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, how do you make a home-printed wedding invitation look great? What do the invitation pros know that you don't? To learn a few tips and tricks that will give your free printable wedding invitations that professional look and feel, keep reading.

Buy a High-Quality Paper Stock

When you go to print out your wedding invitations, you're not going to reach for a no-name package of copier paper. Instead, you want to invest in a heavy card stock that has texture, weight and an expensive feel. Not only will your wedding invitations be more substantial and durable, they'll also look better. Aim for at least an 80lb card stock.

You can pick up pre-cut card stock at most craft or paper stores. Or, you can purchase a ream of plain, white or cream-colored card stock and cut each invitation out yourself. If you do cut the invitations, be sure to use a high-quality paper cutter to ensure accuracy and a straight, clean cut. When making your own invitations, reply cards and wedding programs, try to buy the same type of stock paper so that they match.

Use a High-Quality 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 an Embellishment

There's nothing wrong with a classic invitation printed on a basic, clean piece of white card stock. Like that little, black dress in your closet - it's traditional, safe and always looks great. However, you can also take your wedding invitations to another level with a small, personal touch or embellishment.

Try adding a small bow at the top, or affixing a small charm or die-cut paper charm (these can often be found at scrapbooking stores). A style that's become increasingly popular is to print your wedding invitations on vellum paper, which is see-through and creates a soft, ghosted effect.

Pick a Font That's Clear

Searching for free printable wedding invitations online is great, but don't get sucked in by complex, but hard-to-read fonts. Ideally, you want all your wedding guests to be able to easily read and understand every word of your invitation. So, stay away from overly ornate, script fonts that don't always work on paper and keep your focus on the development of high quality invitations that will contribute to a very positive wedding experience.