Your wedding invitation is the first physical moment of your celebration - the weight of thick cotton paper in the hands, the soft press of letterpress type, the quiet elegance of a gold foil monogram catching the light. Long before guests step through the door, the invitation sets the tone for everything that follows. With 500+ designs crafted by independent artists, Paperlust makes it possible to hold something that feels entirely, genuinely yours.
By the Paperlust Studio - designers, printers, and independent artists crafting wedding stationery from our Oakleigh South design and print facility in Melbourne since 2014. Every order is printed in-house and backed by our 100% happiness guarantee. About Paperlust
Quick Reference: Paperlust Wedding Invitations Australia
- 500+ exclusive designs by independent Australian and international artists
- Six print methods: Digital, Metallic, White Ink, Flat Foil, Letterpress, Foil Stamping
- From $3.50 per card (digital print)
- Free overnight Startrack Express: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart
- Regional Australia: 2-5 business days
- Designer proof in 1-2 business days; two rounds of revisions included
- $5 sample pack to feel paper and print quality before ordering
- One tree planted in Borneo with every order
- 100% happiness guarantee: free reprint or full refund
A Celebration of Independent Artistry
Paperlust is a designer-led Australian wedding stationery studio: every one of our 500+ invitations was created by an independent artist, not pulled from a template library. Some artists are Australian, others are based internationally, and every design is exclusive to Paperlust - none of this work is sold anywhere else.
The collection grows through a competitive Design Challenge: artists worldwide submit work, the Paperlust community votes, and the strongest designs earn a place in the range. The collection reflects what real couples respond to, not what a corporate design team predicts. New work arrives regularly, so no two couples browsing in different seasons see exactly the same range.
The range spans every contemporary wedding aesthetic. Minimalist couples find editorial designs with single-weight type and generous white space. Botanical couples find hand-illustrated banksia, waratah, and eucalyptus rendered in watercolour or ink. Maximalist couples find richly layered designs with deep colour and pattern. Abstract, architectural, and typographic directions are all represented.
A portion of every Paperlust sale is paid to the artist who designed your invitation - a direct royalty model that most mass-market wedding stationery retailers do not offer.
Paperlust prints all orders in Melbourne, at the Oakleigh South studio. Every invitation is quality-checked three times before it leaves the building. If you would like to see paper stocks and print methods in person before placing your order, studio visits are available by appointment.
Print Methods: A Complete Guide
| Method | Lead time | From ($/card) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital | 5-7 business days | $3.50 | Detailed illustration, photography, larger guest lists |
| Metallic | 5-7 business days | $3.99 | Subtle gold, rose gold, or silver integrated into the design |
| White Ink | 5-7 business days | $5.00 | Bold graphic designs on dark or coloured stocks |
| Flat Foil | 2-3 business days | $5.50 | Fast turnaround with mirror-bright foil detail |
| Letterpress | 20 business days | $7.00 | Deep debossed tactile craft on cotton paper |
| Foil Stamping | 20 business days | $9.50 | Heirloom-quality mirror foil with embossed texture |
Paperlust offers six wedding invitation print methods: Digital, Metallic, White Ink, Flat Foil, Letterpress, and Foil Stamping. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.50 per card and production times run from 2 to 20 business days. Here is how each method works and when to choose it.
Digital Print
What it is: Full-colour inkjet or laser printing on your chosen paper stock. Digital printing faithfully reproduces detailed artwork, photography, intricate gradients, and the full spectrum of colour. It is the most versatile and most affordable method in the range.
Production time: 5-7 business days.
Cost point: From $3.50 per card - the most accessible entry point in the range.
Best paper pairing: 300gsm Matte (clean, sophisticated finish), 300gsm Linen (subtle texture adds depth), Premium 380gsm (elevated weight and feel), Metallic board (pearlescent background enhances sheen-forward designs), Blush, Kraft. Digital works across the broadest range of stocks.
When to choose: You want vivid colour, detailed illustration, or a watercolour effect. You are working with a moderate budget or a large guest list. You want the fastest production time and maximum flexibility. You are not set on a tactile foil or letterpress effect.
Metallic Print
What it is: A fifth imaging station adds dry-toner metallic pigment to your design, giving gold, rose gold, or silver tones a subtle, light-catching sheen. It is more restrained than foil - a quiet glimmer rather than a mirror flash - and it integrates seamlessly with full-colour artwork.
Production time: 5-7 business days.
Cost point: From $3.99 per card.
Best paper pairing: 300gsm Matte, 300gsm Linen, 380gsm Premium. The metallic pigment reads best on uncoated, absorbent stocks that allow the toner to sit cleanly on the surface.
When to choose: You love the warmth of gold or rose gold but want it woven into the design rather than applied as a separate foil layer. You have a botanical or hand-lettered design with fine details that would be difficult to reproduce in foil. You want a premium finish without the lead time of letterpress or foil stamping.
White Ink
What it is: White ink is printed as a fifth colour inline with CMYK, applying bold opaque white onto dark or coloured card stocks. White florals on black card, white type on deep navy, white botanical line-work on forest green - a graphic contrast finish that has to be held in person to be understood.
Production time: 5-7 business days.
Cost point: From $5.00 per card.
Best paper pairing: 290gsm Kraft (natural texture with white contrast), 180gsm Vellum (translucent with ghostly white effect), 270-300gsm Colour stock in cobalt, aqua, black, navy, green, violet, burgundy, or grey. Note: white ink is not available on blush paper.
When to choose: Your design is bold and graphic. You want the drama of dark card as your canvas. You are drawn to contemporary or monochromatic aesthetics. Your design has fine detail that reads beautifully in reversed-out white.
