Wedding Invites: Stationery Or Not?

Wedding stationery typically includes every paper item provided for guests, from engagement party invites to thank-you notes. Wedding invitations are part of this mix, along with items like welcome signs, escort card displays, table numbers, and dinner menus. The wedding invitation suite refers to the components of the wedding invitation itself, including the invite, response card, and envelope. Other paper items like menus, thank-you cards, and save-the-dates are considered part of the wedding stationery suite.

Wedding invitations are considered a type of stationery

Wedding stationery is any printed piece that shares information about your wedding. This includes items like welcome signs, escort card displays, table numbers, and dinner menus. Wedding stationery is not limited to paper and can include items made from non-paper materials such as acrylic, wood, and fabric.

A wedding invitation suite typically includes an inner and outer envelope, with the outer envelope containing the recipient's address and postage stamps, and the inner envelope holding the invitation itself and indicating who is invited. The invitation card should include information such as the date, time, name of the venue, and attire. It may also include response cards, reception cards, direction cards, and accommodation cards.

Couples may choose to have matching wedding stationery for a cohesive look, or they may opt for a more creative approach with coordinated stationery that uses similar colors, patterns, and decor. The choice ultimately depends on the couple's preferences and needs.

Wedding stationery includes any printed piece that shares information about your wedding

Wedding stationery is any printed material that shares information about your wedding. This can include everything from invitations to thank-you notes, and is a great way to make guests feel informed and included.

The Wedding Invitation Suite

The wedding invitation suite refers to the components of the wedding invitation itself, including everything that goes in the envelope. This typically includes:

• The invitation card, which includes the date, time, and venue of the wedding ceremony.
• A response card (or RSVP) with a reply-by date, and a line for guests' names and responses.
• An outer envelope with the recipient's address and postage stamps.
• An addressed and postmarked RSVP envelope, stamped and marked with the host's address.

The Wedding Stationery Suite

The wedding stationery suite includes all other paper items, such as:

• Save-the-date cards, which are sent out in advance to inform guests of the wedding date and location.
• Thank-you notes to show appreciation for gifts or attendance.
• Enclosure cards with additional information such as accommodation options, transportation details, and itinerary.
• Reception cards, providing details of the reception venue if it is separate from the ceremony venue.
• Direction cards, which can be especially useful for guests without smartphones or for weddings in rural locations.

Other Wedding Stationery

In addition to the invitation and stationery suites, there are other printed materials that may be included in wedding stationery:

• Engagement party invitations.
• Bridal party proposal cards and invitations.
• Bridal shower thank-you cards.
• Bachelor/bachelorette party invitations.
• Rehearsal dinner invitations.
• Ceremony programs, which outline the order of the ceremony and recognise bridal party members.
• Escort cards or boards, place cards, and table numbers for seating assignments.
• Menu cards, which give an overview of the meal to be served.
• Welcome bag notes and tags for guests who have travelled to the wedding.

Wedding invitations should be printed on card stock

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding stationery, which encompasses every piece of stylised paper material designed for a couple's celebration. This includes engagement party invites, save-the-date cards, bridal party materials, and thank-you notes.

When it comes to wedding invitations, cardstock is the recommended paper type. Cardstock is thicker than regular paper, allowing for various inks and printing styles without falling apart. It also gives invitations a more luxurious feel at a lower price point.

Durability and Quality:

Cardstock is known for its thickness and durability. It is a sturdy material that can withstand the printing process and mail delivery without easily bending or tearing. This ensures that your invitations arrive in good condition and creates a favourable first impression.

Formality and Elegance:

The weight and texture of cardstock elevate the look and feel of wedding invitations. Its similarity in weight to a greeting card adds a sense of formality and elegance, befitting the occasion. Cardstock also allows for a wider range of printing styles, such as letterpress, embossing, or foil stamping, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the invitation.

Ease of Use:

Cardstock is compatible with most home printers, making it a convenient option for couples who choose to print their invitations at home. It feeds smoothly into printers and can be customised with different inks and printing techniques. Additionally, cardstock does not require folding to fit into standard envelopes, simplifying the assembly process.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Printing wedding invitations on cardstock strikes a balance between quality and affordability. While thicker cardstocks may come at a slightly higher price, they still offer a luxurious feel without the steep cost associated with specialty papers. Couples can further save costs by printing the invitations themselves or opting for digital printing services.

