An invitation to attend a wedding is not the same as just sending out a card. The wedding invitations you send will be the setting the tone for the entire event. Many of your guests first impressions will be based on the look and feel of the invitation they receive. If you’ve spent a lot of time fretting over card stock and printing, don’t feel foolish. You are absolutely correct to attach such importance to this seemingly small decision, and with today’s choices being as varied as they are, it does take some time to sort through the process.
With wedding invitations, there are five types of printing that are commonly used. Carefully consider your budget and your overall wedding theme before making a decision on either printing of your paper type.
Thermography is one of the newer processes. It takes powder and ink, fuses them together using high temperatures, and the result gives you a nice raised letter. This is one of the least expensive prints, and therefore one of the most common. Also, it takes much less time than traditional engraving.
Embossing is simply stunning when done correctly. No ink is used in the process; rather it is done by using metal plates. Metal plates are etched with your images and lettering and these plates are stamped directly into the paper. Keep in mind that Embossing takes much longer than Thermography, so allow additional time for your order.
For textured paper, Lithography is a good choice. It is also one of the least expensive types of printing. The ink is carefully mixed so that it will match properly on all your printed matter, then is stamped directly onto the paper. Because the text is flat, it works well on textures. Because it is so simple, inexpensive, and can be completed quickly, Lithography is a very popular choice.
Foil Stamping is one of the more expensive and time consuming methods printing, and is often used for very formal affairs. It involves foil etchings that are heated and then stamped on the paper.
One of the most traditional types of invitation printing is engraving. It also happens to be the oldest form of printing in the world, with origins dating back to the 17th century. Finely textured raised lettering is created using sandwiching method. This works well on many different types of paper. It is another method that is quite expensive and time consuming, so consider your budget carefully and be sure and order your engraved wedding invitations at least six weeks in advance.
Take time to carefully investigate your options for printing wedding invitations. With so many choices available, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