Flat Foil
What it is: A metallic film is applied to specific design elements using heat and pressure - but without the custom die required for foil stamping. Flat foil creates a smooth, mirror-bright metallic finish across selected areas of your invitation. It handles fine lines and intricate details better than traditional foil stamping, and it is available in gold, pale gold, rose gold, silver, copper, holographic, and a range of bold colours including red, green, blue, and hot pink.
Production time: 2-3 business days - the fastest specialty finish available.
Cost point: From $5.50 per card.
Best paper pairing: 300gsm Matte stock, 380gsm Premium, 350gsm Heavyweight (minimum order 30 for heavyweight), and Colour Stock + Foil options in 270gsm and 500gsm.
When to choose: You want foil detail without the lead time of foil stamping. Your design has intricate elements that need fine foil reproduction. You are working to a tighter timeline but want a metallic finish. You want a broad palette of foil colours, including holographic or bold-tone options.
Letterpress
What it is: Letterpress is the oldest and most tactile print method in the range. Hand-mixed inks are pressed directly into thick cotton paper using a printing press, creating a visible, physical impression - a deboss - in the surface. You can feel the type and design with your fingertip. The paper used is Wild Cotton, which is uniquely suited to accepting the impression: soft, deeply textured, and available in 300gsm and 600gsm (the latter being the thickest stock in the range). Letterpress invitations communicate craft, intention, and heirloom quality. They are not just stationery; they are objects.
Production time: 20 business days.
Cost point: From $7.00 per card.
Best paper pairing: Wild Cotton ONLY - 300gsm for a classic letterpress feel, 600gsm for maximum depth and luxury. Letterpress cannot be produced on standard digital stocks.
When to choose: You want the most tactile, sensory invitation experience available. Your design is clean and bold - letterpress works best with strong type and uncluttered layouts rather than fine-detail illustration. You are planning a formal, heritage-influenced, or deeply personal ceremony. You have time for the 20-day production window. You want something guests will keep rather than recycle.
Note: the $15 custom sample is not available for letterpress. The $5 sample pack includes a letterpress sample so you can feel the paper and impression quality before ordering.
Foil Stamping
What it is: A custom metal die is created for your design and used to press metallic foil directly into the paper surface under heat, leaving both a mirror-bright metallic finish and a physical deboss impression. Foil stamping is the most luxurious and dimensional print method in the range - more tactile than flat foil, more dramatic than metallic print. The same foil colour range applies: gold, rose gold, silver, copper, holographic, and bold tones.
Production time: 20 business days.
Cost point: From $9.50 per card.
Best paper pairing: Specialty textured stocks and Wild Cotton. The soft surface of Wild Cotton accepts the die impression beautifully; textured stocks add another layer of visual and tactile depth.
Minimum order: 50 cards.
When to choose: You want the ultimate in luxury and craftsmanship. Your design is bold - strong letterforms, bold monograms, confident graphic elements - since foil stamping reproduces detail less finely than flat foil. You are happy with the 20-day production timeline. You want an invitation that functions as a keepsake object. You are ordering at least 50 cards.
2026 Wedding Invitation Trends - Australia
Six trends define 2026 Australian wedding invitation design: native Australian botanicals, season-specific palettes tied to ceremony setting, arch die-cut silhouettes, QR codes integrated as intentional design elements, earthy-neutral minimalist luxury, and photo-led illustrated portraits. Each reflects a broader shift away from mass-market uniformity toward place-specific craft.
Native Australian Botanicals
The strongest trend in 2026 Australian wedding stationery is the continued rise of hand-illustrated native flora. Banksia cones, waratah blooms, eucalyptus branches, kangaroo paw, and wattle are being used not as nostalgic references but as contemporary design choices - rendered in watercolour, fine-line ink, or bold gouache. Couples who grew up with these plants in their gardens and on their walks are choosing invitations that reflect the actual Australian environment rather than imported English garden aesthetics.
This trend pairs naturally with earthy colour palettes: warm terracotta, dried-grass ochre, dusty sage, soft greens, and the blush tones of a banksia in bloom. It also works beautifully with letterpress on Wild Cotton or flat foil in pale gold, which complements the warm tones of native florals without competing with them.
Australian Seasons and Ceremony Settings
Australian weddings have their own seasonal logic, and invitation design is reflecting that more directly. Summer weddings (December to February) are leaning into warm light, coastal textures, and sun-bleached palettes - off-white, sand, saltwater blue. Autumn weddings (March to May) are embracing the more unusual Australian version of the season: dry golden grasses, the late warmth, earthy reds. Winter weddings (June to August) in southern states are using deeper, moodier palettes - ink navy, forest green, burgundy - that feel right for cooler, more intimate ceremonies. Spring (September to November) brings the bloom: soft botanicals, pinks, and the clean freshness of new growth.
Couples planning beach weddings, winery ceremonies, outback elopements, or rainforest gatherings are increasingly choosing invitations that set that visual scene - sometimes literally, with illustrated venue vignettes or location-specific flora.
Arch Die-Cuts
The arch shape has moved from trend to mainstream in 2026. Arch-shaped invitations - with a semicircular or pointed arch top rather than standard rectangular corners - add visual interest without requiring a more elaborate print method. They pair particularly well with botanical designs, where the arch frames a floral composition, and with minimalist editorial layouts where the shape itself is the statement. Paperlust offers arch and custom die-cut options across multiple print methods.
