A simple search engine inquiry will show you that you can find hundreds of free, printable wedding invitations online. With some basic design skills and a good word processing program, you could even design your own. But, will they look professional or poorly made? That could all depend on your font, ink and paper quality.

So, what are the tricks and tips that can take a ink-jet printed wedding invitation from shoddy to professional? To find out, keep reading and you'll learn exactly what is involved in turning free, printable wedding invitations into classic, professional-looking masterpieces.

Buy a High-Quality Paper Stock

Have you ever seen a high-quality invitation printed on 20-lb copier paper stock? No, and there's a reason. By investing in a high-quality, heavy card stock for your invitations, you'll give them an expensive look and feel. You'll also notice that your print quality will improve, as will the overall texture of the invitation.

When buying card stock, you can purchase pre-cut card stock which is already laser cut into a classic invitation shape. These kits typically also come with matching envelopes and RSVP cards, though they can be expensive. Alternatively, you can buy plain, uncut card stock and cut it yourself, but be sure to use a reliable paper cutter for a clean and straight cut every time.

Print With a Dependable Printer

If your printer constantly jams, prints unevenly or leaves unsightly ink lines on your documents, you don't want to use it for your wedding invitations. Instead of wrestling with a cheap printer that's not up to the job, ask a friend to use theirs or take the invitations to a copy shop where they can do fast, laser-printed copies for as little as 5-cents an invitation.

Add a Personal Touch

While sometimes a simple piece of white card stock with a well-worded and well-placed message can make a strong and classic impact, you may want to dress your wedding invitations up with a few embellishments.

Some brides add a small ribbon or bow at the top, while others print the actual invitation on vellum paper (a heavy, see-through paper) and then affix it to a card stock backing. These little extras are a great way to add your own personal touch.

Pick a Font That's Clear While many free printable wedding invitations are great - offering wording suggestions, pre-formatted layouts and more - you need to be careful with the font selection. Look for an invitation that has a clear and easy-to-read font. Remember, a script font may look pretty and classic, but it could be a nightmare to decipher.