Creating Elegant, Embossed Wedding Invites At Home

Planning a wedding is stressful, but embossed wedding invitations can help set the tone for your big day. The process of embossing involves pressing paper with metal to raise the surface, creating a unique 3D effect. This technique adds a touch of luxury and elegance to your invitations, making them stand out and leaving your guests eager for the festivities to come. With a wide range of designs, formats, and printing options available, you can customise your invitations to match your wedding theme, whether it's vintage chic, romantic, or modern.

Choosing paper stock

When choosing paper stock for your embossed wedding invitations, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine the printing process you will be using, whether that be printing at home or using a professional print shop. Most home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it is important to check your printer's specifications before purchasing paper. If you opt for a professional print shop, inquire about their equipment and capabilities to ensure they can accommodate your chosen paper weight, thickness, and texture.

The type of invitation you are creating will also influence your paper choice. Flat invitation cards typically use heavier weight cardstock, starting at 80lb cover. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, use lighter weight cardstock, usually ranging from 65lb to 100lb cover. For layered invitation cards, it is recommended to keep the top layer light, attaching it to a heavier card, while the backer or pocket can be as heavy as you like.

Another consideration is postage cost. Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter weight cardstock can help keep costs down.

When selecting paper stock, you will also want to think about the texture and thickness of the paper. Embossing adds a new dimension to your invitations, so choosing a paper stock that complements this effect is important. Thicker cardstock options, such as the 32pt Super Cover or 35pt Super Cover, offer a noticeable texture and an unbendable feel. However, these thicker options may not be suitable for home printers. For home printing, starting with 80lb cardstock and increasing the weight gradually is recommended to find the maximum thickness your printer can handle.

Ultimately, the choice of paper stock for your embossed wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences, design choices, and budget.

Embossing methods

Embossing is the process of pressing paper with metal to raise the surface and create a unique 3D effect. There are a few different methods you can use to achieve this effect:

Metal Stamps

Metal stamps, also known as embossing stamps, are a great way to create a custom embossed design. You can choose from a variety of fonts, sizes, and shapes to create your own unique stamp. This method is perfect for adding your initials, the wedding date, or any other custom text to your invitations. You can find metal stamps in different sizes, depending on your needs.

Embossing Folders

Embossing folders are another way to create a raised design on your invitations. These folders come in a variety of patterns and designs, and when pressed onto the paper, they create a beautiful embossed effect. You can find embossing folders with floral patterns, geometric designs, or even custom monograms to match your wedding theme.

Blind Embossing

Blind embossing is a technique where the embossing is done without any ink or foil, creating a subtle and elegant raised design. This method is perfect for adding a simple border, a monogram, or even a intricate pattern to your invitations. Blind embossing is a great way to add texture and interest to your invitations without using any colour.

Thermography

Thermography is a unique technique that combines UV light and a specially formulated polymer to create a raised, shiny texture on your invitations. This method is perfect for creating elegant and sophisticated invitations with a modern twist. Thermography is a good choice if you want to step away from traditional printing methods and create something truly unique.

Foil Embossing

Foil embossing is a process where foil is pressed onto the paper to create a raised, shiny design. This method adds a touch of luxury and elegance to your invitations. You can choose from a variety of foil colours, such as gold, silver, or rose gold, to match your wedding colour palette. Foil embossing is perfect for creating glamorous and romantic invitations that will truly stand out.

Design tips

Embossed wedding invitations are a great way to add a touch of luxury and elegance to your special day. Here are some tips to help you create stunning embossed invitations:

