Vancouver Wedding Invitation Printing: Where To Go?

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but Vancouver offers a variety of options for printing wedding invitations, ranging from online services to local print shops. The Regional Assembly of Text, TPH The Printing House, and The Hive Printing are some of the local businesses in Vancouver that specialize in custom wedding invitations. Online services such as Canva, Vistaprint, and Etsy also provide customizable templates and printing services, allowing couples to design their invitations from the comfort of their homes. With a range of paper types, finishes, and printing methods available, couples can create invitations that reflect their unique style and fit within their budget.

Online vs. in-person consultations

When it comes to wedding invitation printing services, couples have the option of choosing between online consultations and in-person consultations. Both options have their own unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making a decision.

Online consultations for wedding invitation printing can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Many printing companies offer this service, allowing couples to upload their custom designs and place orders from the comfort of their own homes. This approach often provides a wider range of choices in terms of templates, paper stock, and printing techniques such as foil stamping or letterpress. Online consultations can also be more affordable, as they eliminate the need for travel expenses. Additionally, they can offer faster delivery and easy updates, ensuring that last-minute changes can be accommodated.

On the other hand, in-person consultations provide a more personalised experience. They allow couples to see and feel the invitation options, such as paper texture, printing quality, and special finishes like embossing or foil stamping. This tactile experience can be crucial in ensuring the invitations meet the couple's expectations. In-person consultations also offer dedicated support and guidance from experts, who can provide valuable advice and ensure that the final product aligns with the couple's vision.

While online consultations offer convenience and a broader range of options, in-person consultations excel in providing a personalised and hands-on experience. Couples should consider their priorities, budget, and the level of customisation they desire when deciding between these two options.

In Vancouver, there are several printing companies that offer wedding invitation printing services. Some popular options include Black Stone Press, TPH The Printing House, and Vistaprint. These companies provide a range of services, from custom designs to high-quality printing, ensuring that couples can find the perfect invitations for their special day.

Customisation options

Wedding invitations are a great way to showcase a couple's love and give guests a glimpse of what awaits on the big day. Customisation options are essential to creating invites that perfectly reflect the couple's style and the wedding's theme. Here are some customisation options to consider:

Paper Type

The paper type chosen for wedding invitations can set the tone and feel of the event. Options include matte, pearl, linen, glossy, hemp-blend, silk, glossy, and uncoated paper stocks. Thicker paper stocks tend to feel more luxurious, while lighter stocks may have a delicate, elegant feel. It's important to consider how the paper will enhance the colours and details of the design.

Size and Shape

Wedding invitations can be customised to different sizes, such as standard, rounded, or scalloped edges. Some companies offer die-cut options, allowing for unique shapes that add a creative touch to the invites.

Colours and Designs

Couples can choose from a variety of colour options to match their wedding theme. Current trends include bold, modern typography, rustic nature-inspired looks, vintage pastel colours, and playful, non-traditional layouts. Designs can be customised to include floral patterns, pressed botanicals, and other personal touches.

Finishing Touches

Finishing touches can elevate the look and feel of wedding invitations. Options include embossed gloss, raised foil, and soft-touch finishes. Couples can also choose to add foil accents or opt for a natural, textured look. These details create a luxurious and elegant impression.

Printing Options

Customisation also extends to the printing process. Couples can choose from digital or offset printing, with the latter offering higher print quality and colour accuracy. Various ink types are available, including vegetable-based, soy-based, and algae ink.

Envelopes and Mailing Options

Customised envelopes can be created to match the invitations, adding a cohesive look to the wedding stationery. Mailing options can include pre-addressed envelopes, saving time for the couple. Variable data printing allows for personalisation, such as including names and addresses on each invitation.

With these customisation options, couples can create wedding invitations that truly reflect their style and leave a lasting impression on their guests.

Budget-friendly options

If you're looking for budget-friendly options for wedding invitation printing in Vancouver, here are some suggestions:

DIY Options

• Purchase blank invitations and decorative elements separately and put them together yourself. This allows you to customise your invitations without incurring designer fees.
• Use pre-designed templates, which can be found online or in stationery stores. You can customise these with your personal details and colour preferences.
• If you're artistically inclined, consider creating your invitations by hand using calligraphy, hand-painting, or other artisanal techniques.

Printing Services

• The Hive Printing: This company offers custom wedding invitation design and printing services. They have a range of packages to fit any budget and can source specialty papers upon request.
• TPH The Printing House: This company offers custom printing services and provides great advice to ensure your invitations are perfect.

Online Options

• Unadorned Stationery: This online vendor offers a 10% discount for WeddingWire couples and responds to queries within 24 hours.
• Tickle Tree Design Studio: Offering another 10% discount for WeddingWire couples, this online studio has a 5-star rating on WeddingWire.

Remember to consider your budget, the time you're willing to invest, and what impression you want to convey with your invitations when making your decision.

Eco-friendly paper options

If you're looking for eco-friendly paper options for your wedding invitations, there are several options available that will help reduce your carbon footprint without compromising on style. Here are some sustainable choices to consider:

Recycled Paper Invitations

Recycled paper invitations are an excellent eco-friendly option as they are made from post-consumer waste, reducing the need for new paper production and minimising waste. You can find recycled paper in various colours, textures, and finishes, making it easy to match your wedding theme. This option allows you to maintain the traditional paper invitation style while still being environmentally conscious.

