Printing Wedding Invitations: Techniques And Tips For Couples

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, setting the tone and giving guests an idea of what to expect. There are many options available when it comes to printing wedding invitations, from luxurious letterpress and foil stamping to more affordable flat printing and DIY options. The choice of printing method depends on factors such as budget, desired style, and paper type. Letterpress and foil stamping create a luxurious and elegant impression, while flat printing is cost-effective and versatile. Couples can also opt for digital printing, which offers design flexibility, or DIY their invitations using downloadable templates. Ultimately, the choice of printing method for wedding invitations depends on personal preferences, budget, and the desired style and quality.

Printing methods: letterpress, hot foil stamping, digital, laser-cut

Letterpress

Letterpress printing is a traditional technique that dates back to the 15th century. It involves using specialised equipment to imprint designs onto thick card stock, creating a deep impression that adds texture and a sense of luxury. Letterpress invitations are often combined with foil printing to add even more opulence. This printing method is ideal for those who want their wedding invitations to exude elegance and sophistication.

Hot Foil Stamping

Hot foil stamping, also known as foil pressing or foiling, is a luxurious printing process that has been used for high-end packaging and book covers for over a century. It has become an increasingly popular choice for wedding invitations due to its ability to add elegance and glamour. This process involves using heat to transfer thin sheets of metallic foil onto paper, resulting in a shiny and opaque finish. Foil stamping is perfect for those who want a true shiny gold, copper, rose gold, or silver invitation suite.

Digital

Digital printing is a modern and convenient way to create custom wedding invitations. It offers a wide range of design options, including flat and folded invitations, and allows for customisation with matching envelope options. Digital printing is a fast and efficient method that can cater to various paper types and fold styles. This printing technique is suitable for couples who want unique and personalised invitations without the premium cost of traditional printing methods.

Laser-Cut

Laser-cut wedding invitations offer a unique and elegant option for couples. This technique involves using a laser to cut and engrave intricate designs, patterns, and shapes into the invitation card or its cover. Laser-cut invitations are often paired with foil stamping or other printing methods to create a luxurious and distinctive finish. Laser-cut technology allows for customisation and personalisation, making it ideal for those who want their wedding invitations to stand out.

Paper types: card stock, cotton fibre, kraft, wood-grain, glassine, clear vellum

Wedding invitations can be printed on a variety of paper types, each offering a different look and feel. Here is an overview of some popular options:

Card Stock

Card stock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it gives a luxurious and elegant feel. It is a thick, heavy paper that exudes a premium look. The weight of card stock typically starts at 100 pounds per 500 sheets, with heavier options available. It comes in a variety of finishes, including unfinished, satin, silk, and glossy. Smooth matte is a popular choice, and textures like linen can be added for a more intricate design. Card stock is also suitable for various printing methods, including flat printing, letterpress, and foil stamping.

Cotton Fibre

Cotton fibre paper is a premium option for wedding invitations. It is made from 100% cotton, resulting in a super soft and durable sheet. Cotton fibre paper is free from imperfections and particles, creating a timeless look. This type of paper absorbs ink beautifully, making it ideal for techniques like letterpress. Cotton fibre paper is also acid-free and archival, ensuring the invitations last for years to come.

Kraft

Kraft paper, also known as grocery bag, brown bag, or cardboard paper, is a popular choice for rustic or vintage-themed weddings. It has an unpolished, natural look and a colour palette that ranges from white to classic kraft brown. Kraft paper is often used for invitations with a DIY or handmade feel. It can be paired with matching kraft envelopes to complete the rustic stationery suite.

Wood-Grain Paper

Wood-grain paper is another option for couples who want to incorporate a natural, outdoorsy feel into their wedding invitations. It has a similar look to kraft paper but with a more pronounced wood grain pattern. This type of paper adds a touch of warmth and intimacy to the invitation design.

Glassine and Clear Vellum

Glassine and clear vellum paper are translucent materials that provide depth and interest to wedding invitations. They are thin, smooth, and flexible, often used as layers to mute underlying colours or graphics. These papers can also be used for belly bands, which hold all the elements of the invitation package together. While they offer a unique, modern look, they do require special assembly and can increase postage costs.

When choosing a paper type for wedding invitations, couples should consider their budget, the desired look and feel, and the printing method that will best suit their chosen design.

Printing at home vs. outsourcing

Printing wedding invitations at home can be a budget-friendly alternative for couples who are looking to save money and don't mind a bit of DIY work. However, outsourcing to a professional printer can also offer benefits in terms of quality, time savings, and customisation options. Here is a detailed comparison of printing wedding invitations at home versus outsourcing:

Printing at Home:

• Cost-effectiveness: Printing at home can be more affordable, especially if you already have a printer and are able to buy ink and paper in bulk.
• Customisation: You have greater control over the customisation and personalisation of your invitations. You can easily make last-minute changes and print additional copies as needed.
• Time flexibility: There is no need to coordinate with external vendors, and you can print your invitations at your own pace.
• Privacy: Printing at home ensures that your invitation details remain private and are not shared with external vendors.

