The Art Of Wedding Invitation Design And Its Unique Names

Wedding invitations have evolved from being announced by a town crier to now being ordered online. The designs on wedding invitations are called printing styles or print mediums. The printing style is chosen based on the print medium and vice versa. For example, certain surfaces are better suited for certain types of printing and vice versa. There are several printing styles, including engraving, embossing, foil stamping, letterpress, UV and thermographic printing, and flat printing.

Printing techniques: engraving, embossing, foil stamping, letterpress, and thermography

Wedding invitations have evolved from being announced by a town crier in the streets to being hand-crafted by monks to the printing press. But what about the printing techniques used today? Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the different printing methods available for your wedding invitations.

Engraving

Engraving is the traditional "granddaddy" method of printing wedding invitations. It involves etching text or an image onto a metal plate or "die", which is then inked and pressed onto the paper. This results in raised ink that can be felt and seen on the back of the paper. Engraving is a specialised and expensive process, often chosen for its luxurious and detailed finish.

Embossing (Blind Embossing)

Embossing is a technique similar to engraving, where a custom-made metal plate is used to create raised lettering or images. However, unlike engraving, embossing does not use ink, resulting in a subtle and sophisticated effect. Embossing is typically used for monograms, borders or other design elements rather than large amounts of text, as it can be difficult to read.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a process that uses heat and pressure to apply metallic colours or foils to the paper. A copper plate is used to push the foil into the paper, creating a permanent, shiny, and polished impression. Foil stamping can be used for accents or the entire text, with gold being the traditional choice. However, other colours such as silver, rose gold, copper, and black have also gained popularity.

Letterpress

Letterpress is one of the oldest printing methods and has recently regained popularity. It involves setting the text and designs in reverse on a polymer letterpress plate, which is then inked and pressed into the paper. This results in a deep impression and a handcrafted feel. Letterpress is often chosen for its ability to create elegant and rustic invitations.

Thermography

Thermography is a less expensive and faster alternative to engraving. It involves adding a resin powder to ink, which is then heated and dried onto the paper to create raised lettering. The ink may appear shinier than engraving and may lack some definition, but it is a popular choice for invitations due to its affordability and speed.

Paper types: cotton fiber, kraft and wood-grain, glassine and vellum, bamboo, and recycled paper

Cotton Fiber Paper

Cotton paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations, offering a luxurious and elegant feel. It is available in various colours, including white, ivory, sage green, and blush, and can be purchased in different sizes to suit your needs. Cotton paper is also an excellent option for those seeking sustainable materials, as it can be made from recycled cotton or cotton rags. This type of paper is known for its beautiful deckled edges and can be paired with silk ribbons and wax seals for a sophisticated finish.

Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper

Kraft paper is a versatile option for wedding invitations, offering a rustic and natural aesthetic. It is often paired with other natural materials such as twine, chiffon ribbon, and greenery, creating a simple yet charming look. Kraft paper is also a cost-effective choice, with many affordable options available. Additionally, kraft paper envelopes are a popular choice for enclosing invitations, adding a touch of warmth and texture to the overall presentation.

Glassine and Vellum Paper

Vellum paper is a unique and elegant choice for wedding invitations, known for its translucent and delicate appearance. It can be used as a layering element, belly band, or even as an envelope for your invitations. Vellum is often paired with other materials, such as wax seals, silk ribbons, and florals, to create a romantic and luxurious aesthetic. Vellum is also customisable, allowing you to print directly on it or add foil stamping for a sleek and modern look.

Bamboo Paper

Bamboo paper is an eco-friendly and sustainable option for wedding invitations, as it is made from natural materials and is tree-free. It often features a watercolour-style print or a bamboo grass design, adding a touch of nature to your invitations. Bamboo paper is also embedded with wildflower seeds, allowing your guests to plant the paper and grow a variety of flowers. This interactive element adds a unique and memorable touch to your wedding invitations.

Recycled Paper

Recycled paper is an excellent choice for eco-conscious couples who want to minimise their environmental impact. Recycled paper wedding invitations are available in various styles, from elegant and minimalist designs to colourful and playful options. You can also find seeded recycled paper, which can be planted by your guests to grow flowers or wildflowers. Recycled paper is a practical and environmentally friendly option that does not compromise on style or aesthetics.

Design treatments: belly bands, edge painting, motifs, and wax seals

Wedding invitations can be customised with various design treatments, including belly bands, edge painting, motifs, and wax seals.

