I hope you have been finding this series helpful in preparing your printables for your party! If you've missed any articles so far, be sure to catch up below.
Today we are taking a break from cutting and gluing and focusing on what should have very well been part one; Where to Print.
For your party labels (cupcake toppers, buffet labels, party banners) read this post on where to print your party labels.
But what about your invitations? Invitations are the very first impression everyone will have of your party. We get the question many times each day after a final invitation design has been sent, "Where do I print these?" There are many options for how and where to print and I'm going to explain them for you below.
Top left: Original digital file
Top middle: Printed through Forever Your Prints as a 5x7 invitation on premium press paper. This option includes envelopes and free shipping. Notice the color is closest to the original file.
Top Right: Printed two per page on 110lb. cardstock at Staples Copy Center. While the pinks are just slightly darker than the original file, the teal is printed as more of a baby blue and you will need to cut out each invitation. Envelopes are not included.
You can also print your invitations as glossy photos. They are not as sturdy and colors vary greatly depending on the printer.
Bottom Left: Printed at Walgreens as a 5x7 glossy photo. Envelopes not included.
Bottom Middle: Printed at Walmart as a 5x7 glossy photo. Envelopes not included.
Bottom Right: Printed at Costco as a 5x7 glossy photo. Envelopes not included.
Price is also a factor in where to print, here are prices you might pay for 25 5x7 invitations from these print labs and what is included.
Forever Your Prints - $47.95
*Printed on 130lb. premium press paper
*Best color rendition
*Sturdiest of all examples
*Includes envelopes
*Free shipping to your doorstep
Staples - $12.74
*Printed on 110lb. cardstock
*More sturdy than the glossy photo, but less than the premium press paper
*You will need to cut out each invitation
*Envelopes not included
*Pay for shipping or pick up in store
Walgreens - $49.75
*Printed as a glossy photo
*Highest price
*Flimsy
*Envelopes not included
*Pay for shipping or pick up in store
Walmart - $36.75
*Printed as a glossy photo
*Best color rendition between glossy photo comparisons
*Flimsy
*Envelopes not included
*Pay for shipping or pick up in store
Costco - $9.75
*Printed as a glossy photo
*Lowest price
*Worst color rendition
*Flimsy
*Envelopes not included
*Pay for shipping or pick up in store
I hope these comparisons help show you some of the differences between print labs. Each lab has it's pros and cons depending on what is most important to you. Where will you print?
I almost always use costco...and even before looking at the details and prices...the costco one stood out the most and looked the best to me. ~Xan
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your reply. The comparison is to show which labs print the closest to the original file.
ReplyDeleteThe differences are pretty interesting =)