So you just bought a Cooper Jane Design...now what?

So you just bought a Cooper Jane Design... now what? If you have never been through the professional printing process before, it can be a little confusing. Do you print at home? Do you go to a print shop? What kind of paper should I use? Am I going to have to cut all of these out??

Hopefully this post will shed some light on the printing process you experience after you have your pretty little files.

Where should I print?

In my opinion, the best way to get your invites printed, would be to take the files directly to a professional print store. Places like Staples, FedEx Office, or even a local shop have professional grade equipment and copiers that can make your invites look like you ordered them from a high end wedding boutique (for a fraction of the cost!). In addition to printing, a professional shop can also cut the invites down to size for you, saving you from a mountain of work. They do charge a small fee for the cutting services, but it was definitely worth it to me.

Can I print from home?

Yes! You can definitely print from home, just make sure you have the right paper and plenty of ink. Test out printing the invites first before you print all of them to see if you are happy with the quality of your printer. If it is not looking as professional as you had hoped... no worries, just take the files and the paper you had bought to a professional print shop. The price per color copy is even cheaper when you bring your own paper. Laser printers are great, but I wouldn't recommend printing on an inkjet printer. For an invitation with a completely colored background, the inkjet printer will saturate the paper with ink which can make the paper crinkle up. If you are printing from home, stick with a laser printer.

What kind of paper should I use?

The paper that you use is completely up to you, but I would recommend printing them on heavy weight (110lb or heavier) WHITE cardstock. It really makes them feel substantial and luxurious. The professional print shop will have an array of paper for you to choose from, but you can also purchase your own paper and bring it to the store for them to use.
*Caution, before you purchase the paper, call the print shop and make sure they can print on it. There are certain types of paper that will not go through their machines because the heat will affect them (sometimes  paper with really shimmery, metallic finishes will not be usable).

Here is a pack of 110lb weight cardstock from Amazon.com that sells for $9.15. Such a great deal and it comes with 250 sheets.

How do I get the files to the printer?

You can either bring the files with you on a CD or USB drive OR you can e-mail the files to the store specific e-mail address. Call ahead to get the e-mail address. Don't go to the store expecting to use their computer to pull up the files, because they usually make you use a public computer that charges internet usage by the minute.

Hopefully this has shed some light on the printing process for you! If you have any questions, leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer it for you.

Happy Printing!