DIY Wedding Invitations: 5 Must-Have Tools Before You Start

Before you buy supplies or start assembling your invitations, there’s one important question to answer: where will your invitations be printed?

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If you have a high-quality inkjet printer (this Canon is a great option) at home that can handle heavy cardstock (at least 90 lb) and offers clean, consistent color, printing at home can be a great option — especially for smaller quantities or very simple designs. That said, many home printers struggle with thicker paper, textured stock, or full-bleed designs, which can lead to ink smudging, feeding issues, or inconsistent results.

For couples who don’t already own a suitable printer — or who want a more polished finish — printing through a local print shop or a service like FedEx Office can be a smart choice. Professional printers offer better color accuracy, smoother edges, and the ability to handle heavier paper weights without stress. While it may cost a bit more than printing at home, it often saves time, materials, and frustration.

A good rule of thumb: If you find yourself upgrading your printer, buying specialty ink, or reprinting multiple times, professional printing may actually be the more cost-effective (and calmer) option.

Once you’ve decided how your invitations will be printed, you can confidently move into gathering the right tools for assembly.

1. ATG Tape Gun (or a Quality Tape Runner)

If you’re assembling layered invitations, belly bands, envelope liners, or multiple inserts, a strong adhesive is non-negotiable.

An ATG (Advanced Tape Glider) gun is a professional-grade tool used by stationers because it:

• Applies adhesive quickly and evenly

• Holds layers securely without warping paper

• Is far more durable than basic craft tape

If an ATG gun feels like too much, a high-quality tape runner is a good alternative — just be sure it’s designed for paper goods, not scrapbooking alone.

Why it matters: Weak adhesive leads to peeling layers, slipping liners, and frustration halfway through assembly. A solid tape runner saves time and sanity.

2. Kneading Eraser

This is one of the most underrated stationery tools — and one I always keep nearby.

A kneading eraser is soft, moldable, and gentle on paper. It’s perfect for:

• Removing pencil marks from proofs

• Cleaning smudges or fingerprints

• Lifting light ink residue without damaging cardstock

Unlike traditional erasers, it won’t scuff or tear delicate paper surfaces.

Why it matters: DIY invitations often involve measuring, marking, or testing layouts. A kneading eraser lets you clean up without leaving visible damage — especially important on light or textured card-stock.

3. Dahle 507 Personal Rotary Trimmer or another Quality Paper Cutter

Clean cuts are everything in wedding stationery.

The Dahle 507 rotary trimmer is a great option for the DIY couple because it:

• Creates straight, professional edges

• Handles thicker cardstock smoothly

• Is safer and more precise than guillotine cutters

This trimmer is ideal for invitation cards, detail inserts, programs, and menus.

Why it matters: Uneven cuts are one of the quickest ways DIY stationery can look unfinished and obviously DIY. A rotary trimmer gives you crisp edges that instantly elevate the final result.

4. Heavy Card-stock (90–110 lb)

Paper choice matters more than most couples expect.

For DIY wedding invitations, I recommend card-stock between 90–110lb for the main invitation card and important inserts. This weight:

• Feels substantial in guests’ hands

• Prints more cleanly

• Holds up better during assembly and mailing

Lighter paper often bends, wrinkles, or feels flimsy — especially when layered.

Why it matters: Your invitation is often the first physical impression guests have of your wedding. Heavier paper communicates intention and quality, even in a DIY suite.

5. Embellishments (Ribbon, Wax Seals, etc.)

This is where personality shines.

Simple embellishments like ribbon, twine, vellum wraps, or wax seals can transform even the most minimal design into something memorable. They add:

• Texture and dimension

• A sense of occasion

• Visual interest without complex design work

A little goes a long way — you don’t need to overdo it.

Why it matters: Embellishments help DIY invitations feel curated rather than homemade. They’re often the detail your guests remember most.

A Final Thought for DIY Couples

DIY wedding invitations can be a beautiful choice — especially when done thoughtfully. Having the right tools doesn’t take away from the handmade nature of your stationery; it actually allows your creativity to shine without unnecessary stress.

And if you ever reach a point where you want guidance, refinement, or help tying everything together, working with a stationer for design support or day-of paper goods is always an option.

The goal is the same either way: invitations that feel intentional, personal, and true to you.