I was only going to do three options, but once I got started I couldn't stop! I ended up doing 4 comps and I just couldn't narrow it down.
The very first thing I did was decide on a few standard sizes that I would work from so that it would be easy to have the designs printed somewhere and so we could find the right size envelopes without too much trouble. There are lots of online digital printing sites out there right now, and I've used quite a few of them for work over the years. The quality, turnaround time, and prices are absolutely amazing to me after spending years being disappointed with places like Kinkos and Office Depot. Online printing stores are the perfect solution for someone who needs quality but can't spend the money it would cost to use a printing press.
I would recommend any of the following stores to a couple looking to have digital invitations printed. : catprint.com, printplace.com, overnightprints.com, and vistaprints.com.
Catprint is quickly becoming my favorite online choice because they have the most paper options available at the lowest prices. Most of the other sites only offer matte or gloss white cardstock, but catprint has almost 20 choices of paper sheen and weight, including a gorgeous heavy weight shimmer paper that I have used personally. This site is perfect for those needing short runs on invitations - some of the other sites have either a 50, 100, or 250 minimum.
Printplace is great if you know you'll need 250 or more of each item and you don't need a large paper selection. They have an extremely easy to use automated ordering system, and rock bottom prices. If you live in the DFW area, they have a plant in Arlington and will even let you pick up your finished products from there to save on shipping.
Overnightprints is a little pricier on some items, but the quality is great and the customer service is excellent. They also offer rounded edges for free or little cost on many products, which is a great extra option that really looks beautiful.
Vistaprints is a great option if you have a very tight budget or you need alot of promotional items. This is my source for save the date magnets and other little trinkets with the bride and grooms name and wedding date on them. The prices are amazing and they usually have a free product available. BUT- beware of free things from vistaprints, they are very 'gimmiky' and there is always a pop up trying to get you to buy something else. You should also know that many of their free products have a big ol' vistaprints logo on the back of them (like business cards) which is weird and annoying.
The best part about using these services is that you can take the money you save by printing online and spend it on a designer to have a gorgeous custom invitation created. There are some great designers on etsy, lollishops, poppytalk, and craigslist.
