Complete Guide To Free Wedding Invitation Samples With Free Shipping

Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and selecting the perfect invitations is among the most important. Wedding invitations set the tone for the entire event and provide guests with essential details. Fortunately, many companies offer free wedding invitation samples with free shipping, allowing couples to compare quality, design, and paper types before making a commitment. This comprehensive guide explores the various options available for obtaining free wedding invitation samples without shipping costs.

Shutterfly's Free Wedding Sample Program

Shutterfly stands out as one of the most prominent companies offering free wedding invitation samples with complimentary shipping. The company provides two distinct options for couples to explore their wedding stationery offerings.

Free Sample Kit Option

Shutterfly's curated sample kit contains a diverse assortment of their best-selling wedding stationery items. This comprehensive package includes:

• 4.6" x 7.2" save the date card with gold foil & rounded corners
• 4.6" x 7.2" wedding invitation in premium matte paper stock with matching fitted envelope
• 5.5" x 4" RSVP card in premium matte paper stock
• 5.5" x 4" enclosure card in standard matte paper stock
• A2 navy-colored envelope (fits 5.5" x 4" cards)
• 4" x 8" menu card in linen paper stock
• 4" x 5.5" flat thank you card in standard matte paper stock
• 4.6" x 7.2 wedding invitation in pearl paper stock with matching fitted envelope
• 2" x 3.5" flat place card in standard matte paper stock

This curated collection allows couples to experience different paper types, premium finishes, and design elements all in one package. The samples represent popular and trending wedding stationery styles, providing a comprehensive overview of what Shutterfly offers.

Five Free Custom Wedding Invitation Samples

For couples who prefer to see their actual wedding details on different designs, Shutterfly offers the option to customize up to five wedding invitations for free. This alternative allows couples to:

• Input their names, wedding date, and venue information
• Test various styles and layouts with their personal details
• Compare how different designs look with their specific information
• Evaluate how different paper types and finishes appear with actual text

This personalized approach enables couples to make more informed decisions about which design best represents their wedding style and aesthetic preferences.

Request Process and Terms

To obtain either option, couples must visit Shutterfly's wedding samples page and make their selection between the curated sample kit or the personalized invitations. During checkout, they apply the code 5FREEWEDS to receive both the samples and free shipping at no charge.

Important terms and conditions include:

• The offer is available to U.S. residents only
• Each household is limited to one free sample request
• Couples cannot request both the sample kit and personalized samples in the same order
• The offer is subject to availability while supplies last
• Additional terms may apply

Other Companies Offering Free Wedding Invitation Samples

Beyond Shutterfly, numerous other companies provide free wedding invitation samples with free shipping or no shipping cost. These alternatives offer diverse styles, paper types, and customization options.

Companies Offering Personalized Samples

Several companies allow couples to see their actual wedding details on sample invitations:

• Magnet Street: Provides three free wedding invitations printed on magnets along with a swatch of wedding colors. Couples can personalize the text, colors, and photos of their samples.

Companies Offering Non-Personalized Samples

Most companies offer samples with generic text or random designs, allowing couples to evaluate paper quality, printing techniques, and overall aesthetic:

• The American Wedding: Gives away up to five free invitation items, allowing couples to see, touch, and compare paper quality and design elements.

• Anna Malie Design: Couples can browse designs and request a sample of their preferred choice. Samples are shipped within 5-7 business days.

• Shine Wedding Invitations: Offers a large collection of designs from which to choose samples. The sample packs include invitations, envelopes, and enclosure cards, though personal details are not printed.

• Paper Culture: Provides a free sample kit without requiring a credit card. The company specializes in eco-friendly invitation options.

• Fine Day Press: Couples can fill out a simple form to receive a sample by mail.

• Seventh & Anderson: This company ships samples exclusively to customers in the United States.

• The Invitation Maker: Offers free wedding invitation samples kits by mail, typically arriving within a few days of request.

• Evermine: Their sample kit contains a wedding invitation, save-the-date card, paper samples, favor labels, drink coasters, and an exclusive offer for future purchases.

• New and Blue: Requires couples to fill out a form with details about their wedding and other events they might be planning. This information helps the company customize the sample contents for the occasion.

• Minted: Provides non-personalized sample packs that include a mix of invitation types and paper swatches with free shipping.

• Artifact Uprising: Offers free invitation sample packs featuring modern wedding invitation designs.

Types of Free Wedding Invitation Samples

Understanding the different types of free samples available can help couples determine which option best suits their needs and decision-making process.