QR Codes as Design Elements
The era of treating QR codes as an afterthought is over. In 2026, couples are integrating QR codes into the invitation design itself - styled in a matching foil colour, printed in a complementary tone, surrounded by decorative elements, or framed as a deliberate graphic choice. Linked to wedding websites with accommodation details, RSVP forms, and gift registries, a well-designed QR code removes the need for multiple insert cards while keeping the invitation itself clean.
Earthy Neutrals and Minimalist Luxury
Across all price points and print methods, the dominant palette in 2026 is warm and restrained: terracotta, warm sand, dusty rose, burnt sienna, sage green, and off-white. These colours photograph beautifully, age gracefully, and work across the full range of Australian ceremony aesthetics - from Byron beachside to Melbourne inner-city. Minimalist layouts with considered white space, single strong fonts, and restrained ornamentation are the delivery mechanism for this trend.
Photo-Led and Illustrated Designs
At the other end of the minimalism spectrum, illustrated and photo-integrated designs are having a strong moment. Couples are using engagement photographs, venue illustrations, or custom portraits as the centrepiece of their invitation design. Digital printing makes these designs accessible at reasonable cost, while letterpress can reproduce hand-drawn illustration in a way that feels entirely different from screen-printed reproduction.
Wedding Invitation Wording - Australian Guide
Australian wedding invitation wording falls into five main formats: Traditional (parents hosting), Modern, Couple-Hosted, Casual, and LGBTQ+ - each with specific conventions for honorifics, date formatting, venue naming, and tone. Below are five complete wording examples with commentary on the choices made.
Traditional (Parents Hosting)
Mr and Mrs Thomas Edward Hartley request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Amelia Rose Hartley to James William Sinclair son of Mr and Mrs Robert Sinclair
Saturday, the fourteenth of March two thousand and twenty-six at three o’clock in the afternoon
St Patrick’s Cathedral 1 Cathedral Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
Reception to follow at The Melbourne Town Hall
The traditional format leads with the host family, places “honour of your presence” (the formal phrasing for a religious ceremony), and spells out the date in full. The bride is named before the groom per convention. If the ceremony is non-religious, “pleasure of your company” replaces “honour of your presence.”
Modern (Both Families Hosting)
Together with their families
Amelia Hartley and James Sinclair
invite you to celebrate their marriage
Saturday, 14 March 2026 - 3.00pm The Glasshouse, Healesville VIC 3777
Dinner and dancing to follow
The modern format places the couple at the centre, treats both families symmetrically without listing parent names, and uses a more conversational register. The date format (14 March 2026) is standard contemporary Australian usage.
Couple-Hosted
Amelia Hartley and James Sinclair warmly invite you to join them as they exchange their vows
14 March 2026 Four o’clock in the afternoon
Finch & Folk Estate 22 Winery Road, Yarra Valley VIC 3775
Dinner and dancing from seven o’clock
Couple-hosted wording is increasingly common for couples who are organising and financing their own wedding. The tone here is warm and direct, without the formal distance of the traditional format.
Casual and Relaxed
Hey - we’re getting married, and we’d love you there.
Mia + James 14 March 2026 at 4pm The Shack, 7 Beach Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Party after. Dress for warm weather.
Casual wording suits relaxed ceremonies, outdoor settings, and couples whose relationship is characterised by warmth and informality. This example skips the formal ceremony language entirely and leads with an emotional invitation. The casualness of the format does not make it any less meaningful.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive
Amelia Hart and Jordan Sinclair are getting married and they want you there
Saturday 14 March 2026 at 3pm
The Botanic Pavilion Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne VIC 3002
Drinks, dinner, and dancing to follow
This format is clean, neutral in gender language, and places both names symmetrically. It avoids any convention that implicitly assumes a bride and groom, and it communicates with the same warmth and clarity as any other wording style.
What to Include on Your Wedding Invitation
A wedding invitation must answer six questions: who is hosting, who is marrying, when the wedding takes place, where it takes place, what the dress code requires, and how to RSVP. Every other choice is stylistic.
Names: Both full names, formatted consistently. For traditional invitations, surnames are included. For informal designs, first names may be sufficient. For parents-hosting format, include the names of both families.
Date and time: The ceremony date, day of the week, and start time. Write the time clearly - “3pm” or “three o’clock in the afternoon.” Do not write just “afternoon ceremony” without a specific time.
Venue: The venue name and full address including suburb, state, and postcode. If your venue has a complex entrance or is in an unfamiliar area, a separate details card can carry directions and parking instructions.
Reception details: If the reception is at a different location, include both addresses or direct guests to a details insert card. If the reception follows immediately at the same venue, “reception to follow” is sufficient.
RSVP instructions: A clear RSVP deadline, the method (email, phone, online form, or return card), and the person to contact. Build in a buffer between your RSVP deadline and your final guest count deadline with the venue.
Dress code (if applicable): If you have a dress code - black tie, cocktail, smart casual, colourful, or garden party - state it clearly. Guests appreciate the guidance. If you have no dress code, nothing needs to be said.
Optional additions:
- Wedding website URL or QR code for accommodation, registry, dietary forms, and full event details
- “Unplugged ceremony” note if you want phones away during the ceremony
- Separate insert cards for accommodation, transport, or itinerary if the event spans multiple days
- Wishing well or gift registry note (on a separate insert card rather than the invitation itself, per etiquette)
Building Your Wedding Stationery Suite
A complete wedding stationery suite contains seven core pieces: save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, information and details cards, menus, place cards with table numbers, and thank you cards. Not every couple needs every piece, but understanding what each one does helps you decide what your celebration requires.
