feels in someone's hands. Here's what we offer:

350gsm Silk is smooth with a slight sheen to it. This is what most people go for - it works well with colourful designs, photographs print nicely on it, and it feels substantial without being over the top.

350gsm Uncoated has no shine at all. It's a softer, more natural feel that works well if your design is more minimal or text-focused. Worth knowing: colours come out slightly more muted on uncoated stock, which can actually be a nice effect depending on your design.

Linen texture has a subtle woven pattern running through it. The texture shows through the printed areas too, so it becomes part of the design rather than just a background effect.

Hammer texture has a dimpled surface with a traditional, almost handmade feel. Less is more with this one - designs that let the paper show through work better than full-coverage prints.

Brown Kraft has that recycled, natural look. Pairs well with rustic or bohemian themes, and takes black or dark ink beautifully.

Marble Pearlescent has a shimmer to it that catches the light. Adds a bit of sparkle without being glittery.

If you're not sure which to go for, we can post you samples so you can see and feel them before deciding.

Artwork

We need a print-ready PDF. If you've got something else - a JPG, a PNG, a Canva link, whatever - send it over anyway and we'll take a look. Better to check at the start than discover a problem later.

A few things we'll be looking for: that the dimensions are correct, that there's bleed if your design goes to the edge, and that colours are set up for print rather than screen. If anything needs adjusting, we'll let you know.

One thing to flag: if you've bought a design from Etsy or similar and only received a flat image file (a JPG or PNG), we won't be able to edit it. So if the date is wrong or you need to change a name, you'll need to go back to the original designer. If you have an editable file, we can usually make small tweaks like shifting an element or updating a date.

A Note on Black

If your design has large areas of solid black, the printed result will have a slight sheen to it. That's just how ink behaves on paper. Uncoated stock reduces it, but won't eliminate it completely. Something to keep in mind if you're going for a dark, dramatic look and expecting a completely flat matte finish.

Envelopes

We can print your envelopes to match.

What works well: the guest's name and address on the front (we can mail merge from a spreadsheet, so you send us the list and we print each one individually), plus your initials or a little wedding motif in the corner.

We print on pre-made envelopes, which means there's a small border around the edges - about 6-7mm - that stays unprinted. The press needs something to grip. And we can only print on the front, not the back flap.

We also print RSVP return envelopes if you're including those.

Turnaround

Most wedding invitation orders are ready in about two working days. Larger quantities or complex jobs might take a bit longer, but we'll confirm timing when you order.

If you're up against a deadline, let us know. We can often move things along, though we can't promise miracles for same-day requests.

Minimum Order

We start at 20 invitations. Pricing depends on quantity, card stock, whether you're printing single or double-sided, and if you need envelopes done too. Get in touch for a quote.

One tip: order a few more than you think you need. There's always someone you forget, or a last-minute addition to the guest list. It's much cheaper to print extras in the same run than to set up a second order for 10 more later.

Common Things That Catch People Out

US-sized templates: Canva and many Etsy designers default to American paper sizes. If your artboard is 5x7 inches or 4x6 inches, you won't find envelopes to fit easily in Ireland. Check your document size before finalising.

No bleed: If your design goes right to the edge, it needs to extend 3mm past where the cut will be. Without that extra margin, you'll get a thin white line on one or more sides where the cut isn't perfectly aligned.

RGB colours: Screens display colour differently to print. Bright blues and vivid greens often look duller when printed. Converting your file to CMYK before sending gives you a more accurate preview of what to expect.

How It Works

Upload your artwork using the form below, or email it to us directly if you'd prefer. We'll check everything over, come back with a quote, and send you a digital proof to approve before printing. Once you're happy, we print and either ship to you or you can collect from our workshop in Kilcoole.

Questions before you start? Just ask. We'd rather help you get it right first time.

FAQ

Can you design my invitations?

We're a print shop rather than a design studio, so we don't create artwork from scratch. But if you need a designer, we can point you in the right direction. Canva is also a good option if you're comfortable having a go yourself.

What if I only have a JPG or PNG?

Send it over and we'll check it. If the resolution is high enough and the dimensions are right, we can often work with it. We just won't be able to edit any of the text or elements.

Can you match my exact brand colour?

We print in CMYK, which covers most colours well but can't hit every shade precisely. If exact colour matching matters, ask for a printed proof first so you can see it in person.

Do you offer samples?

Yes. We can post out card stock samples so you can feel the weight and texture before deciding.

Can I collect instead of having it delivered?

Absolutely. Free collection from our workshop in Kilcoole, County Wicklow.