If you sell templates for weddings, showers, birthdays, or holiday parties, you’ve probably asked yourself:
Should I focus on digital or printable templates?
In the world of life events, both formats have a place—but understanding what your customers value most can help you make smarter, more strategic design choices.
Let’s explore the pros, the use cases, and what today’s buyers actually prefer.
What Are Digital Templates for Events?
Digital templates are designed to be used electronically. Instead of printing them, customers download, edit, and send them via text, email, or DM.
Examples:
- Emailed baby shower invitations
- Wedding e-vites with clickable links
- Instagram-sized engagement announcements
- Holiday party invites sent by text
Pros:
- No printing required—perfect for last-minute planners
- Eco-conscious option
- Easy to share with friends and family
- Quick to edit and send
Best for:
Casual events, tech-savvy hosts, or families planning long-distance celebrations.
What Are Printable Templates for Events?
Printable templates are designed to be edited and then printed—either at home or through a professional service. They’re ideal for hosts who want physical keepsakes or tangible decor to match the aesthetic of their event.
Examples:
- Printed wedding invitation suites
- Baby shower signage and favor tags
- Birthday banners and milestone boards
- Friendsgiving menus and Christmas dinner place cards
Pros:
- Feels premium and intentional
- Tangible decor adds atmosphere
- Ideal for styled events and photos
- Guests often appreciate a physical invite
Best for:
Weddings, showers, milestone birthdays, and holiday gatherings.
Digital or Printable Templates: What Do Buyers Prefer?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what format customers typically prefer based on different life event types:
- Weddings
→ Prefer Printable
Couples often want full invitation suites, ceremony signs, menus, and other tactile elements that elevate the event experience. - Baby Showers
→ Prefer Printable
Hosts love using matching invitations, games, and decor they can display in person or gift to the new parents. - Birthday Parties
→ Prefer Printable
From kids’ birthdays to adult milestones, buyers appreciate banners, signs, and printed invitations that set the tone. - Holiday Dinners & Celebrations
→ Prefer Printable
Think Friendsgiving menus, Christmas place cards, or New Year’s welcome signs—printables add that extra festive touch. - Virtual Baby Showers
→ Prefer Digital
For remote gatherings, email or text-invites make the planning process simple and budget-friendly. - Long-Distance Celebrations
→ Prefer Digital
Perfect for engagement announcements, save-the-dates, or casual invites shared quickly via email or DM.
Conclusion:
Most life event planners still prefer printable templates—especially when they want an elevated, cohesive look. But digital templates are rising in popularity for more casual or remote-friendly celebrations.
What Works Best for Sellers?
If you’re selling on Etsy or your own site, here’s what to consider:
Printable Templates:
- Higher perceived value
- Ideal for bundles (signs, invites, menus, etc.)
- Easier to style and photograph
- Appeals to traditional hosts and party planners
Digital Templates:
- Quick to deliver and edit
- Lower customer support (no printer troubleshooting)
- Great for simple invites and long-distance events
- Pairs well with mobile-first shoppers
With Templett, you can easily create templates that work for either use case—buyers can customize online, then choose to print or send digitally depending on their needs.
Offer Flexibility: Let Customers Choose
Want the best of both worlds?
Design editable templates that are print-ready but also digital-friendly.
For example:
- A wedding invitation that prints beautifully, but can also be downloaded as a PNG for email
- A baby shower welcome sign that’s printable, plus an Instagram graphic for online RSVPs
- A birthday party set with both PDF and JPG formats for easy use
By offering flexible, editable designs, you’re meeting your audience exactly where they are—whether they’re planning an elegant dinner or a Zoom-hosted baby sprinkle.
Final Thoughts
So, which is better: digital or printable templates?
When it comes to life events, printable templates still lead the way. They create atmosphere, feel personal, and photograph beautifully. But digital templates serve modern buyers looking for speed and convenience.
The most successful shops offer both—or create designs that adapt to either style.
And with Templett, offering editable templates that can be printed or shared digitally is simple for you—and seamless for your buyers.
