# How to print wedding invitations at home (and make them look professional)

> The paper, printer settings and cutting tricks that make home-printed 5x7 invitations look like they came from a print shop.

Source: https://invitebatch.com/blog/how-to-print-wedding-invitations-at-home · Updated 2026-10-06 · InviteBatch

Printing your own invitations can save a lot of money, and with the right paper and settings nobody will guess they came from your kitchen table. Here is exactly how to do it.

## What you need
- **Cardstock:** 80–110 lb cover (216–300 gsm), matte or felt finish. Ivory and bright white both work.
- **A printer** that accepts card (check the maximum paper weight in its manual).
- **A paper trimmer** or a metal ruler and a sharp craft knife.
- **Envelopes:** A7 envelopes fit 5x7 invitations.

## Step 1: Download print sheets
In InviteBatch choose **Print sheets** and pick **US Letter** or **A4**. Each page holds two 5x7 invitations with crop marks at the corners.

## Step 2: Do a test print on plain paper
Print one page on regular paper first. Check that names are spelled correctly, the colors look right and nothing is cut off.

## Step 3: Use the right printer settings
- Paper type: **Cardstock / Heavy / Matte** (this slows the printer down and improves ink coverage)
- Quality: **Best** or **High**
- Scale: **100% / Actual size** (never "Fit to page", or the cards won't be exactly 5x7)
- Feed: use the rear or manual feed tray if your printer has one, so thick card stays flat.

## Step 4: Print in small batches
Print 10–20 sheets at a time and let the ink dry for a few minutes before stacking. This prevents smudges, especially on dark designs.

## Step 5: Cut cleanly
Line up the blade with the crop marks at the corners. Cut the long edges first, then the short ones. A guillotine or rotary trimmer gives the cleanest edges.

Design: https://invitebatch.com/editor/modern-minimal-wedding-invitation
## When to use a print shop instead
For heavier paper, foil, letterpress or more than about 150 invitations, a print shop is worth it. Send them the **all-in-one PDF** (one 5x7 invitation per page), ask for 5x7 trimmed cards on your chosen stock, and request a printed proof first.

## Skip printing for some guests
Many couples print only for guests who will treasure a paper card and send a personal digital invitation to everyone else. Every InviteBatch order includes both, so you can decide guest by guest.

## FAQ

**What paper weight is best for wedding invitations?**
Cardstock between 80 and 110 lb cover (about 216–300 gsm) feels premium. Check your printer's maximum paper weight first.

**Can I print 5x7 invitations on Letter or A4 paper?**
Yes. Two 5x7 invitations fit on one landscape US Letter or A4 sheet. Print sheets with crop marks make cutting easy.

**Should I print at home or at a print shop?**
Home printing is great for up to around 100 invitations. For thicker paper, special finishes or large quantities, send the all-in-one PDF to a local print shop.