Design Options:

Cardstock comes in a variety of colours, weights, and textures, providing couples with numerous design options. They can choose from solid white cardstock for a classic look, linen cardstock for a delicate woven texture, or even wood grain cardstock for a unique, decorative touch. The versatility of cardstock allows couples to personalise their invitations and create invitations that align with their wedding theme and style.

In conclusion, printing wedding invitations on cardstock offers a combination of durability, elegance, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility. It ensures that your invitations are not only functional but also reflect the significance and joy of the occasion.

Wedding invitation paper options include cotton fibre, kraft and wood-grain paper, glassine and clear vellum paper, and acrylic

Wedding invitations are a type of stationery, and there are many paper options to choose from when designing them. Cotton fibre paper is known for its strength and durability, and its soft feel. It absorbs ink well, which can make coloured ink appear richer. Cotton paper is also the most expensive option. Kraft paper, made from recycled materials, is a good choice for eco-friendly couples or rustic-style weddings. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from kraft cardstock to pulpy, handmade papers.

Wood-grain paper is another option for a rustic or outdoorsy feel. Glassine and clear vellum paper are classic non-opaque choices that provide depth and interest to invitations. They are flexible, translucent, cloudy white materials that are very smooth and thin. They can be used to create borders or to mute underlying stock or graphics. Acrylic invitations are also an option for couples who want something unique and dramatic. They are rigid, thin sheets of clear material that can be digitally printed, etched, or engraved. However, standard foil stamping or thermography cannot be used on acrylic as it may warp the material.

Wedding invitation printing options include engraving, embossing, foil stamping, letterpress, UV and thermographic printing, and flat digital printing

Wedding invitations are a part of wedding stationery, which includes every piece of paper material designed for the celebration. This ranges from engagement party invites and save-the-date cards to thank-you notes and wedding invitations.

There are several printing options for wedding invitations, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations. Here is an overview of the different printing methods:

Engraving

Engraving is a classic and formal printing technique that creates raised letters on the wedding invitation. The paper is pressed between an inked plate and a metal plate, resulting in raised text on the front and an indentation on the back. This method works best with thick paper, such as cotton fiber, and can accommodate printing on colored paper. Engraving allows for multiple ink colors but is time-consuming and expensive. The turnaround time for engraved invitations can range from two to six weeks.

Embossing

Embossing is similar to engraving but without the use of ink. It creates a raised, colorless design or text on the invitation, typically reserved for graphics to ensure legibility. Embossing is usually done on thicker paper stock, such as cotton fiber, to achieve crisp lines and impressions. The turnaround time is similar to engraving, taking around three to five weeks.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping adds shine and luxury to wedding invitations by pressing metallic foil (gold, silver, rose gold, etc.) onto the paper using a heated copper plate. It is ideal for highlighting design elements and printing light colors on dark papers. Foil stamping is a costly process due to the need for special foil presses and custom dies. The turnaround time can be around four to six weeks, especially when paired with other print methods.

Letterpress

Letterpress printing is a relief printing method that utilizes a raised image or text pressed directly onto thick, soft cotton paper, creating a beautiful "stamped-in" effect. It is a labor-intensive process that requires skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it more expensive. Letterpress printing is best suited for vector-based designs and may not capture the colors of photographs accurately. The turnaround time can vary from two to six weeks, depending on the printer.

UV and Thermographic Printing

Thermography is a modern technique that fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering, similar to engraving but at a lower cost. It is best suited for small graphics and patterns, as full-color images may not turn out well. Cotton fiber is a recommended paper option, while pearlescent or shimmery paper should be avoided. Thermography has a faster turnaround time, often completed in just a few days.

Flat Digital Printing

Digital printing is the most common, cost-effective, and simplest printing method. It uses a high-quality printer to produce invitations quickly and economically. Digital printing offers a wide range of rich colors and can be done on various paper types, including thinner paper and thicker cotton fiber paper. This method is ideal for couples on a tight timeline or budget, with a typical turnaround time of just a few days.

Frequently asked questions