Creating Elegant, Embossed Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Embossing wedding invitations is a great way to add a touch of luxury and elegance to your special day. The process of embossing creates a unique 3D effect by raising the surface of the paper with metal, resulting in an invitation that quite literally stands out. With a wide range of designs, colours, and printing options available, you can create a one-of-a-kind invitation that reflects your style and personality. Whether you're looking for something modern, classic, or elegant, embossing is a perfect choice for making your wedding invitations memorable.

Choosing paper stock for embossed wedding invitations

The paper stock you choose for your embossed wedding invitations can set the tone for your entire event. Here are some tips to help you select the right one:

Printing Process

The printing process is an important factor in determining the type and weight of paper to use for your invitations. If you plan to print your invitations at home, consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's important to check your printer's specifications. If you're using a professional print shop, contact them to understand their equipment and capabilities to ensure they can accommodate your chosen paper's weight, thickness, and texture.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation will also influence your paper choice. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier weight cardstock (80lb and up). On the other hand, folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock (65lb-100lb) as they will be twice as thick after folding. Layered invitation cards can vary in weight, but it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb and under) and attach it to a heavier card.

Postage

Keep in mind that the weight of your invitation will affect postage costs. Invitations weighing over one ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep costs down, opt for lighter cardstock.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of paper stock is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. Consider your budget, design, and any limitations you may have.

Paper Types

When choosing the type of paper for your embossed wedding invitations, you have several options:

• Card and Cover Stock: Thick and heavy paper gives a luxurious feeling. The typical weight for cover stock is 120 pounds, and it can come in various treatments such as satin, silk, or glossy.
• Cotton Fiber: This is the costliest option, but it feels super soft and has no imperfections. It's also durable and responds well to inks.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: These options convey a rustic or DIY touch and are perfect for outdoorsy or intimate weddings.
• Vellum: Translucent vellum is commonly used in layered invitations to add depth and interest. It has a smooth and thin finish, but be aware that glue can be visible.
• Parchment: This cloudy, translucent paper creates an airy, dreamy effect.
• Corrugated: This resembles ridged, wavy cardboard and is usually found in contemporary, edgier invitations.

Embossing methods and their effects

Embossing is a printing process that adds texture and dimension to wedding invitations, creating a unique 3D effect. Here are some common embossing methods and their effects:

• Metal embossing: This technique involves pressing metal plates or dies into paper to create raised surfaces. It gives wedding invitations an elegant look and feel, enhancing the overall design.
• Blind embossing: This method creates subtle yet striking effects by pressing designs into paper without printing or foil. The result is a tone-on-tone impression that adds depth and texture to the invitation.
• Foil embossing: This process combines embossing with foil stamping, using heat and pressure to apply foil to the raised areas of the paper. It creates a luxurious and elegant effect, especially when combined with simple invitation designs.
• Thermography: This unique technique uses UV light and a specially formulated polymer to create raised textures that are scratch-resistant and elegant. Thermography is perfect for couples who want to step away from traditional digital flat prints.
• Letterpress embossing: Letterpress embossing, or debossing, involves pressing metal surface letters inked in relief onto paper. This method adds a luxurious look and feel to the invitations, making them stand out.
• Custom embossing: Custom embossing allows you to create unique designs, monograms, or logos on your wedding invitations. You can choose personalised stamps, seals, or plates to create one-of-a-kind raised impressions that reflect your wedding theme.

Embossing methods add a touch of sophistication and elegance to wedding invitations, making them a popular choice for couples who want to make a lasting impression on their guests.

How to personalise embossed wedding invitations

There are many ways to personalise embossed wedding invitations to make them unique to you and your wedding. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Choose your paper stock:

The paper you choose will be critical to the final look and feel of your invitations. Consider the weight and texture of the paper, as well as whether you want it to be a standard colour or something more unique. Some popular choices include fine finch, eggshell ultra white, and colourplan pristine white.

Decide on the size:

The standard sizes for wedding invitations are 4" x 6", 5" x 7", 5.5" x 8.5", and 6" x 9", but you can also request a custom size to make your invitations stand out.

Pick your design:

You can choose to have your invitations printed in digital press full colour, with either the front only or both sides printed. Consider using a blend of colours to create a unique look. You can also decide which elements to emboss, such as your names, the venue, or the date.

Add personal touches:

You can include additional cards with your invitations, such as RSVP cards, information cards, maps, and any other personalisation you require. You can also choose to add edge painting to your invitations, which involves painting the edges in a colour of your choice to add a pop of colour.

Use a template:

Many websites offer free templates for embossed wedding invitations, which you can use to create your own unique design.

Customise the wording:

Your embossed wedding invitations should include key information such as a host line, the couple's names, and venue information. You can also add your own personal touch to the wording to make it unique to your wedding.

By following these steps, you can create elegant and personalised embossed wedding invitations that will wow your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Where to buy embossed wedding invitations

There are a variety of options available for purchasing embossed wedding invitations. For those looking for a more traditional in-person experience, The Invitation Depot in Massachusetts offers a boutique shopping experience for their embossed wedding invitations, which come in a variety of colours and styles.

For those who prefer to order online, there are several options available. Paperlust offers a wide variety of embossed foil wedding invitations, which are created in several Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, and Townsville. Gold Image Printing also offers embossed wedding invitations, which can be ordered online and customised with unique sizes, shapes, paper stock, and colour printing.

Etsy is another online option with a large selection of embossed wedding invitations from various sellers, with the added benefit of supporting small businesses. Polka Dot Paper is another online retailer that offers elegant embossed wedding invitations, with the added option of double-thick card stock and double-sided printing.

How to word embossed wedding invitations

The wording of your embossed wedding invitations will depend on the tone and level of formality of your wedding. Here is a guide on how to word embossed wedding invitations for various styles of weddings:

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording

The key hallmark of formal wording on wedding invitations is that everything is spelled out. This includes writing out the date and time in full rather than using numerals. Additionally, you should use the full names and middle names of the individuals getting married and the hosts. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at half past four at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

If the couple is hosting, the wording can be adjusted to:

> The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith to Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at half past four at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Fun Wedding Invitation Wording

If your wedding style is more about disco balls than ballrooms, your invite wording should reflect this. Fun wedding invitation wording will ensure your guests know they are in for a fantastic celebration. For example:

> John and Betty Smith invite you to raise a glass at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Dinner and dancing to follow.

If the couple is hosting, the wording can be adjusted to:

> Come party with us! Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim are tying the knot on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Dinner and dancing to follow.

Casual Wedding Invitation Wording

If you are having a small, relaxed wedding, or your style is just more casual, informal wedding invitation wording is a good choice. The request to attend can feel more conversational, and numerals should be used for the date and time. For example:

> Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim invite you to share in their joy at their wedding on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Creative Wedding Invitation Wording

If your wedding has a strong theme, or you enjoy thinking outside the box, feel free to get creative with the wording of your embossed wedding invitations. As long as you include the essential information, you can add in something quirky for the request to attend. For example:

> It's a wedding! John and Eliza Smith invite you to celebrate their son Jack Alexander as he weds Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Party to follow.

Modern Wedding Invitation Wording

With modern wedding invitations, you can change up the order of the details. Put your names front and centre at the top, keep the wording sleek and straightforward, and add lines that feel more like a text message than a wedding invitation. For example:

> Jack Smith & Mason Kim would love to eat wedding cake with you on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Simple Wedding Invitation Wording

Short, sweet, and to the point. You're in love, and you're getting married. A good wedding invitation message will convey that simply. For example:

> Jack Smith & Mason Kim are getting married on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand and twenty-four, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Frequently asked questions