Some couples choose an all-in-one wedding invitations format instead of a multi-piece suite, combining invitation, RSVP, and details into a single concertina or send-and-seal card. This works well for smaller, casual weddings where guests do not need separate reference cards.
Save the Dates
Purpose: Announce the date and location before the formal invitation, so guests can reserve the date, book travel, and arrange accommodation. Essential for destination weddings, long weekends, and any event where significant travel is required.
When to send: 4-8 months before the wedding. For destination weddings or dates over a holiday period, 10-12 months is not unreasonable.
What to include: Both names, the wedding date, the location (suburb and country is sufficient at this stage), and your wedding website URL if you have one. Save the dates do not need RSVP information.
Suite tip: Order save the dates and invitations together to lock in matching paper stocks and design cohesion, even if the save the dates send much earlier. This avoids any production inconsistencies between batches.
Invitations
Purpose: The formal announcement of your ceremony details. The central piece of the suite.
When to send: 8-10 weeks before the wedding for local guests; 12 weeks for guests who need to arrange interstate or international travel.
RSVP deadline: Set your RSVP deadline 4-6 weeks before the wedding to give you time to chase non-responses and provide final numbers to your venue and caterer.
RSVP Cards
Purpose: Make it as easy as possible for guests to respond. Printed RSVP cards with a return envelope remove the friction of guests needing to send their own email or make a phone call.
Digital alternative: Many couples now use their wedding website or a QR-linked RSVP form rather than printed cards, which reduces stationery costs and is more convenient for guests in different states or countries. Paperlust can integrate with digital RSVP platforms via Joy.
Dietary requirements: Include a dietary preferences field on your RSVP card or online form. Your venue will ask for this information.
Details / Information Cards
Purpose: Carry all the practical information that does not belong on the invitation itself - accommodation recommendations, transport options, parking, itinerary for multi-day events, and the wedding website URL.
Format: Typically a flat card matching the invitation design. Can also be a folded card for longer content.
Menus
Purpose: Set the scene for the dining experience and guide guests through their meal. Placed at each seat or on the table.
When to order: 4-6 weeks before the wedding. Confirm menu details with your caterer before finalising.
Place Cards and Table Numbers
Purpose: Guide guests to their seats and signal the careful thought you have put into seating arrangements. Place cards with full names are the most elegant; table number cards help guests navigate larger events.
Suite tip: Matching place cards and table numbers to your invitation design creates a consistent visual experience throughout the day.
Thank You Cards
Purpose: Express gratitude for gifts and for the time guests took to celebrate with you. Expected within three months of the wedding.
Practical tip: Order thank you cards at the same time as your invitations. The design can match the suite, the paper stocks will be consistent, and you avoid a separate postage charge. Many couples write and post thank you cards during the honeymoon.
Paper and Finish Guide
| Stock | Weight | Texture | Best print method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Cotton | 300gsm | Soft, tactile, deckle edge available | Letterpress, foil stamping |
| 380gsm Premium | 380gsm | Smooth, substantial weight | All methods - flagship stock |
| 300gsm Matte | 300gsm | Smooth, uncoated | Digital, metallic, flat foil |
| 300gsm Linen | 300gsm | Subtle woven texture | Digital, metallic |
| Kraft | 290gsm | Natural, rustic grain | White ink, digital |
| Vellum | 180gsm | Translucent, ethereal | Belly band overlays, white ink effects |
| Blush | 300gsm | Soft pink tint, smooth | Digital, metallic, letterpress |
| Colour Stock | 270-300gsm | Solid colour through the sheet | White ink, flat foil |
| Seed Paper | Handmade | Plantable, embedded wildflower seeds | Digital (eco-focused invitations) |
Paperlust prints wedding invitations on nine paper stocks: Wild Cotton, 380gsm Premium, 300gsm Matte, 300gsm Linen, Kraft, Vellum, Blush, Colour Stock, and Seed Paper - each stock suited to specific print methods and aesthetic choices.
Wild Cotton
The premium letterpress paper. Available in 300gsm and 600gsm - the 600gsm Wild Cotton Double Thick is the heaviest stock in the range, with a softness and depth that sets letterpress and foil stamping apart from any other print method. The surface is uncoated, with a natural, slightly textured feel that absorbs the letterpress impression beautifully. Used exclusively for Letterpress and Foil Stamping.
380gsm Premium
A substantial uncoated stock used for Flat Foil and Metallic print methods. Heavier than standard card, with a smooth matte surface that allows foil to adhere cleanly and metallic toner to sit with precision. The weight communicates quality the moment a guest picks up the invitation.
300gsm Matte
The standard digital and metallic stock. Smooth, uncoated, and versatile - it works equally well with botanical illustrations, typographic designs, and photo-integrated artwork. The uncoated surface gives printed colour a slightly warmer, more natural tone than coated stocks.
300gsm Linen
A digital and metallic stock with a subtle crosshatch texture. The linen finish adds a tactile element to digital printing without the full commitment of cotton or the lead time of letterpress. Suits earthy, botanical, and vintage-influenced designs particularly well.
Kraft
290gsm uncoated recycled-content card with a warm brown tone. Available for digital and white ink printing. The natural colour of the stock becomes part of the design, adding warmth to botanical and rustic styles. White ink on kraft creates a distinctive, organic aesthetic.
Vellum
180gsm translucent stock. Used for white ink printing, vellum creates an ethereal, layered effect - particularly when used as an overlay on top of a cotton or matte card base. Popular for modern, editorial, and minimalist designs.