Plantable Seed Paper Invitations

Plantable seed paper invitations offer a unique and innovative approach to eco-friendliness. This special type of paper is biodegradable and infused with wildflower seeds or herbs. After your guests have RSVP'd, they can plant the invitations and watch them grow into beautiful flowers or herbs. This option not only reduces waste but also creates a lasting memory for your guests, symbolising the growth and flourishing of your love.

Digital Invitations

In today's digital era, digital invitations provide a convenient and eco-friendly alternative. They can be personalised, interactive, and easily shared via email or wedding websites. Digital invitations eliminate the need for printing and mailing, reducing waste and saving resources. They are also budget-friendly and ideal for destination weddings, making communication and RSVP tracking more efficient.

Reusable Invitations

Reusable invitations are a creative and unique option that reduces waste and extends the life of the invitation. These invitations can be repurposed as home decor, bookmarks, or even used for other special occasions. For example, sending invitations on tea towels or cups adds a memorable and practical touch.

Eco-Friendly Paper Brands

When choosing eco-friendly paper, consider brands that specialise in sustainable practices. Here are a few options:

• Artifact Uprising: Offers high-quality prints and cards using recycled paper, reclaimed wood, and eco-friendly inks.
• Botanical PaperWorks: Features plantable seed paper made from post-consumer waste, allowing your guests to grow flowers or herbs from the paper.
• Flower Seed Paper: Provides a DIY wedding stationery kit with plantable seed paper made from 100% recycled card stock, along with other eco-friendly wedding supplies.
• Minted: Uses 100% post-consumer recycled paper and eco-friendly inks for their personalised stationery, and has switched to recyclable or compostable packaging.
• Paper Culture: Based in California, they offer contemporary designs using 100% post-consumer recycled paper and contribute to tree-planting initiatives worldwide.

Printing methods

Wedding invitation printing methods can vary in price, style, and turnaround time. Here are some of the most common printing methods:

Letterpress

Letterpress is the oldest traditional printing technique, dating back to the 15th century. It creates an indented design on the paper, achieved through a movable type machine that reproduces a design onto raised printing plates, which are then inked and stamped onto paper. Letterpress is ideal for vintage-themed weddings, as it conveys formality, elegance, and simplicity. The main drawbacks of letterpress are its higher-than-average price and the fact that it only allows for one colour at a time.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping, also known as hot foil stamping, is a unique process that uses solid metallic colours and creates a slight shimmery indentation in the paper. It is considered a "dry" printing method because it does not use any ink. Foil stamping is ideal for luxe, romantic weddings and Art Deco themes. While it is only marginally more expensive than letterpress, it is time-consuming and not suitable for quick turnarounds.

Digital Printing

Digital printing, also known as "flat printing", uses a high-quality laser printer to produce a flat image. It is the least expensive and fastest printing option, making it ideal for couples on a tight timeline or budget. Digital printing offers a massive selection of colours and designs, and can even reproduce the effects of painting techniques like watercolour or pen and ink calligraphy. However, it lacks interesting texture and is limited to thinner paper.

Laser-Cut

Laser-cut wedding invitations feature intricate motifs cut directly into the paper, without the use of ink. This method can also be applied to other materials such as wood, offering a natural and earthy style. Laser-cut invitations are delicate and intricate, showcasing the talents of designers and the precision of laser technology. However, they are not well-suited for larger weddings due to cost implications and have a slow turnaround time.

Engraving

Engraving is one of the most expensive printing methods and is ideal for ultra-formal affairs. It involves etching an image into a metal plate, filling it with ink, and then pressing the paper onto the plate to create raised type on the front and an indentation on the back. Engraving generally works best on thick paper, such as cotton fibre, and can accommodate multiple ink colours, although this is more time-consuming and expensive.

Thermography

Thermography is a heat-based process that fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering. It is similar to engraving but less expensive and with a faster turnaround time. Thermography is best suited for small graphics and patterns, as full-colour images will not turn out well. It is recommended to use cotton fibre paper and stick to light-coloured paper with dark ink to ensure optimal results.

Offset Printing (Lithography)

Offset printing is similar to digital printing but offers higher quality and is slightly more expensive. It uses a rubber stamp-like cylinder to press ink onto the paper, resulting in flat letters and designs. This method offers more paper options than digital printing and is ideal for casual designs and save-the-date cards.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping, also known as hot foil stamping, is a unique process that uses solid metallic colours and creates a slight impression on the paper. It is considered a "dry" printing method because it does not use any ink, and it complements a luxe, romantic wedding style. While foil stamping can be costly due to the required paper grade, it creates a striking finish that is well worth the investment.

Embossing

Embossing creates a raised-relief surface on the paper, adding dimension and texture. It is typically done on thicker paper stock like cotton fibre to ensure crisp lines and impressions. Embossing can be done with or without ink and is well-suited for monograms and bordering. The turnaround time for embossing is similar to letterpress and engraving, taking around three to five weeks.

Frequently asked questions