Outsourcing:

• Quality: Professional printers often offer higher-quality printing, with access to specialised equipment and materials that may not be available for at-home printing. This can result in sharper text, more vibrant colours, and thicker paper options.
• Time savings: Outsourcing printing can save you time and effort, as you don't need to set up your own printer, troubleshoot any issues, or cut the paper to size.
• Custom paper options: Professional printers often provide a wider range of paper options, including luxury and speciality papers that can enhance the look and feel of your invitations.
• Custom finishes: In addition to printing, outsourcing allows you to access custom finishes such as foil stamping, letterpress, embossing, and die-cutting, giving your invitations a more elegant and sophisticated appearance.
• Accuracy: Professional printers have the expertise to ensure accurate colour representation and proper alignment, reducing the risk of mistakes and the need for reprints.
• Bulk ordering: Outsourcing is often more cost-effective for larger quantities, as you can order in bulk and take advantage of wholesale prices.

Whether you choose to print your wedding invitations at home or outsource them to a professional, it's important to consider your budget, the level of customisation you desire, and the overall quality you want to achieve.

Design: fonts, colours, artwork, customisation

When it comes to designing your wedding invitations, there are several elements to consider, including fonts, colours, artwork, and customisation.

Fonts

The font you choose for your wedding invitations should reflect your wedding theme and style. If you want a formal and elegant look, script fonts with flourishes and swooshes are a good choice. For a more modern or eclectic wedding, sans-serif fonts are a better option. You can also use accent fonts to highlight important information such as names and dates. Legibility is also key – avoid fonts that are highly scripted or thin as they may be difficult to read. Some font options that work well for wedding invitations include:

• Adelio Darmanto
• Alex Brush
• Bodoni
• Broadway
• Yellow Rabbit
• Lemon Milk
• Elsie
• Roasting
• Freebooter
• Yaquote Script
• Dancing Script

Colours

The colours you choose for your invitations should complement your wedding colour palette and theme. If you're having a formal wedding, you might opt for classic colours like black, white, and gold. For a more whimsical or eclectic wedding, you can experiment with bolder colours. Keep in mind that darker and more vibrant colours may require more ink and increase your printing costs.

Artwork

Artwork can include everything from pencil or ink drawings to watercolour florals and washes. Flat printing is the most cost-effective option and is perfect for showcasing a wide range of artwork. Letterpress, on the other hand, is a more expensive but tactile option that creates a pillow-like effect around the design. Foil printing is another trendy option that adds a glamorous touch to your invitations.

Customisation

Customising your wedding invitations allows you to add a personal touch and make them unique to your special day. You can customise your invitations by changing the fonts, colours, and wording to match your wedding style and theme. If you're working with a designer, they can help you with customisation, but it may increase the cost. When customising your invitations, consider the following:

• Wording: Choose wording that suits you as a couple and reflects the tone and style of your wedding.
• Paper type: Opt for thicker card stock for a more luxurious feel.
• Printing method: Choose from various printing methods like flat printing, letterpress, and foil stamping to create the desired look and feel.
• Envelopes: Select envelopes that complement your invitations and consider adding envelope liners for a touch of elegance.

Cost: budget-friendly options, cost-saving measures, luxury options

Cost: Budget-friendly options, cost-saving measures, and luxury options

The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on the printing method, paper type, and level of customisation. The good news is that there are plenty of options available to suit any budget.

Budget-friendly options

If you're working with a tight budget, consider printing your wedding invitations at home using a basic inkjet or laser printer. This option typically costs $150 or more for 100 invitations and response cards. You can find downloadable templates online for a minimal cost, or create your own design using software such as Adobe InDesign. Remember to factor in the cost of paper, envelopes, and postage, as these can add up quickly.

Another budget-friendly option is to use an online print-on-demand service, such as Minted, Shutterfly, or Zazzle, which offer affordable invitation templates and customisation options. These sites often provide discount codes to help you save even more.

Cost-saving measures

To save costs, opt for flat printed invitations, which are the most affordable printing method. Avoid adding extra enclosures or inserts unless necessary, as these will increase the weight of your invitation suite and require additional postage. Keep your design simple and elegant, using a single colour or a limited colour palette.

If you're willing to put in some extra time and effort, creating your own DIY wedding invitations can also save you money. Start by gathering inspiration and creating a mood board to define your style. Then, purchase coloured cardstock and envelopes, and format your text to fit the page. Don't forget to include RSVP information, either through a physical card or by directing guests to a wedding website.

Luxury options

For those seeking a more luxurious option, custom-designed invitations from a graphic design studio or a local stationery shop can be a great choice. These invitations often include custom logos, monograms, illustrations, or hand-calligraphy, and typically start at $700 or more for 100 invitations.

If you want to add a hint of luxury to your invitations, consider using special printing techniques such as letterpress, foil stamping, or embossing. These methods create a raised or indented design on the paper and can be combined with flat printing to showcase artwork. However, each additional colour will increase the cost, so choose your design elements wisely.

For an extra touch of glamour, you can add foil accents, such as copper, gold, rose gold, or silver foil stamping. This option can be quite expensive, with a full foil stamp set costing around $1,800 for 100 invitations. Blind debossing and embossing are more affordable options, costing around $300 to $400 for 100 invitations.

Finally, don't forget the little details that can elevate your invitations, such as envelope liners, wax seals, bevel cuts, or bevelled edges. These add-ons will enhance the overall presentation and create a lasting impression on your guests.

Frequently asked questions