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Do-It-Yourself invitation tips

Printing
Paper suitability
* Some papers will be better suited to laser print or inkjet. Textured paper may not allow laser toner to 'set' in the grooves as the heat rollers can't reach the toner. Some inkjet printers cannot print on translucent stock. We strongly recommend making a test print first.
* If you don't have a laser printer and wish you did, consider making a master copy on your inkjet on plain copy paper and then copying onto your good paper through a quality photocopier. Clean the glass first!
Finding the right font (type face)
* Laser printers: Print your invitation on a translucent overlay first then hold it over your stock to check that the font suits the paper you've selected.
* Inkjet printers: As some inkjet printers won't print on acetate or translucent stock, print on white paper and hold it over your stock whilst holding it up to a bright light. This will give you some indication.
Layout
* Always check the 'print preview' to see that your copy fits on the page and test by printing on a plain sheet of paper, that is cut to size, before you print on your real stock.
* Make a mock up of each item before printing the lot to ensure you get your measurements right and love your design.
* Get several other people to "proof" your work before you print! Double check dates, phone numbers, addresses, etc.
* Never hit the print button before you do a test print on the actual stock you intend to use! Even leave that print overnight to check it still looks great after being left for a while. And don't leave your printer running without monitoring it.
Hand addressing your invitations
* Practice before writing on your invitations - preferably on the same stock as your invitations.
* Try not to do the whole task in the one hit - you'll get cramp in your hand! It takes longer than you might think!
* Make your hand addressing a feature by using a fancy pen and nice handwriting. Ask a friend to do it if necessary! Consider writing in a way that contrasts the font used for the invitation. e.g. bigger, capitals, etc.
*Suggested writing implements (available from The Right Invite): These pens are great for all of our stock - including vellum (translucent). When using gel pens, ensure ink is dry before touching or stacking.
Mitsubishi Uni-Ball Noble Metal. Write slowly to ensure consistent coverage. Staedler Permanent Fine or SuperFine (Commonly used as overhead projector marker)
*Centering guest name on invitation on vellum overlay: First, write name on lined, scrap paper. Fold in half and hold up to light to determine centre of the guest name. Mark centre point. Place under vellum and position so that name is centred Simply trace over your initial writing.

Bows
* Some ribbons will crease more easily than others - organza seems to 'bounce back' well.
* To find how much ribbon you will need, tie one bow then untie it and measure how much ribbon it used, then just multiply by the number you need. You'll need a longer length for wider ribbon.
* Cut your ribbon on a sharp diagonal to facilitate passing through the holes. You may need to trim a little after the bow is tied as the ribbon tends to fray as it is pulled through the holes.

Postage
* Be aware that some larger letters may cost more to send. Look for the "POP" code which means Post Office Preferred and is therefore charged at the base rate.
* If you are doing anything a little out of the ordinary with your invitations, make one and send it to yourself first to see what state it arrives in! Plaster decals and the like have a habit of getting crushed in postal machinery, however you can ask that your mail be hand-sorted which, although is no guarantee, will give them better chance of survival!
* Write 'Card only' on the top, left hand corner of overseas invites. You'll get a better postal rate as long as they weigh no more than 50g.
* Always put a return address on your invitations. Australia Post cannot return an undeliverable article if there is no return address. Imagine how embarrassing it would be to have some guests not receive their invitation!