Belly Bands

Belly bands are custom or coordinating bands that wrap around the invitation suite, adding a stylish touch and helping to keep the contents neatly organised. They can be made from various materials, such as vellum, velvet, or glitter laser-cut lace, and personalised with names or dates.

Edge Painting

Edge painting is a specialty printing technique where the edges of the invitation are painted in a contrasting colour, adding a unique and eye-catching element to the design. This method can be applied to various paper stocks and is an excellent way to make the invitations stand out, even when viewed from the side.

Motifs

Motifs are custom or pre-designed illustrations or graphics that can be added to wedding invitations. Motifs can range from floral designs to cocktail glasses, travel-themed images, or even personalised crests and monograms. These motifs can be enlarged, rotated, or multiplied to create unique patterns and can also be used on envelope liners and pocketfolds.

Wax Seals

Wax seals add a traditional and elegant touch to wedding invitations. They can be customised with initials, monograms, or artwork and come in various colours and sizes. Wax seals elevate the invitation's overall presentation and are a perfect way to incorporate a couple's theme or colour scheme.

Typeface terms: calligraphy, flourishes, initial caps, point size, and typeface

Wedding invitations have evolved from being announced by a town crier to being hand-crafted by monks to the emergence of engraving, letterpress printing, and, now, online orders. Modern wedding invitations follow fashion trends and are chosen to match the couple's personal preferences, the level of formality of the event, and any planned themes or colour schemes.

The following typeface terms can be used to describe the designs on wedding invitations:

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an artistic writing style where the pressure is varied to create thick and thin lines in a single stroke. It usually involves a nibbed pen or brush and often includes extravagant flourishes.

Flourishes

Flourishes are ornamental lines that add exquisite detail to the ends of letterforms. They are commonly used to embellish calligraphy fonts, but they can be used on other styles as well.

Initial Caps

Initial caps are oversized letters at the start of an article or paragraph. They are used to draw attention to the text and lead the reader into the narrative. The three styles of initial caps are adjacent caps, dropped caps, and raised caps.

Point Size

In typography, a point is the smallest unit of measure, typically ranging from 0.18 to 0.4 millimetres since the 18th century. It is used to measure font size, leading, and other items on a printed page.

Typeface

A typeface refers to the design of a set of characters, including their weight, style, and size. Different typefaces can be used to create a particular aesthetic or theme for a wedding invitation.

Presentation and packaging: bifold, boxed, envelopes, gatefold, and trifold

Wedding invitations come in a variety of presentation and packaging styles, including bifold, boxed, envelopes, gatefold, and trifold. Each style offers a unique way to showcase the invitation design and set the tone for the wedding. Here is some more information on each of these options:

Bifold Wedding Invitations

Bifold wedding invitations are a classic and elegant option, where the invitation is folded in half, creating a neat and simple presentation. This style is often chosen for more formal weddings and allows for additional space to include wedding details and information for guests. Bifold invitations can be enclosed in envelopes, adding a further layer of sophistication and tradition to the overall packaging.

Boxed Wedding Invitations

Boxed wedding invitations are an increasingly popular choice for couples who want to make a statement with their invitations. These invitations are presented in a box, which can be customised to match the wedding theme and colours. Boxed invitations are a great way to showcase luxury and style, making them a memorable choice for guests. From silk boxes to acrylic invitations, boxed invitations offer an elegant and sophisticated presentation.

Envelopes

Envelopes are an essential part of the wedding invitation packaging, providing a practical and traditional way to enclose and deliver the invitation. Envelopes can be customised with unique designs, colours, and motifs that reflect the wedding theme. From elegant calligraphy to bold typography, envelopes offer a first glimpse into the style of the wedding. They also serve a functional purpose, protecting the invitation during delivery and creating a sense of anticipation for the recipient.

Gatefold Wedding Invitations

Gatefold invitations offer a unique and creative presentation style, featuring a central panel that opens like a gate, revealing the invitation details. This style is perfect for couples who want to make a statement with their invitations and offers a memorable first impression. Gatefold invitations can be customised with various designs, from watercolour illustrations to minimalist modern styles, making them a versatile choice.

Trifold Wedding Invitations

Trifold wedding invitations provide ample space to include all the necessary wedding details, such as the couple's photos, website, and wedding-related events. With three double-sided panels, trifold invitations are a practical and comprehensive choice. They are often printed on thick matte paper, giving them a professional and elegant finish. Trifold invitations are an excellent way to showcase the couple's personality and set the tone for the wedding.

Frequently asked questions