How to create the perfect custom invitation

Make a lasting impression. Whether you’re celebrating life’s big moments or sending everyday correspondences, skip the email or Facebook post and transform your message into a physical keepsake. Find endless design options, perfect paper choices, and high-quality digital printing for any style, any budget, and any occasion. Follow these 5 steps to create your own paper invitations for your special event!


Step 1: Choose a design or design your own

Get access to the Zazzle community with artistic talent of a million+ Creators and the global content brands you know and love. Browse through endless inspiring designs for every event theme imaginable. Shop customizable designs to fulfill your vision… or create your invitations from scratch for a truly one-of-a-kind design.

If you’re going the virtual invitation route, head on over to Zazzle’s easy-to-use design tool. Add your customization to an existing digital design or start from scratch to create an invitation that is 100% your own.

Choose a design or design your own custom invitation
Photo: Zazzle.com

Step 2: Choose a size

Select a size from 8 different size options:

  • 3.5”x5”
  • 4.25”x5.5”
  • 4.5”x6.25”
  • 5.25”x5.25”
  • 5”x7”
  • 5.5”x7.5”
  • 6.5”x8.75”
  • 4”x9.25”
Photo: Zazzle.com

Step 3: Choose a shape

Pick a paper shape from 6 different shape options:

  • Normal
  • Rounded
  • Bracket
  • Scalloped
  • Ticket
  • Tag
Photo: Zazzle.com

Step 4: Choose an invitation paper type

High quality, hand-picked selections from the best paper mills around the world, these 4 paper types are perfect for every creation and any occasion.

Quick access to our paper type selection:

Standard

Signature

Premium

Standard

For a classic look while still filling all your basic invitation needs. These standard paper types are perfect for those who want a natural feel, vibrant images and overall elegance.

Photo: Zazzle.com

1. Matte

A classic, all around paper with a natural feel and an uncoated matte finish; our Standard Matte stands the test of time. Elegant and understated, colors print softer and more subtle.
Crafted for Zazzle by Mohawk Fine Papers

  • 120 lb / 324 GSM, 17.5 point thickness
  • Light white, uncoated matte finish with an eggshell texture
  • Paper is easy to write on and won’t smudge
  • Eco-friendly; made using 100% wind powered electricity
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

2. Semi-Gloss

Our most versatile and economical paper, Standard Semi-Gloss produces crisp, vibrant images with exceptional color and detail—a solid choice for all your printing needs.
Crafted for Zazzle by Fedrigoni

  • 110 lb / 300 GSM, 12.5 point thickness
  • Bright white, semi-gloss finish
  • 50% recycled content
  • FSC certified
  • Made in Italy, printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

Signature

Contemporary yet refined, the Signature collection provides the perfect paper backdrop for simple events and extraordinary life milestones. These thoughtfully curated paper types offer a sophisticated aesthetic with a distinctive modern flair.

Photo: Zazzle.com

1. Felt Ecru

Slightly rustic with the finesse of fine art, the Signature Felt Ecru is similar to high-quality watercolor paper. A warm and creamy hue, your events will be well-served with this velvet-to-the-touch, textured paper.
Crafted for Zazzle by Mohawk Fine Papers

  • 100lb, 16.6 point thickness
  • Warm rich cream finish with an embossed woven texture
  • Eco-friendly; made using 100% wind powered electricity
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

2. Columned

A true classic, our Signature Columned is a hand-selected paper crafted from a sustainable cotton-blend. The timeless, horizontal fine columned texture lends a sophistication that will set the tone for your formal events.
Crafted for Zazzle by Mohawk Fine Papers

  • 100lb, 15.2 point thickness
  • Fine columned texture consists of 25% cotton
  • Eco-friendly; made with 50% post-consumer content
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

3. Laid

Featuring a richly crafted ribbed texture from the art of watermarking, our Signature Laid boasts unparalleled craftsmanship. Enrich your invitations and announcements with Laid’s bespoke look and feel, reminiscent of the first handmade paper.
Crafted for Zazzle by Neenah Inc.

  • 100lb, 16.5 point thickness
  • Soft white with a richly crafted ribbed texture
  • Eco-friendly; made with 30% post-consumer content
  • FSC certified
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

4. Felt White

Like the canvas of a fine watercolor, the Signature Felt White is thick and textured with an embossed woven finish. The velvety feel and brilliant white color creates an artsy backdrop for your special announcements.
Crafted for Zazzle by Mohawk Fine Papers

  • 100lb, 16.6 point thickness
  • Brilliant white finish with an embossed woven texture
  • Eco-friendly; made using 100% wind powered electricity
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

Premium

The Premium collection boasts handpicked options designed to be the canvas for your creativity. Milled with Mother Earth in mind, these premium papers are textured to perfection and ready to summon guests to your Pinterest-worthy events.

