Explore The Array Of Wedding Invitation Styles

Wedding invitations are often the first glimpse into what guests can expect from your big day. From traditional to contemporary, rustic to botanical, there are endless styles to choose from. The type of wedding invitation you opt for will depend on your personal preference, budget, and style of wedding.

The world of wedding invitations is vast, with options ranging from paper to vinyl records and puzzles. Paper invitations are the most common, with choices including recycled paper, card and cover stock, cotton fibre, kraft and wood-grain paper, and more.

Printing techniques also vary, from digital printing to engraving, embossing, letterpress, UV and thermographic printing, and foil stamping. Each technique offers a unique look and feel, allowing couples to create invitations that reflect their personalities and wedding themes.

With so many options available, couples can truly customise their wedding invitations to match their dream wedding vision.

Printing techniques: embossing, foil-pressing, letterpress

Printing techniques can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your wedding invitations. Here is an overview of embossing, foil-pressing, and letterpress:

Embossing

Embossing is a printing technique that raises the surface of your design to give it depth and a three-dimensional feel. It is created by pressing a sheet of paper into a "female" die with a design engraved or etched into it. The "male" counterpart is usually placed underneath the paper, so the paper is sandwiched between the two, and the design is transferred. This process can also be done to create a depressed design, known as a "deboss". Embossing can be done with or without ink or foil, and it can be combined with foil-stamping for a more luxurious look. The larger the embossed area, the deeper it will be, and vice versa. Embossing is often used to add a subtle tactile element that enhances the overall design of the invitation.

Foil-pressing

Foil-pressing, also known as foil stamping, is a process that adds shine and a luxurious feel to your wedding invitations. It involves pressing metallic foil (in colours such as gold, silver, or rose gold) onto the paper. Foil stamping uses a combination of heat, pressure, and metallic paper to create a beautiful impression with added shine. This technique can be used to create a high-polish, metallic effect or a more subtle, matt finish. Foil stamping is a versatile process that can be combined with other printing techniques, such as embossing, to create a unique and elegant look.

Letterpress

Letterpress is the oldest printing process, invented in the 1400s by German printer Gutenberg. It involves using a printing plate to push the design into the paper (debossing) rather than printing on top of it. Letterpress requires constant interaction between the press operator and the press, making it a labour-intensive process. However, the final product has a unique, handmade feel to it. Letterpress is often used with soft cotton stock, which absorbs the ink and gives the design a soft, romantic feel. This technique is perfect for creating invitations with a vintage or rustic look and feel.

Paper types: recycled, cotton, linen, vellum, glassine

Wedding invitations are often a couple's first chance to give their guests a glimpse into their special day. The type of paper used for invitations can help convey the wedding's theme and style, whether that be rustic, traditional, or botanical. Here is a closer look at some of the paper types available for wedding invitations:

Recycled

For eco-conscious couples, recycled paper is a great option for wedding invitations. This choice helps reduce waste and is kind to the environment without sacrificing aesthetics. Recycled paper invitations can feature beautiful colours, luxurious textures, and colourful speckles. They are often made from repurposed materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as kraft cardstock or pulpy, handmade papers. Recycled paper is also a budget-friendly choice, with some options saving couples up to 40% in costs.

Cotton

Cotton paper is known for its strength, durability, and soft feel. This type of paper is typically made from cotton linters or used cloth. Cotton paper is highly absorbent, allowing the ink to be absorbed better, resulting in richer colours. Cotton paper is also incredibly durable and ages well, making it a timeless choice for wedding invitations. It is a premium option and tends to be more costly than other types of paper.

Linen

Linen paper is a high-quality cotton blend with a textured, slightly crosshatched surface that resembles linen fabric. This type of paper provides an elegant look and feel to wedding invitations. Linen paper often has a pattern engraved into it, adding a touch of sophistication to the invitations.

Vellum

Vellum was traditionally made from animal skin, but today, it is made from a blend of cotton and wood pulp. This type of paper is sheer and frosted, similar to tracing paper, and is commonly used as a layer on top of an opaque sheet of paper. Vellum is perfect for creating a sophisticated and elegant look for wedding invitations and can also be used for belly bands that hold all the elements of the invitation together.

