Creating Folio Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding folios are a stylish and elegant way to present your wedding invitations. There are many options available to customise your folio invitations, including the printing process, materials, and colours. You can choose from processes such as thermography, letterpress, engraving, and foil stamping, and select from materials like cardstock, suede, acrylic, leather, velvet, silk, and linen. Many companies offer customisation options, allowing you to create a unique and luxurious invitation suite.

Printing techniques: thermography, letterpress, engraving, foil stamping

Folio wedding invitations can be printed using a variety of techniques, each with its own unique advantages and considerations. Here is an overview of four common printing techniques: thermography, letterpress, engraving, and foil stamping.

Thermography

Thermography is a popular choice for invitations due to its value and elegant appearance. It involves using heat to fuse ink with a resinous powder, creating raised lettering. This process is more affordable than engraving and can be completed in a few days. However, it has limited colour options and is not suitable for pastel hues or full-colour images. Pearlescent or shimmery paper should be avoided as the combination can be challenging to read.

Letterpress

Letterpress is an ancient technique that creates a stylish, high-end look. It involves printing designs or words with ink while simultaneously debossing the image into thick, soft paper. The result is elegant and textural, often used for traditional designs. Letterpress requires soft, bulky paper, such as cotton fibre or bamboo paper, and is best suited for white or light-coloured paper with dark ink. It is a labour-intensive method, and each colour requires a separate pass on the printing press, making it pricier for customisation.

Engraving

Engraving is an ultra-formal and expensive printing method. It involves etching an image onto a metal plate, filling it with ink, and then pressing the paper onto the plate with intense pressure. This process creates raised lettering on the front and an indentation on the back of the invitation. Engraving works best on thick paper, such as cotton fibre, and is suitable for printing on coloured paper. The ink used is thick, allowing light ink to show up on darker paper. Multiple ink colours can be used but require separate plates, increasing the time and cost. Engraving orders can take anywhere from two to six weeks to complete.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a printing process that fuses foil to paper, creating a metallic design. A heated copper plate is used to press the foil into the paper, leaving an impression. This technique is often used for luxe and romantic wedding invitations but can also be found on whimsical and casual invites. Lighter foils, such as silver and white, create a dramatic effect on darker papers. Foil stamping is the most expensive printing process and is typically outsourced, resulting in a longer turnaround time.

Materials: cardstock, suede, acrylic, leather, silk, velvet, linen

When it comes to making folio wedding invitations, the materials you choose will depend on the look and feel you want to achieve. Here are some options for materials you can use:

Cardstock

Cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it comes in a wide range of colours and can be printed on to achieve a "customised" look. It is also a good option for creating a sophisticated and classy invitation suite. Cardstock can be laminated with other materials such as silk, velvet, or vegan leather to create a more luxurious feel.

Suede

Suede gives your invitations a luxurious and elegant finish. It can be used as a hardcover for invitations, or as a soft folder or envelope. Suede can be customised with foil stamping, monogram embroidery, or printing.

Acrylic

Acrylic invitations are a unique and modern choice. They can be clear or coloured, and are often paired with other materials such as suede or cardstock. Acrylic invitations are usually printed or foil-stamped with details.

Leather

Leather, especially vegan leather, is a durable and stylish option for folio wedding invitations. It can be laminated with other materials or used on its own, and can be customised with printing, foil stamping, or debossing.

Silk

Silk is a luxurious and elegant choice for wedding invitations. It can be used to create hardcover invitations, folders, or pockets. Silk can be customised with embroidery, foil stamping, or silk-screen printing.

Velvet

Velvet gives your invitations a soft and luxurious feel. It is often used as a hardcover or folder, and can be customised with embroidery, foil stamping, or debossing. Velvet invitations often feature pearl or rhinestone brooches for added elegance.

Linen

Linen cardstock and linen fabric are both elegant choices for wedding invitations. Linen cardstock is a good option for printing, while linen fabric can be used to create folders or folios. Linen can be customised with embroidery, foil stamping, or debossing.

Design: vertical folio, hardcover, tri-fold, concertina, folder

Vertical Folio

The vertical folio style is a contemporary and elegant choice for wedding invitations. This style is available in a range of paper and ink colours, allowing for a high degree of customisation. The invitation size is typically 5.25 x 7.25 inches, and the folio can be closed with a bow or ribbon.

Hardcover

Hardcover folios can be made from a variety of materials, including silk, velvet, leather, linen, cardstock, suede, acrylic and leather. They are often laminated and can include pockets and corner holders to secure the invitation and any additional cards. Hardcover folios can also be customised with features such as monogram embroidery, foil stamping, silk-screen printing, debossing and embossing.

Tri-Fold

Tri-fold wedding invitations are a stylish option and can be customised with features such as foil stamping and pockets. They are often used in conjunction with a folio or folder.