• Choose the Right Paper: The paper you select will significantly impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Opt for high-quality paper with a thickness that complements the embossing. Consider options like the 16pt Cover- Fine Finch, which is denser than most single-layer cards, or the 17.5pt Cover- Eggshell Ultra White for a luxurious texture.
• Keep it Minimal: When it comes to the design, less is more. Embossing adds a unique 3D effect, so avoid overly complex or cluttered designs. Simple and minimalist invitations will let the embossing shine and create an elegant impression.
• Highlight Key Information: Use embossing to draw attention to important details such as the couple's names, the venue, or the date. This technique will make certain elements pop and ensure your guests don't miss any crucial information.
• Colour Options: You can choose from various colours for your invitations, including classic options like white, gold, silver, or ecru, or more unique choices like shimmer, lace, or floral patterns. Consider a colour that reflects your wedding theme or personal style.
• Customisation: Embossed invitations can be customised to your preferences. You can choose the size, shape, paper stock, and colour printing options to create invitations that truly represent you and your partner. Don't be afraid to get creative and make them unique to your special day.
• Font Choice: While you may be limited in the fonts available, choosing a chic and timeless typography will enhance the elegance of your invitations. Ensure the font is legible and complements the overall design aesthetic.

Printing options

Embossed wedding invitations are an elegant, classy, and brilliant way to share the tone and theme of your wedding with guests. There are many printing options to choose from, depending on your budget and desired look.

Embossing is the process of pressing paper with metal to raise the surface, adding a new dimension that results in an elegant look and feel. This specialty printing process creates a unique 3D effect that is incredibly popular for wedding invitations. You can use this technique to highlight your names, the venue, the date, or any other key information.

If you're looking for something more unconventional and want to step away from traditional digital flat prints, thermography is another option. This specialty printing technique combines UV light and a specially formulated polymer to create a raised, shiny texture that is scratch-resistant and elegant, especially in simple designs.

Gold Image Printing offers full-color digital printing on either one or both sides of your invitations, allowing you to print in any color on the spectrum. They also provide graphic design services to help you create your perfect invitation.

Polka Dot Paper also offers embossed or letterpress finishes to make your invitations extra lush. They provide two rounds of changes included with your order, and you can customise the wording, colours, and shapes to fit your vision.

The Invitation Depot offers a wide range of embossed wedding invitations at various price points, from cheap to more expensive, so you can find something that fits your budget. They have invitations in various colours, including white, gold, silver, and floral designs, and offer features like foil, shimmer, and lace.

Cost and quantity

The cost of embossed wedding invitations varies depending on the quantity ordered, the complexity of the design, and the materials used. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost and quantity considerations:

Cost Factors:

• Paper Quality and Weight: The cost of embossed invitations can be influenced by the type of paper chosen. For instance, Gold Image Printing offers a range of paper options, including premium uncoated smooth stock and various thicknesses such as 16pt, 17.5pt, 35pt, and more. The denser and thicker options tend to be more expensive.
• Printing Technique: Different printing techniques, such as thermography, letterpress, or foil stamping, can impact the cost. For example, thermography combines UV light and a specialised polymer to create a raised, scratch-resistant texture, which may incur additional charges.
• Customisation: Adding custom features such as embossing, foil stamping, die-cutting, or custom shapes and sizes can increase the cost per invitation.
• Design Complexity: Embossed invitations with intricate designs, multiple colours, or special finishes (e.g., metallic prints or raised foil) will likely be more expensive than simpler designs.
• Shipping and Taxes: Don't forget to factor in shipping costs and any applicable taxes, which can add to the overall expense. Some companies offer free shipping above a certain order value.

Quantity Considerations:

• Minimum Order Requirements: Many companies have minimum order quantities, typically starting at 25 or 100 invitations. It's important to check these requirements, especially if you have a smaller guest list.
• Guest List Variability: It's recommended to order 10-15 spares to account for last-minute guest list changes or errors in addressing. This helps ensure you have enough invitations without needing to place a small, rush order later.
• Bulk Discounts: Ordering in bulk often results in better pricing per invitation. For example, Gold Image Printing mentions that the more you order, the better the pricing.
• Standard Sizes: Opting for standard invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7", can help streamline the production process and may be more cost-effective than custom sizes.
• Turnaround Time: Consider the lead time required for production and shipping. More complex designs or larger quantities may take longer to produce and deliver, so plan accordingly to avoid rush fees.

In summary, the cost of embossed wedding invitations can range from $100 to $700 per 100 invitations, depending on the specific options and customisations chosen. It's important to compare prices from multiple vendors, consider your budget, and factor in any additional costs, such as shipping, taxes, and spares.

Frequently asked questions