Blush
Soft pink-toned stock available for digital printing (not white ink). Works particularly well with floral, romantic, and feminine designs. The tone of the stock integrates with the printed palette.
Colour Stock
270-300gsm coloured card in cobalt, aqua, black, navy, green, violet, burgundy, and grey. Available for white ink printing and flat foil via the Colour Stock + Foil option. Bold, graphic, and dramatic when paired with white ink or metallic foil.
Seed Paper
Plantable invitations made from recycled paper embedded with seeds. After the wedding, guests plant the invitation in soil and it grows into wildflowers or herbs. Available as a sustainability option. Best suited to digital printing. Ideal for couples whose sustainability commitment is central to their wedding ethos.
On finishes: The key distinction in this range is coated versus uncoated. Uncoated stocks (matte, linen, kraft, cotton) absorb ink and toner, producing warmer, more natural-feeling results. Coated or metallic stocks reflect light and produce crisper, more high-contrast finishes. There is no better or worse - it depends entirely on whether your design and aesthetic call for warmth or precision.
Budget Planning for Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations typically represent 2-5% of the total wedding budget - a range that covers everything from simple digital printing on standard card to full letterpress suites on Wild Cotton with foil-stamped envelopes.
Australian context: The average Australian wedding budget sits around $40,000. At 2-5%, the stationery budget works out to $800-$2,000. Here is how that might break down for a 100-guest wedding:
| Item | Quantity | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Invitations (flat foil, 100 households) | 100 cards | $550 |
| Envelopes with address printing | 100 | $70 |
| RSVP cards (digital, with return envelopes) | 100 cards | $350 + $70 envelopes |
| Details insert cards (digital) | 100 cards | $350 |
| Save the dates (digital, sent earlier) | 110 cards | $385 |
| Thank you cards (digital) | 100 cards | $350 |
| Australian postage (large letter rate) | 100 envelopes | Approx. $240 |
| Total | Approx. $2,365 |
This example sits at the upper end of the 2-5% range for a $40,000 wedding budget, covering a full suite with a flat foil method for the main invitation. Couples who choose digital print for all pieces will spend significantly less. Couples who choose letterpress for invitations will spend more per card but may offset this by keeping other suite pieces in digital.
Volume note: Paperlust pricing is per card - the more you order, the lower the per-card cost. Order 150 instead of 100 and your per-card price drops; order 200 and it drops further. Couples with large guest lists often find that per-card costs make a premium print method more accessible than expected.
Practical tip: Always order 15-20% more than your minimum count. Addressing mistakes happen, guests are added late, and you will want to keep a small number as keepsakes. Reprinting a small quantity later is significantly more expensive per card than ordering the buffer upfront.
Sustainability at Paperlust
Every Paperlust order plants one tree in Borneo in partnership with our reforestation NGO. Our Oakleigh South studio prints on FSC-certified stocks where available, offers plantable seed paper for digital print orders, and consolidates shipping to minimise transit emissions. Sustainable invitations should not cost more — Paperlust keeps eco-conscious options at the same price points as conventional stocks.
Featured and Trusted
Paperlust has been featured in Vogue Australia, Marie Claire Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Harper’s Bazaar Bride (print edition) - leading wedding and lifestyle editorial platforms known for a selective editorial eye. These placements reflect the design and print quality couples can expect from the Paperlust collection.
Paperlust is a partner of Joy, the digital wedding planning platform. Through the partnership, 60+ Paperlust digital invitation templates integrate directly with Joy’s RSVP and guest-management tools - so couples can use Paperlust for printed stationery and Joy for digital save the dates or international guest invitations, with design consistency across both.
Founded in Melbourne in 2014, Paperlust was named a Westpac Business of Tomorrow in 2017 - recognition that the company’s approach to independent artistry and quality print manufacturing was a meaningful contribution to the Australian business landscape.
Pricing at a Glance
Per-card pricing starts at $3.50 for digital print, scaling through metallic ($3.99), white ink ($5.00), flat foil ($5.50), letterpress ($7.00), and foil stamping ($9.50). Pricing tiers reduce the per-card cost as quantity increases. A 100-card digital order with white envelopes starts around $350. Envelope address printing is $0.20 per address. Ordering three or more card types together (e.g. invitation + RSVP + details) earns a 15% suite discount. First-time customers receive $20 off their first order.
Shipping and Delivery - Australia
Paperlust ships wedding invitations Australia-wide via Startrack Express: free overnight delivery to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Hobart, and 2-5 business days to regional Australia. All orders ship from our Oakleigh South studio in Melbourne.
Overnight Metro Delivery
Paperlust ships all Australian orders via Startrack Express at no charge. Overnight delivery is available to the following metro areas:
- Sydney and greater metro
- Melbourne and greater metro
- Brisbane and greater metro
- Perth and greater metro
- Adelaide and greater metro
- Canberra
- Hobart
For metro addresses in these cities, orders dispatched in the afternoon typically arrive the following business day.
Regional and Rural Delivery
For addresses outside these metro areas, Startrack Express delivers within 2-5 business days depending on distance and location. Regional Queensland, country Victoria, rural Western Australia, and remote Northern Territory addresses fall in this category.
International Shipping
Paperlust ships internationally via DHL Express. Free DHL Express shipping applies to international orders over USD $350. For orders below that threshold, a DHL shipping charge applies. Key international destinations:
- New Zealand: Express DHL delivery, typically 2-3 business days
- Singapore: DHL Express delivery, typically 3-5 business days
- United Kingdom: DHL Express, typically 3-5 business days
- United States: DHL Express, typically 2-4 business days transit
- 150+ countries worldwide via DHL network
Important Timing Note
Shipping time is separate from production time. Your total order timeline is production time plus shipping time. For a flat foil invitation (2-3 business days production) to a Sydney address, total time from order placement to delivery could be as short as 4 business days. For letterpress invitations (20 business days production) to a regional address (3 business days Startrack), allow at least 24 business days from order to arrival.