Glassine

Glassine paper is light and waxy and is typically used for envelopes, envelope liners, overlays, pouches, and other invitation suite accents rather than for the invitation itself. It is usually see-through but can hold ink well. Glassine paper is a unique and creative option for couples looking to add a playful touch to their wedding invitations, such as printing an invitation on a glassine envelope filled with confetti.

Card types: save-the-date, thank-you, reception, accommodation, activity

Save-the-date cards are a precursor to formal wedding invitations. They are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, or earlier if it is a destination wedding or the wedding falls on a holiday weekend. Save-the-date cards can include the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and an indication that a formal invitation will follow. They can also include travel and accommodation information, the couple's wedding website or social media page, and any relevant hashtags.

Thank-you cards are a polite way to express gratitude to guests for attending the wedding and can be bought at the same time as the invitations to ensure they are not forgotten.

Reception cards are used if the reception is held at a different location from the ceremony. They include the location, address, and time of the reception.

Accommodation cards are useful if you have reserved a room block for guests at a particular hotel. They include the hotel's name and address, as well as any special codes or booking deadlines.

Activity cards are a great way to inform guests about any additional wedding-adjacent parties, such as a welcome cocktail party or a farewell brunch.

Card extras: envelope liners, belly bands, wax seals

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, as they offer guests a glimpse into what they can expect from the celebration. While the invitation itself is key, there are also a number of extras that can be added to elevate the stationery suite and create a lasting impression. Here are some ideas for card extras to enhance your wedding invitations:

Envelope liners: These decorative paper inserts are placed inside the envelopes, adding a touch of sophistication and personality. Envelope liners come in various designs, from intricate patterns to delicate motifs, and can be customised to match the theme of your wedding. They offer a memorable first impression for your guests, setting the tone for elegance and sophistication. Etsy and Paper Culture offer a range of envelope liner templates in different sizes, colours and patterns, including floral, rustic, and contemporary designs.

Belly bands: Belly bands are a great way to hold all the elements of the invitation package together. They are typically made from translucent materials such as vellum or glassine, adding depth and interest without overwhelming the design. These bands can also be used to create a border or to mute the underlying stock or graphics. Belly bands made from vellum or glassine paper are flexible, thin, and translucent, providing a smooth finish.

Wax seals: Wax seals add a touch of glamour and elegance to your wedding invitations. They can be customised with your initials, wedding logo, or a special design. Wax seals are available in a range of colours, including gold, silver, and rose gold, and can be purchased as stickers or custom stamps.

These card extras are a great way to enhance the visual appeal of your wedding invitations, elevate the overall aesthetic, and showcase your attention to detail. They can also be coordinated with other stationery elements such as save-the-date cards, response cards, and thank-you notes to create a cohesive and memorable wedding suite.

Printing styles: engraving, thermography, letterpress, UV printing

Engraving, thermography, letterpress, and UV printing are all printing styles that can be used to create elegant and unique wedding invitations. Each technique has its own advantages and distinct look and feel, contributing to the overall style and tone of the invitation suite.

Engraving is the traditional, classic method of printing wedding invitations. It involves creating a metal plate, or "die", with engraved text and designs, which is then inked and pressed onto the paper. The result is raised, detailed ink that can be felt and seen on the paper, with an indentation, or "bruising", on the back. This technique is perfect for adding a hint of luxury and formality to the invitations and is often the most expensive option.

Thermography is a newer technique that creates a similar raised effect to engraving but at a lower cost. It involves adding a resin powder to the ink, which is then heated and dried onto the paper, creating raised lettering. Thermography is a faster process than engraving and offers a wide range of colours, including metallic hues, making it a popular choice for invitations. However, it may lack the same level of definition as engraving.

Letterpress, one of the oldest printing methods, has experienced a resurgence in popularity. It creates an opposite effect to engraving and thermography, with ink imprinted into the paper, leaving a deep impression and a handcrafted feel. This technique is especially popular for creating "rustically elegant" invitations.

UV printing is a newer technology that is well-suited for acrylic and thermographic printing. It creates a slight shine on raised lettering, adding a unique dimension to the invitations. This technique offers flexibility and a wide range of colours, including metallic options, making it a great alternative to foil.

Each printing style has its own unique characteristics and can enhance the overall aesthetic of the wedding invitation. Couples can choose the style that best suits their preferences, budget, and the desired tone of their wedding.

Frequently asked questions