Designing your own wedding stationery in Canva? That part is often a dream. Printing it at home, though? That’s where things can start to feel a little less enchanting.
From unclear margins and off-centre layouts to ink smudges and unexpected paper jams- - it’s not uncommon for DIY brides to go in feeling confident, only to spend hours troubleshooting what seemed like a simple task (we've been there).
But here’s the good news: printing your wedding stationery at home is entirely possible, and often so rewarding when you know what to expect and how to prepare.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to help you confidently print elegant, professional-quality invitations, signage, menus, and more - right from your home printer!
Before we dive in, if you're wondering how to choose the right paper and envelopes for your wedding stationery check out our Blog Post here
In This Post, You’ll Learn:
- The best paper types for at-home wedding printing
- Which printer settings to double-check before pressing "Print"
- How to export your Canva designs correctly
- How to avoid common mistakes
- Tips for assembling your stationery with a polished, elevated finish
Step 1: Choose the Right Cardstock
Your paper choice plays a significant role in the final look and feel of your stationery. While thick, textured papers may seem luxurious, most home printers aren’t designed to handle them. The goal? Strike the right balance between premium quality and printer compatibility.
We recommend choosing uncoated or matte cardstock between 200–250 gsm (around 80–110 lb cover weight). This weight offers that elegant, substantial feel—without overwhelming your printer.
Recommended Weights:
- 200 gsm: A thinner cardstock that can be used for signage in frames—compatible with most home printers.
- 250 gsm: What I usually recommend for invitations and most day of signage (if printing from home) as it has a slightly more luxe feel. Still printer-friendly for many models (check your printer specs to be sure).
- 300 gsm: Premium-feel cardstock with substantial weight and structure. Often too thick for home printers — If you love this weight, consider outsourcing to a local print shop.
Avoid: Glossy or heavily textured paper. These often cause ink smudging or misprints.
Step 2: Test Your Printer’s Capabilities
You don’t need a top-of-the-line printer to achieve beautiful results, but understanding what your specific model can handle is key.
Canon printers (especially the PIXMA series) are favourites among DIY brides for their reliable colour output and support for heavier paper. When possible, opt for a model with a rear-feed tray, which tends to handle cardstock better than front-loading ones.
Look for These Features:
- Rear paper feed (for smoother handling of thick paper)
- Borderless printing options
- High-resolution capabilities (4800 x 1200 dpi or higher)
Before diving into your full print run, try a test on plain paper, then gradually test your chosen cardstock.
Step 3: Export Your Canva Template Designs Correctly
Once you’ve perfected your design in Canva, exporting it with the right settings is essential to ensure crisp, true-to-colour results.
Best Export Settings from Canva:
- File Type: PDF Print
- Colour Profile: RGB (standard for Canva)
- Resolution: 300 DPI
- Bleeds & Crop Marks: Enable if your design goes to the edge of the page
Before exporting, double-check your dimensions (e.g., 5" x 7") and ensure all key elements fall within the safe printable area.
Step 4: Adjust Printer Settings & Load Paper Properly
Loading your paper correctly helps avoid smudging, jams, or misalignment. If available, use your printer’s rear tray for cardstock, and fan your sheets lightly before loading to prevent sticking.
Printer Settings to Review:
- Paper Type: Cardstock or Heavyweight Matte
- Print Quality: High or Best
- Scale: 100% (avoid “Fit to Page” unless you're experiencing margin cutoffs)
- Orientation & Size: Match exactly to your Canva file
Print a single copy first and let it dry completely before handling—it helps prevent smudging, especially with inkjet printers.
Step 5: Always Run a Test Print
No matter how perfect your design looks on screen, every printer interprets files differently. Always test on regular or scrap paper to preview alignment, colour accuracy, and margins. So many brides forget this step!
What to Check:
- Are fonts clear and sharp?
- Are colours printing as expected?
- Is the design being cut off anywhere?
- Is everything centred and aligned?
Make any needed adjustments before printing your full set.
Step 6: Cut, Score, and Assemble with Care
Now comes the satisfying part—trimming and assembling your stationery. A rotary paper trimmer offers the cleanest, straightest cuts with minimal effort.
Tools That Help:
- Rotary trimmer (for precise edges)
- Scoring board or bone folder (for clean, crease-free folds)
- Envelopes (A7 for 5x7" invites)
- Optional touches: belly bands, vellum wraps, wax seals, dried florals, ribbon
If your design includes crop marks, trim carefully along those lines for a polished, professional look.
Step 7: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even the most prepared brides can run into hiccups. Here are the most common issues and how to prevent them:
1. Skipping bleed/crop marks
✓ Always export with bleed and crop marks for full-bleed designs.
2. Using paper that’s too thick
✓ Stick to 200–250 gsm for most home printers.
3. Smudged ink
✓ Choose uncoated paper and allow prints to dry before touching.
4. Low-quality exports
✓ Always export as “PDF Print” at 300 DPI in Canva.
5. Colours printing too dark
✓ Slightly brighten your design in Canva or adjust printer settings.
Bonus Tips for Better Results
- Let your printer rest every 10–15 prints to avoid overheating
- Store your printed pieces flat in a cool, dry space
- Use envelopes that enhance your stationery’s colour palette
- Keep extra paper and ink on hand for last-minute prints
Designed with DIY Brides in Mind
Every template in my shop is created to print beautifully at home. They're thoughtfully sized for standard paper formats, use fonts chosen for clarity and elegance, and include space for bleed or crop marks to simplify trimming.
That means fewer formatting headaches and of course more time enjoying the fun parts!
Final Thoughts
Printing your own wedding stationery may feel a little daunting at first but with the right paper, printer settings, and a bit of care, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of the planning process.
From invitations to menus, programs, and signage, a little preparation goes a long way. And the end result? Paper goods that feel luxurious, reflect your unique love story, and stay beautifully on budget.
Need help with your design or have questions about printing? I’m always happy to assist. Browse the curated collection of printable wedding templates in my shop or reach out anytime: EXPLORE WEDDING TEMPLATES
Want to learn more about what DIY wedding stationery is? Go check out our Blog Post that'll explain exactly what you need to know to decide if it's right for you.
Here’s to creating something truly special 🤍