Wedding Invitations by City - Australia
Paperlust delivers wedding invitations across Australia via Startrack Express, free with every order. Below is a snapshot of popular venue styles, seasonal considerations, and design directions by region.
Sydney
Sydney Metro deliveries arrive overnight via Startrack Express, free with every order. Popular venue styles range from harbourside estates (The Calyx, Gunners Barracks), Eastern Suburbs ceremonies (Watsons Bay, Bronte, Centennial Homestead), to inner-city warehouse spaces in Surry Hills and Alexandria, plus Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands weekend-away destinations (Bendooley Estate, Audrey Wilkinson). Letterpress and foil stamping orders need 20 business days of production before dispatch.
Melbourne
As Paperlust’s home city, Melbourne orders ship overnight from our Oakleigh South studio free of charge. Melbourne couples gravitate to heritage estates like Stones of the Yarra Valley, Campbell Point House, and Coombe Yarra Valley, CBD rooftops at Lui Bar or Mon Bijou, and industrial spaces in Collingwood and Fitzroy. By-appointment studio visits are available to review paper stocks and print methods in person before ordering.
Brisbane
Startrack Express delivers Brisbane Metro orders overnight, free across Australia. Brisbane wedding venues span city-fringe gardens (Victoria Park, New Farm riverside), Moreton Bay coastal properties, Scenic Rim estates (Spicers Peak Lodge, Eagle Heights), and Sunshine Coast hinterland barns. Tropical botanical design directions and bold modern typography are popular across the region.
Gold Coast
Gold Coast addresses receive overnight delivery via Startrack Express included with every order. Surfers Paradise resorts, Broadbeach hinterland venues (O’Reilly’s, Gwinganna), and Currumbin Valley estates anchor Gold Coast weddings. Tropical foliage illustration, flat-foil gold, and clean typographic layouts are common stylistic directions.
Perth
Perth Metro deliveries land overnight via Startrack Express, free on every order. Perth venues include Swan Valley estates (Sandalford, Mandoon), Fremantle heritage buildings, coastal Cottesloe ceremonies, and Margaret River weekend-away destinations (Cape Lodge, Howard Park). Production timelines should include the 20-business-day window for letterpress or foil stamping before your Perth dispatch.
Adelaide
Adelaide orders ship overnight via Startrack Express, free with every Paperlust invitation. Popular venues include Barossa Valley wineries (Seppeltsfield, Chateau Tanunda), Adelaide Hills estates (The Lane Vineyard, Mt Lofty House), McLaren Vale properties, and coastal Port Willunga ceremonies. Classic letterpress and soft watercolour-botanical invitations suit the region’s wine-country aesthetic.
Canberra
Canberra Metro receives overnight Startrack Express delivery free with every order. Capital-region venues include National Arboretum Canberra, Pialligo Estate, Lerida Estate, and heritage homestead properties. Canberra couples often choose formal typographic layouts or modern minimalist designs to match national-significance venues. Allow full production timelines for letterpress or foil stamping dispatch.
Newcastle
Newcastle and Hunter Valley addresses receive overnight Startrack Express delivery included on every order. Hunter Valley wineries (Tyrrell’s, Audrey Wilkinson, Tower Estate, Bimbadgen) and Newcastle coastal venues anchor the region’s wedding style. Wine-country botanical illustrations and warm foil accents are popular invitation directions for Hunter Valley weddings.
Hobart
Hobart and wider Tasmania receive Startrack Express delivery overnight to metro postcodes, free on every order. Venues include MONA, Mount Wellington lookouts, Bruny Island retreats, and Tamar Valley wineries (Josef Chromy, Pipers Brook). Tasmania’s rugged landscape pairs well with moody dark-palette invitations, letterpress debossing, and hand-drawn native flora.
Other Australian Cities and Regional Destinations
Paperlust delivers overnight via Startrack Express to every Australian capital and metro area, and within 2-5 business days to regional addresses. Popular additional wedding regions include Byron Bay, Noosa, Port Douglas, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Margaret River, Kangaroo Island, Great Ocean Road, and Tamar Valley. Whether you are marrying in Broome, Alice Springs, Kalgoorlie, Launceston, or a remote coastal location, Paperlust ships to every Australian postcode with full tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard recommendation is to place your invitation order 12-16 weeks before your wedding date. This timeline breaks down as follows: allow 3-4 weeks to finalise your design and wording, 1-2 business days for your designer proof, one or two rounds of revisions if needed, then your chosen production time (5-7 business days for digital, 20 business days for letterpress or foil stamping), plus delivery. For letterpress or foil stamping, 16+ weeks before the wedding is a comfortable lead time. For digital invitations to metro addresses, 8-10 weeks is workable, but more time always gives you flexibility to address any issues without stress.
Factor in when you need to send invitations: formal weddings typically post 8-10 weeks before the event; casual or local events, 6-8 weeks. Your RSVP deadline should be at least 4 weeks before the wedding so you have time to chase non-responders and provide final numbers to your venue and caterer.