Photo: Zazzle.com
Photo: Zazzle.com

1. Kraft

Premium Kraft is a delightful earth tone paper with a beautifully smooth texture. The au naturel look is perfect for outdoorsy occasions that call for a romantic DIY touch.
Crafted for Zazzle by French Paper Company

  • 100lb, 14 point thickness
  • Earth tone with a smooth texture
  • Eco-friendly; made with 30% post-consumer content
  • Made with 100% renewable hydroelectric energy
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

2. Linen

Premium Linen is a superbly elegant paper for traditional weddings and special occasions. The beautiful texture of embossed linen creates a subtle, yet perfectly timeless impression.
Crafted for Zazzle by Neenah Inc.

  • 100lb, 12.5 point thickness
  • Soft white finish, embossed linen texture
  • Embossed texture adds depth and refinement
  • FSC certified
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

3. Ultra-Thick

Our most luxurious paper, Premium Thick is the ultimate canvas to add drama and distinction. The added weight combined with an ultra soft finish exemplifies quality, perfect for a high-end presentation. Crafted for Zazzle by Convertible Solutions

  • 240 lb / 650 GSM , 32 point thickness
  • Light white, uncoated matte finish with an eggshell texture
  • Paper is easy to write on and won’t smudge
  • Made and printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

4. Pearl Shimmer

Premium Pearl Shimmer is a luxurious choice for all your most special announcements; a smooth, white-hued paper that’s the perfect designer backdrop for your most special milestones. Features a luxuriously satin texture enhanced with a shimmer finish.
Crafted for Zazzle by Fedrigoni

  • 110lb, 14.3 point thickness
  • Smooth, white-hued paper
  • Shimmer finish and satin texture
  • FSC certified
  • Made in Italy, printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

5. Champagne Shimmer

Your celebration is worthy of the finest bubbly. Prepare for a proper party with announcements set against the backdrop of Premium Champagne Shimmer’s warm sparkle. Imported from Italy, this specialty paper shines with a luxuriously satin texture.
Crafted for Zazzle by Fedrigoni

  • 110lb, 14.3 point thickness
  • Luxurious satin texture and warm sparkle
  • Shimmer finish with a smooth texture
  • FSC certified
  • Made in Italy, printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

6. Metallic Silver

With a shine reminiscent of precious metal, this silver-tone paper provides a silky smooth texture that complements the luminous finish. Imported from Italy, Premium Metallic Silver is perfect for all your distinctively luxurious occasions.
Crafted for Zazzle by Fedrigoni

  • 110lb, 14.3 point thickness
  • Metallic silver finish
  • Silky satin texture
  • FSC certified
  • Made in Italy, printed in the USA
Photo: Zazzle.com

The People Behind the Paper

We sourced, sampled, then carefully selected each paper offered in our four collections. Each paper is from one of our world class paper mill partners who not only share our obsession with quality but also our commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing. Explore our unique paper partners. You’ll soon discover that it’s not just about the paper, it’s about the people behind the paper.

Mohawk is a 4th generation, family-owned premium paper mill with some impressive stats. The first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production, Mohawk was also the first U.S. paper mill to match 100% of electricity used in its production processes with certified Renewable Energy Certificates from wind farms. With a conscious understanding of their dependency on basic resources (water, wood fiber, energy) Mohawk has become a leader in socially responsible business practices. From their commitment to the environment to their exceptionally crafted papers, Mohawk is an ideal source for your paper needs.

Combining time-honored craftsmanship with advanced technology, Neenah Papers has been at the top of the paper-making class for over a century. Founded in Neenah, WI, this innovative company has committed to sustainability by expanding their offerings made with recycled content and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council®) Certified papers. And while Neenah has been crafting high quality paper for over a hundred years, they have seriously reduced their carbon footprint through renewable energy solutions. This manufacturer is a supremely modern choice for your paper products.

For over six generations, the family-owned French Paper Company has been a pioneer in recycled papermaking techniques. Made in America, French Paper Co. crafts a majority of their premium paper offerings from post-consumer, recycled, or FSC Certified fibers. Since 1922 French’s papers have been made using 100% renewable hydroelectric energy. Producing beautiful selections while saving over one million barrels of fossil fuels to date, French Paper Co. is an excellent partner for eco-minded, luxury paper goods.

With a papermaking heritage that dates back to 1888, family-owned Fedrigoni knows a little something about fine paper. Founded in fair Verona, Italy, Fedrigoni believes that the future of the industry depends on stewardship and protection of our environment. That belief is central to the way that they conduct business, over 80% of their paper selections are FSC certified, their raw materials are sourced only from suppliers with responsible practices. World class paper plus conscientious manufacturing is truly a winning combination for a successful paper partnership.


Step 5: Choose a printing method

The need for high-quality invitations extends to the printing process. Investing in industry-leading technology, each invitation offers both standard and high-fidelity digital printing to bring your designs to life. Standard printing uses a full-color spectrum while our high-definition printing increases the vibrancy for brighter, more precise and livelier images.

After choosing a design, size, shape, paper type and printing method, the first step of your party planning is complete! The invitation sets the tone for the event. Find an invite that fits your theme whether it’s for a birthday party or a wedding! Share your high-quality, beautiful and customizable invitations on Instagram by tagging @Zazzle!