Samples with Personal Text

Some companies, like Shutterfly and Magnet Street, allow couples to preview their actual wedding information on sample invitations. These personalized samples offer several advantages:

• Enable direct comparison of how different designs look with specific names, dates, and details
• Help assess readability and layout with actual text
• Provide a more realistic preview of the final product
• Assist in determining which design best accommodates the amount of information needed

Samples with Random Text

Most companies provide samples with generic or random text. These samples focus primarily on:

• Evaluating paper quality, thickness, and texture
• Assessing printing techniques and color accuracy
• Comparing design elements and aesthetic appeal
• Examining envelope quality and size
• Reviewing special finishes like foil, embossing, or die-cuts

While these samples don't show personal information, they remain valuable for assessing the physical quality and craftsmanship of the invitations.

Editable, Print-It-Yourself Templates

For couples seeking maximum flexibility and cost savings, some companies offer free printable wedding invitation templates. These digital resources include:

• Wedding Chicks: Provides dozens of downloadable templates for free, including invitations, save-the-date cards, and thank you cards. These templates can be printed at home or through a local print shop.

• Cards & Pockets: Functions as a comprehensive resource for creating invitations or stationery for various events, offering free templates that can be customized and printed.

Online template resources offer the advantage of immediate access and unlimited customization, though the quality depends on the printer and paper used.

Additional Ways to Obtain Free Wedding Invitation Samples

Beyond requesting samples directly from companies, couples can explore alternative methods to obtain free wedding invitation samples.

Bridal Fairs

Bridal fairs represent an excellent opportunity to collect multiple samples from various vendors in one location. These events typically feature:

• Numerous wedding invitation vendors showcasing their products
• Representatives who can provide detailed information about paper types, printing methods, and customization options
• Special offers or discounts for fair attendees
• The ability to physically compare samples side by side

To find bridal fairs in their area, couples can check online directories organized by state and date. Many fairs require advance registration, so planning ahead is advisable.

Collecting Samples from Friends

Couples often overlook the value of obtaining physical samples from friends who have recently married. This approach offers several benefits:

• Real-world examples of how invitations look after mailing
• Insights into paper quality and durability over time
• Honest feedback about the ordering and printing process
• Potential access to leftover samples that friends might be willing to part with

While this method doesn't guarantee new samples, it can provide additional references and insights during the decision-making process.

How to Maximize Your Free Sample Experience

When requesting free wedding invitation samples, couples can follow several strategies to make the most of these opportunities:

Organize Your Sample Requests

Keep track of which companies you've contacted and which samples you've received. Consider creating a spreadsheet with columns for:

• Company name
• Date requested
• Date received
• Sample contents
• Personal impressions
• Pros and cons

This systematic approach helps ensure you receive samples from multiple vendors and can make objective comparisons.

Evaluate Samples Thoroughly

When your samples arrive, take time to evaluate them carefully:

• Examine paper quality, weight, and texture
• Assess printing color accuracy and clarity
• Check envelope quality and size appropriateness
• Consider how different designs might accommodate your specific information
• Note any special finishes or embellishments

It can be helpful to photograph samples in natural light to better compare colors and designs.

Consider Your Wedding Style and Theme

Select samples that align with your overall wedding aesthetic. Consider:

• Formal vs. casual wedding style
• Seasonal elements (colors, motifs, paper types)
• Venue type and setting
• Wedding color palette
• Personal style preferences

Samples that coordinate well with your overall vision will provide more useful reference points.

Plan for Time

Request samples well in advance of your wedding date, as:

• Some companies take time to process and ship samples
• You may want to request additional samples from companies you particularly like
• Comparing samples takes time and consideration
• Ordering custom invitations typically requires several weeks for production and delivery

Most wedding planning experts recommend ordering invitations at least three to four months before the wedding date.

Conclusion

Free wedding invitation samples with free shipping represent an invaluable resource for couples planning their special day. By exploring options from multiple vendors like Shutterfly, The American Wedding, Paper Culture, and others, couples can make informed decisions about design, paper quality, and overall aesthetic without financial commitment.

The variety of sample types available—from personalized previews with actual wedding details to generic samples focused on paper quality and design elements—ensures that couples can find the approach that best suits their decision-making process. Additionally, alternative methods like attending bridal fairs or collecting samples from recently married friends provide additional opportunities to gather inspiration and make comparisons.

By systematically requesting, organizing, and evaluating samples, couples can select wedding invitations that perfectly reflect their style, set the appropriate tone for their celebration, and provide guests with beautiful and informative first impressions of their wedding day.

Sources

1. Free Wedding Samples from Shutterfly
2. Free Wedding Sample Kit or 5 Custom Invites from Shutterfly
3. Free Wedding Invitation Samples
4. Free Wedding Samples
5. Free Wedding Sample Kit