Browse the Paperlust collection and choose a design. Open it in the browser-based design tool and customise the text, fonts, colours, and paper stock. Select your print method, envelope choice, and any add-ons (envelope address printing, RSVP cards, etc.). Place your order, and a professional designer will be assigned to your job. You will receive a digital proof via email within 1-2 business days showing your exact design, text, and layout before anything is printed. Review the proof carefully - check every name, date, time, and address - then approve it or request revisions. Two rounds of revisions are included at no extra cost. Once you approve, your order enters production. Your invitations are quality-checked three times before they are packed and dispatched via Startrack Express.
Pricing depends on print method, quantity, and any add-ons. Per-card prices start at $3.50 for digital print and range to $9.50 for foil stamping. Pricing scales with quantity - the more cards you order, the lower the per-card cost. A typical order of 100 digital invitations with white envelopes starts around $350. Adding envelope address printing ($0.20 per address), RSVP cards, and details inserts will increase the total. Ordering 3+ card types together earns a 15% discount across the suite. There is also a $20 discount on your first order when you sign up.
For most print methods, the minimum is 10 cards. Foil stamping requires a minimum of 50 cards, due to the custom die creation involved. Flat Foil on 350gsm Heavyweight stock has a minimum of 30 cards. If you are ordering for a small wedding or elopement, digital, metallic, white ink, and flat foil (on standard stocks) can all be ordered from as few as 10 cards.
Yes. Paperlust pricing is tiered - the per-card cost decreases as quantity increases. Ordering 150 cards costs less per card than ordering 80. The 15% multi-card-type discount also applies when you order 3 or more card types together (e.g. invitations + RSVP cards + details cards). This makes ordering the full suite together more economical than ordering pieces separately.
Flat foil and foil stamping both produce a mirror-bright metallic finish in the same foil colour range. They differ in process, production time, and tactile result.
Flat foil applies metallic film using heat and pressure without a custom die. There is no deboss - the surface of the card remains flat, and the foil sits on it. Flat foil handles fine details and intricate design elements well. It is faster (2-3 business days production) and more accessible (minimum 10 cards). It is the right choice when you want foil without a long lead time, or when your design has fine lines that need precise foil reproduction.
Foil stamping requires a custom metal die made for your design. The die presses into the paper under heat, leaving both a metallic finish and a physical deboss in the surface - a more dimensional, tactile result than flat foil. Die creation and extra production time require a 20-business-day turnaround and a 50-card minimum. Foil stamping suits bold designs with strong letterforms or prominent monograms, rather than fine-detail illustration. It is the most luxurious finish in the range.
Letterpress is a centuries-old print method in which hand-mixed inks are pressed directly into the paper surface using a printing press, creating a visible indentation - a deboss - in the card. The paper used for letterpress at Paperlust is Wild Cotton, available in 300gsm and 600gsm. The 600gsm Wild Cotton Double Thick is the heaviest stock in the range, with a softness and tactile depth that is immediately apparent when you hold the finished card. Letterpress invitations are objects as much as communications - many couples and their guests keep them. Production time is 20 business days. Price starts at $7.00 per card.
Yes. The $5 sample pack includes seven designs across different print methods and gives you a direct comparison of paper stocks, textures, and print quality before you commit. This is the most efficient way to understand the difference between, say, digital print on 300gsm matte versus letterpress on 600gsm Wild Cotton - things that look similar in photographs but feel completely different in your hands.
A $15 custom sample is available for most print methods, allowing you to see your actual design printed before the full run. Note: the $15 custom sample is not available for letterpress. The $5 sample pack includes a letterpress sample, which is the best way to assess that print method before ordering.
Paperlust offers a broad range of stocks to suit different print methods and aesthetics. For digital printing: Matte 300gsm, Linen 300gsm, Premium 380gsm, Metallic board, Blush, Kraft 290gsm, and Vellum 180gsm. For Metallic print: Matte 300gsm, Linen 300gsm, Premium 380gsm. For White Ink: Kraft 290gsm, Vellum 180gsm, and Colour stock 270-300gsm in a range of bold tones (not blush). For Flat Foil: Matte stock, Premium 380gsm, Heavyweight 350gsm, and Colour Stock + Foil in 270gsm and 500gsm. For Letterpress and Foil Stamping: Wild Cotton 300gsm and 600gsm only.
Seed paper (plantable) is available as a sustainable option for digital printing.
All wording is customised within the browser-based design tool before you place your order. You can replace the placeholder text with your names, date, time, venue, RSVP details, and any other copy your design includes. If your design does not have a field for something you need to include, you can add it as a special request when placing your order, and the designer assigned to your proof will incorporate it.
If you are uncertain about wording conventions, the designer proof stage is a good opportunity to ask your assigned designer for guidance.
Yes. Fonts can be changed within the design tool from the available selection. Colours - including background, text, and design element colours - can be adjusted to match your palette. If you want a specific colour match (e.g. matching your florist's palette exactly), you can specify the hex code or Pantone reference in the special requests field and the designer will adjust accordingly.
Standard sizes include 178mm x 127mm (5" x 7"), 147mm x 147mm square, and DL (210mm x 99mm). Arch-shaped and other custom die-cut options are available across multiple print methods. If you want a size or shape not listed in the design tool, note it in the special requests field when ordering - the team will advise on feasibility and any additional cost.
A designer proof is a digital file - typically a PDF - showing exactly how your invitation will look when printed, including your customised text, colours, layout, and any design adjustments made by the assigned designer. You receive this via email within 1-2 business days of placing your order. Review it carefully: check every name, date spelling, address, and time. Confirm the RSVP deadline date and method. Check that all text is positioned as you expected. Approve the proof to proceed to production, or request revisions.