Concertina

Concertina invitations are similar to tri-fold invitations, and can be customised with foil stamping.

Folder

Invitation folders can be made from a variety of materials, including velvet, leather, linen, cardstock, silk and suede. They often include pockets to hold the invitation and any additional cards. They can also be customised with features such as foil stamping, pockets and corner holders.

Colour: black, gold, silver, copper, white, cream, grey, purple, ivory, orange, mint, pink

When it comes to making folio wedding invitations, there are endless possibilities for customisation, including the colour. Here are some colour ideas and combinations to consider for your folio wedding invitations:

Black

Black is a colour that symbolises mystery, sensuality, formality, and elegance. It is a great choice for a dramatic and glamorous look. You can pair black with metallic foil, such as gold, silver, or rose gold, for a luxurious and opulent feel. Alternatively, you can pair it with white for a classic and elegant combination, or with softer colours like ballet-slipper pink or dusty mauve for a romantic vibe.

Gold

Gold is associated with luxury, good fortune, and royalty. It is a traditional and timeless choice for wedding invitations. Pair gold with black for a bold and elegant combination or with white for a luxurious and traditional look. For a modern twist, consider pairing gold with wildflower tones or pastel colours like blue, purple, or coral for a fresh and unexpected contrast.

Silver

Silver represents elegance, sophistication, and modernity. It is often chosen for its elegant and modern appeal. Silver can be combined with stone or dusty cream colours for a natural and subtle look. For a cool and luxe vibe, pair silver with navy. Silver and pastel colours, such as blue, purple, or coral, can also create a fresh and surprising combination.

Copper

Copper is a rich and warm metallic colour that can add a touch of luxury to your invitations. Consider pairing copper with ballet-slipper pink for a chic and tonal look that is within the same colour family.

White

White symbolises purity, innocence, cleanliness, and simplicity. It is a traditional and versatile choice for wedding invitations. White can be combined with black for a classic and elegant combination or with metallics, such as gold or copper, for a luxurious feel. For a soft and romantic look, pair white with cream and green.

Cream

Cream is a soft and elegant colour that can be used as a neutral accent or as a main hue. It pairs well with gold for a regal and elegant look, or with sage, French blue, and pale pink for a romantic and classic combination. Cream can also be combined with other neutrals, such as taupe or grey, for a subtle and refined palette.

Grey

Grey is a neutral colour that can be used as a subtle accent or a main hue. It works well with taupe or sandy shades for a muted and natural palette, especially in outdoor or rustic settings. Grey can also be paired with plum and gold for a bright and regal combination.

Purple

Purple represents wealth, royalty, and creativity. It is an uplifting and imaginative colour that can add a touch of magic to your invitations. Consider pairing purple with metallics, such as gold or silver, for a rich and luxurious look. For a soft and romantic palette, combine lavender or lilac with white or green. Burgundy or mauve shades of purple can be paired with metallics, green, or pink for a vibrant and organic feel.

Ivory

Ivory is a soft and elegant colour that can add a touch of luxury to your invitations. It is often associated with sophistication and opulence. Ivory pairs well with gold for a regal and elegant combination.

Orange

Orange is a vibrant and energetic colour that can add a touch of warmth and cheerfulness to your invitations. Consider pairing it with brown or grey for a rustic and natural look or with green for a tropical feel.

Mint

Mint is a playful and unexpected colour choice for wedding invitations. It can be paired with white or cream for a soft and subtle combination or with richer shades of green and pink for a bolder look.

Pink

Pink symbolises love, friendship, and affection. It is a versatile colour that can be used in various shades, from soft ballet-slipper pink to hot magenta. Pink can be combined with black for a romantic or modern look or with copper for a warm and rich contrast. For a tropical or poolside wedding, pair bright pink with green.

Customisations: monogram embroidery, foil stamping, debossing, embossing, rhinestones

Monogram Embroidery

Monogram embroidery is a popular customisation for folio wedding invitations. You can purchase monogram embroidery designs, fonts and files from Etsy.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a specialty printing process that uses heat and metallic film to produce a shiny design on paper and other materials. It is often used for luxury printing jobs such as special corporate events, charity galas and extravagant weddings.

Debossing

Debossing is a customisation method where your logo is milled onto a brass die, heated and impressed into the cover of your invitation. It is a popular choice for stationery work, such as letterheads and envelopes.

Embossing

Embossing is similar to debossing, but instead of pressing an image into the cover, pressure is applied from the back to create a raised image on the front.

Rhinestones

Rhinestones are a fun customisation option for folio wedding invitations. You can purchase custom rhinestones from Etsy, including custom rhinestone designs, transfers and templates.

Frequently asked questions