Die-cut shape wedding invites are super popular for 2025 and 2026 weddings! From simple shapes like arches and circles to intricate lacy shapes or custom cards shaped like your dog – no shape is off limits! Today I’ll share:

• What are die-cut wedding invitations?
• How to make cut-out shape wedding invites
• How much do die cut wedding invitations cost?
• Best cutting methods for different shapes
• Where to print die-cut shape wedding invitation cards?
• And more!

What are die-cut wedding invitations?

Die-cut wedding invitations are cards that are cut into a certain shape. The way that paper die-cutting works is that a metal die is created in the shape that you want your card to be. The die is then inserted into a press, and a ton of pressure is applied to the die and the paper, allowing the die to cut through the paper. If you’ve ever used a hole punch – it’s basically that, but on a larger scale.

Die-cutting is best for simple shapes – circles, arches, polygons, etc. It can also work well with more unique shapes like scallops, the outline of your cat, mountains, etc. 

In general, there are a few things that you should try to avoid if you’re doing traditional die-cutting on a press. Die-cutting is not ideal if your shape:

• Is really intricate (think: lace)
• Has a lot of internal shapes (think: circles within circles)
• Has really tight, pointy corners

You should also think in scale, so the smaller your shape is, the more simple it needs to be!

Here are some of my favorite die-cut invitations of late:

If you want to cut some of those other shapes for your wedding invites, what options do you have?

Other Ways to Create Shaped Invitation Cards

If die-cutting isn’t ideal for your order, then there are 2 other main ways to make shaped wedding invites: digital die-cutting or laser cutting! 

Digital Die-Cut Cards

Digital die-cutting is cutting with a blade, but not with a die. If you’ve ever used a Cricut or Silhouette for cutting paper, it’s basically that. You program the blade’s path, and it follows it. This can be done on a small scale with a cutting machine (Cricut or Silhouette), or on a larger scale by a print shop. 

Digital die-cutting can be cheaper than traditional, because you don’t have to purchase the physical die, and it can sometimes handle more intricate cuts. It doesn’t work as well on some thicker materials though, and can be less reliable when registering the cuts with text on the page. If your quantity is smaller than 100 pieces, digital die-cutting might be a more cost-effective option, or if your piece is very small, digital die-cuts might work better!

Laser Cut Cards

A laser cutter also follows a programmed path, but uses a laser instead of a blade. There are a few different types of laser-cutters (here’s my review of one I have!). You’d want to use laser cutting if your cards are really intricate – like a lacy design. However, when you laser cut paper, there can sometimes be a little char on the edges of the paper, especially on lighter paper colors.

There are a lot of beautiful laser-cut cards at Cards & Pockets. Use code LANEY15 at checkout for 15% off your first order. 

How much do die cut wedding invitations cost?

There are 2 main factors to the cost of die-cut wedding invitations: the die and the cutting (simple, right?). Usually, the printer has to purchase a new die for your design, which can be anywhere from around $75 to $300, depending on size and complexity. Then, they will need to actually run your job through the press, which is often around $150 (this is a very vague estimate!).

One huge way to cut down on this cost is to use a die that already exists. Most printers will keep dies from past projects that customers can use in the future! It will be a lot more cost-effective to use one of those dies vs. ordering a brand new one.

Here’s a look at all the different shapes my favorite printer keeps in stock, for example! If you stick to using these die shapes, then it’s usually pretty cheap to add on the cutting because you don’t have to pay for the die.

Another way to save money on die-cut invitation cards is to stick to straight lines. Straight cuts usually can be done on a regular paper cutter, and don’t require a die to be made. So if you want a geometric shape, you can often save money by using straight cuts instead of an actual die cut.

Printing on die-cut cards

You might be wondering if you can print on die-cut cards! Typically, you’ll need to print first, and cut second, because your standard printers will have a hard time with non-straight card edges. If you try to print on a circular card, for instance, your printer will throw a hissy fit.

There are a couple exceptions to this rule:

1. If your die cut has a fully straight edge (like these!) then your printer might be able to print on them okay! Just make sure to load them straight-edge first. 
2. Letterpress printing is often fine to do after the cards are already cut, since it’s done on a press! Letterpress printing usually starts around $200-300 for 100 or so invitations.

Where to print die-cut shape wedding invitation cards?

If you’re interested in outsourcing your die-cut wedding invitation cards, then there are a lot of options. Typically, any letterpress printer will also offer die-cutting as the presses used to do each are similar. However, many other printers will offer digital die-cutting, traditional die-cutting, or laser-cutting to achieve a gorgeous shape wedding invitation card. 

3 of my favorite printers to get shaped wedding invites:

Die Cut Invitations with PrintsWell

This is my favorite printer and they do most of my printing! They have many popular die-cut shapes that you can use for as little as $0.23 per cut. You have to use their standard shapes and sizes though. Here’s a video about how to order die-cut cards with PrintsWell! You can get $25 off your first order with my link. They print custom designs for wholesale designers, or you can order pre-designed die-cut wedding invitations if you don’t want to design your own! 

Cards + Pockets Laser Shape Cards

C+P serves retail customers and wholesale designers alike. They typically use a laser for shaped cards – there’s a selection of pre-designed laser pieces and printed cards in simple shapes, or you can order custom shapes as well! Use code LANEY15 at checkout for 15% off your first order here! 

Stationer to Stationer

Another great resource for stationers – Stationer to Stationer has a huge library of existing die shapes you can choose from, or you can create a custom die for your order! They can also offer letterpress and other services for that extra special finishing touch! If you use code LANEY-RU-S2S-2025 you’ll get $25 off your first order! 

Want more stationery print vendor recs?

Grab our FREE Stationery Vendor Toolkit to see all of our favorite stationery vendors – we even convinced them to give you exclusive discounts on your first orders to make trying them out a little more fun!