Two rounds of revisions are included at no extra cost. This covers the vast majority of orders. Each revision round involves you providing your feedback and the designer updating the proof accordingly. Additional revision rounds beyond the two included are available at an additional charge if needed.
- Digital: 5-7 business days
- Metallic: 5-7 business days
- White Ink: 5-7 business days
- Flat Foil: 2-3 business days
- Letterpress: 20 business days
- Foil Stamping: 20 business days
These timelines begin after proof approval - not from order placement. Factor in 1-2 business days for the initial proof plus any revision time when calculating your full order timeline. A 24-hour rush print option is available for an additional fee on select print methods.
All Australian orders are shipped via Startrack Express at no charge. Overnight delivery is standard to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Hobart metro areas. Regional and rural addresses receive delivery within 2-5 business days depending on location. There is no minimum spend for free Australian shipping - it applies to all orders.
Yes. Paperlust ships internationally via DHL Express. Free DHL Express shipping applies to international orders over USD $350. Below that threshold, a shipping charge applies. Typical transit times: New Zealand 2-3 business days; Singapore 3-5 business days; United Kingdom 3-5 business days; United States 2-4 business days. Paperlust ships to 150+ countries worldwide via the DHL network.
Paperlust dispatches all orders to a single delivery address. If you need to mail to multiple guests at different addresses, you would assemble and post from your end after delivery. The Address Manager tool on the Paperlust website allows you to import guest addresses via Excel, Facebook, or email to manage your mailing list, and Paperlust's envelope address printing service ($0.20 per address) can pre-print all envelopes before dispatch, making the mailing process significantly faster.
Yes. Paperlust offers printed envelope addressing at $0.20 per address. You supply the guest list (via the Address Manager tool, Excel upload, or manual entry), choose a font that complements your invitation design, and the addresses are printed on the envelopes before dispatch. This is particularly valuable for large guest lists or formal weddings where handwritten addressing is not practical.
White envelopes are included free with every order. Coloured envelopes, textured envelopes, and envelope liners are available as upgrades. Envelope liners add a printed or patterned inner surface visible when the envelope is opened - a popular way to extend the design of the invitation into the envelope. All envelope upgrades are accessible within the design tool.
Yes. Every Paperlust design includes co-ordinating formats: save the dates, RSVP cards, details insert cards, menus, place cards, table numbers, ceremony programs, and thank you cards. All suite pieces use the same design system as your invitation, ensuring visual consistency across the full wedding day. Ordering 3+ card types together earns a 15% discount across the suite.
At minimum: both full names, the ceremony date and time, the venue name and full address, reception details (if at a different location), and RSVP instructions with a deadline. Optional but recommended: dress code, QR code or wedding website URL, accommodation guidance (or a separate details insert card). Keep the invitation itself to essential information - practical details like accommodation and parking are better placed on a separate details card.
Yes. A popular approach is to send printed invitations to guests who will receive them physically, and digital invitations via email or messaging to interstate or international guests who may be less certain of attending, or to reduce international postage costs. Through the Joy platform partnership, Paperlust couples can access matching digital invitation designs that share the same visual identity as their printed suite.
24-hour rush print is available for an additional fee on select print methods. Contact the Paperlust team via live chat before ordering to confirm whether rush print is available for your chosen method and quantity, and to get a rush fee quote. For letterpress and foil stamping (which require 20 business days for production due to the mechanical setup involved), rush turnaround is not available.
Yes. Every Paperlust order includes one tree planted in Borneo through a certified reforestation programme. Beyond tree planting, the range includes FSC-certified paper stocks, recycled Kraft card, and seed paper - plantable invitations embedded with wildflower or herb seeds that guests can grow after the wedding. Ask for these options in the design tool or note them in your special requests.
Yes. Paperlust's Oakleigh South studio (Melbourne) is open for by-appointment visits. This is an opportunity to see and feel the paper stocks, compare print methods side by side, and discuss your order with the team in person. To book a visit, contact Paperlust via the website. Studio visits are not required - the $5 sample pack covers most evaluation needs by post - but are available for couples who want a hands-on experience before committing.
Paperlust offers a 100% happiness guarantee. If there is a quality issue with your printed order, Paperlust will reprint it or issue a full refund. This applies to printing quality issues, not to errors in wording or design that were present on your approved proof - which is why reviewing the proof carefully before approval is important. If you have any concern after your order arrives, contact the team via live chat.
Yes, to a significant degree. Within the design tool, you can change text, fonts, colours, and layout elements. For changes beyond what the tool allows - repositioning elements, adjusting proportions, combining design elements from different templates, or making structural changes to the layout - you can submit these as special requests when placing your order. The designer assigned to your proof will action them. For fully custom work from scratch (original artwork, unique design brief), Paperlust offers a custom design service with quote-based pricing at paperlust.co/custom-design/.
Destination wedding invitations typically need to communicate more logistical information than standard invitations - travel requirements, accommodation options, itinerary for multi-day events, and RSVP with meal and travel preference fields. For the invitation itself, design choices for destination weddings often reflect the location: coastal Australian designs, tropical botanicals for Queensland island venues, or mountain and alpine aesthetics for ski resort weddings. The Paperlust range includes designs suited to all these settings, and the full stationery suite (invitation + details card + RSVP card) is the standard recommendation for destination events where guests need comprehensive travel information.
Yes. Paperlust's envelope address printing service prints guest addresses directly onto envelopes at $0.20 per address. Import your guest list via the Address Manager tool (Excel, Facebook, or email), choose a font style, and the pre-addressed envelopes arrive with your printed invitations ready for assembly and posting. This service is particularly popular for weddings with 100+ guests.
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