Take Your Talents into the Invitations Market
If you’re an artist or illustrator, your designs don’t have to stay on the wall — they can become beautiful custom invitations that sell. From weddings and birthdays to small events, there’s a growing market for personalized, professionally printed invites.
Why Custom Invitations Are a Great Product for Artists
- High Perceived Value: Premium paper and finishes make even small-run invitations feel luxurious. Many people prefer to hand out invitations that are unique and not from a template.
- Creative Freedom: Your artwork can shine through illustration, typography, or mixed media.
- Repeat Customers: People love personalized suites and often order for multiple events.
- Portfolio Building: Selling invitations showcases your style and attracts commissions.
Getting Started as an Invitation Artist
Follow these steps to turn your art into a side business:
- Design Your Suite: Create a cohesive set of invitation, RSVP, and thank-you cards. Each card type does have universally accepted sizes, such as 5x7, 4.25x5.5, and 4x6. We discuss that more in Greeting Cards & Invitations for Artists.
- Choose Paper & Finish: Offer options like matte, metallic, pearl, or linen to make your designs stand out. Use this as another aspect of your brand.
- Set Pricing: Factor in printing, envelopes, labor, and your artistic premium.
- Select a Printing Partner: Use a professional print service that handles small-batch and custom requests.
- Market Your Invitations: Social media, Etsy, wedding fairs, or local boutiques are all effective channels. Etsy is a great online place to sell since most visitors enjoy buying from individual artists.
- Manage Orders & Shipping: Maintain quality control and offer timely delivery to build a loyal customer base. We believe people prefer to buy directly from an artist, not the printing company. By managing your own orders, you can actually touch and sign the cards, which feels more authentic than using a white label website.
Tips to Make Your Invitation Business Thrive
- Offer Limited Editions: Create exclusive designs to drive urgency and repeat sales.
- Bundle Products: Offer matching RSVP and thank-you cards as a set.
- Leverage Social Media: Show behind-the-scenes creation, finished products, and client stories.
- Test Different Niches: Weddings, birthdays, baby showers, corporate events — find what resonates with your audience.
- Collect Testimonials: Positive reviews help build credibility and trust with new customers.
“Your art has value beyond the canvas. Custom invitations let your creativity reach people’s most memorable moments.”
Pricing Structures for Invitation Sets & Bundles
Offering bundled invitation sets makes it easier for clients to buy — and more profitable for artists to sell. Use this table as a starting point when building your own pricing tiers.
| Bundle Type | What’s Included | Best For | Pricing Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Invitation Set | Invitation + RSVP card | Budget-conscious couples or small events | Lower entry price; upsell envelopes or upgrades later |
| Classic Wedding Suite | Invitation, RSVP, details card | Most weddings & formal events | Mid-tier bundle with balanced margins |
| Full Invitation Suite | Invitation, RSVP, details, thank-you card | Couples wanting a cohesive look | Bundle discount vs individual items |
| Premium / Luxury Suite | Full suite + specialty paper or finish | High-end or design-focused clients | Higher margins justified by materials & craftsmanship |
| Limited Edition Set | Numbered or signed invitation sets | Collectors & art-focused buyers | Premium pricing through scarcity |
| Add-On Bundle | Extra cards, envelopes, upgrades | Existing customers | High-margin upsells after initial sale |
💡 Tip: Bundles reduce decision fatigue for buyers and increase average order value for artists. Start with 2–3 clear tiers and let clients customize from there.
Tips for Selling Custom Invitations on Etsy
Etsy is a powerful marketplace for artists selling custom invitations, but success comes from standing out, setting clear expectations, and presenting your work professionally.
- Lead with Your Style: Focus on a recognizable aesthetic. Couples search Etsy for a look as much as a product.
- Use Real Mockups: Show invitations photographed on textured paper, with envelopes or bundled sets to increase perceived value.
- Be Clear About Customization: Clearly state what can be personalized — names, colors, fonts, illustrations — and what cannot.
- Offer Bundles, Not Singles: Invitation suites (invite + RSVP + details) convert better than individual cards.
- Optimize Your Listings: Use keywords like “custom wedding invitation,” “illustrated invite,” or “modern wedding stationery” naturally in titles and descriptions.
- Set Realistic Turnaround Times: Account for design revisions, proofs, printing, and shipping to avoid rushed orders.
- Price for Your Time: Include design hours, revisions, and communication — not just printing costs.
- Show the Process: Use listing images or descriptions to explain how ordering works. This builds trust and reduces questions.
- Encourage Reviews: Happy clients are often willing to leave feedback — and reviews are critical for Etsy visibility.
“On Etsy, your invitation isn’t just a product — it’s a promise of craftsmanship, creativity, and care.”
Common Mistakes Artists Make When Selling Invitations Online
Selling custom invitations online can be rewarding, but small missteps can quickly lead to unhappy clients or lost sales. Avoid these common mistakes to build trust, protect your time, and grow a sustainable business.
- Underpricing Your Work: Charging too little devalues your time, design skill, and communication effort — and often leads to burnout.
- Unclear Customization Limits: Not defining what’s included can result in endless revisions and frustrated clients.
- Poor Product Photography: Flat digital previews don’t always sell. Real-life mockups and printed samples build confidence.
- Ignoring Printing Details: Paper choice, finish, and color accuracy matter — overlooking them can affect the final result.
- Overpromising Turnaround Times: Rushing design, printing, or shipping increases the risk of mistakes and stress.
- Too Many Options: Offering every size, paper, and finish can overwhelm buyers. Curated choices convert better.
- Skipping Proof Approvals: Always require final approval before printing to avoid costly reprints.
- Weak Communication: Slow or unclear responses can lead to negative reviews, even if the final product is beautiful.
💡 Tip: Clear processes, curated options, and professional printing partners help artists avoid these pitfalls while delivering consistent, high-quality invitations.
What a Professional Printer Handles (So You Don’t Have To)
When you partner with a professional printing service, you’re not just outsourcing production — you’re freeing up time to focus on design, creativity, and growing your business.
- Color Accuracy & Calibration: Ensures your artwork prints consistently across every order.
- Paper & Finish Selection: Access to premium stocks and specialty finishes without sourcing them yourself.
- Bleed, Trim & File Setup: Proper handling of print specs so your designs look clean and professional.
- Quality Control: Each order is checked for print clarity, alignment, and finish quality.
- Consistent Reprints: Repeat orders match the original run — critical for multi-piece suites.
- Production Efficiency: Handles small batches or larger runs without compromising quality.
- Shipping & Fulfillment: Secure packaging and reliable delivery so orders arrive safely.
“A great printer doesn’t replace your creativity — they protect it.”
Start Printing Your Custom Invitations
Bring your designs to life with professional printing — premium papers, vibrant finishes, and easy fulfillment for your side business.