Wedding invitations are a special kind of stationery that sets the tone for the entire event. The choice of paper is an important consideration when designing wedding invitations, as it can add a layer of luxury and formality to the occasion. Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent handwritten invitations from smudging, but today, it is more commonly used for its aesthetic and practical benefits. Tissue paper and vellum are often used as protective layers to prevent smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing, especially for invitations with intricate designs, multiple cards, or embellishments. Vellum, a more contemporary alternative, offers greater translucency and customisation options but may not be as effective as tissue paper for ink absorption. Couples may also opt for specialty print paper, such as cotton fibre, kraft, wood-grain, glassine, or clear vellum paper, each offering a unique texture, finish, and visual appeal. Ultimately, the choice of paper for wedding invitations depends on the desired look, feel, and practicality, with tissue paper and vellum serving as versatile and traditional options.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Preventing smudging, aesthetics, practicality and protection |
Texture | Soft, delicate, thin, cloudy |
Colour | White, cream, coloured |
Size | Standard, custom |
No | |
Material | Cotton, wood-pulp blend |
What You'll Learn
Fly paper is used to prevent smudging
Fly paper, or tissue paper, is used in wedding invitations to prevent smudging. Historically, wedding invitations were handwritten, and the ink would smudge if not completely dry or if it got damp during transport to the recipient. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation to prevent smudging and protect the ink. While modern inks are less likely to smudge, the tradition of including tissue paper in wedding invitations has persisted, especially for invitations printed at home using an inkjet printer.
Tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually white or cream in colour. It is cut to standard sizes, just large enough to cover the wording on the invitation. In addition to preventing smudging, tissue paper also serves aesthetic and practical purposes. It provides a nice, organised, and formal presentation, adding a layer of protection to the invitation.
If you are concerned about smudging, it is recommended to use tissue paper inserts rather than vellum inserts. While vellum offers more translucency and a contemporary look, it does not work well for ink absorption. Due to its hardened, almost plastic-like feel, it may even worsen smudging.
To arrange invitations with tissue paper, simply place the tissue paper over the main invitation wording. If necessary, you can also place tissue paper between each card for added protection. Stack your invitation ensemble from largest to smallest, with the invitation card on the bottom and the reply card and envelope on top.
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Fly paper is a traditional part of formal wedding invitations
Fly paper, or tissue paper, is a traditional part of formal wedding invitations. Its use dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. To avoid smudging, tissue paper was placed over the invitation to blot excess ink. Although modern printing methods have made this step unnecessary, the tradition has endured.
Tissue paper is usually white or cream and is cut to standard sizes, just large enough to cover the text on the invite. It is often used in conjunction with vellum, a contemporary alternative made from a cotton and wood pulp blend. Vellum is offered in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be printed with custom text and designs, whereas tissue paper cannot.
In addition to its traditional and aesthetic qualities, tissue paper also serves a practical purpose. It can protect invitations with raised print or embellishments during the mailing and handling process. For this reason, tissue paper is still considered a standard in formal wedding invitations.
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Fly paper can be used to protect embellishments
Fly paper, or tissue paper, is an important part of wedding invitations, especially when there are embellishments involved. Embellishments can include crystals, string, ribbon, rhinestones, and other decorations that add a unique touch to the invitations. However, these embellishments can also be damaged or become a nuisance during the mailing process if they move around or get caught on something.
Fly paper can act as a protective barrier between the embellishments and the rest of the invitation suite. By placing the tissue over the invitation card and any other cards included, the embellishments are shielded from potential damage. This protective layer helps to ensure that the recipient receives the invitation in its original, carefully crafted form.
In addition to its protective function, fly paper also adds a nice, formal touch to the presentation of the invitation. It provides a sense of organization and elegance, enhancing the overall impression of the invitation suite.
When using fly paper to protect embellishments, it is important to consider the type of paper used. Traditional wedding tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually in white or cream hues. Vellum, on the other hand, is a more contemporary alternative that offers more translucency and a modern look. While vellum comes in various colours and sizes, it may not be as effective as tissue paper for ink absorption and smudge prevention.
To ensure the best results, it is recommended to use tissue paper inserts when dealing with embellishments that could be damaged or affected by smudging. Fly paper, or tissue paper, thus serves as an essential component in maintaining the integrity and aesthetic appeal of embellished wedding invitations.
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Fly paper is a practical addition to invitations
Fly paper, or more commonly known as tissue paper, is a practical addition to wedding invitations. Here are some reasons why:
Tradition
The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Although modern printing methods have reduced the likelihood of smudging, the tradition of including tissue paper has persisted.
Aesthetics
Tissue paper adds a nice, organised, and formal touch to the presentation of the invitation. It provides a soft, cloudy appearance, usually in white or cream colours, and is cut to standard sizes to cover the wording.
Practicality and Protection
Tissue paper can serve as a protective layer for wedding invitations, especially those with intricate designs or embellishments. It helps prevent smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing, ensuring that the invitation arrives in pristine condition. This is especially important for invitations with multiple cards, embellishments, or pocket folds.
Ink Absorption
Tissue paper is effective in absorbing ink and preventing smudging, especially for invitations printed using inkjet printers. It is recommended over vellum inserts, which have a hardened, plastic-like feel that may worsen smudging.
Cost-Effectiveness
Tissue paper is an affordable option for invitation inserts, with 50 sheets typically costing around $5. It is a cost-effective way to add a touch of elegance and ensure the protection of the invitation.
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Fly paper is used for aesthetic reasons
Fly paper is used for wedding invitations for aesthetic reasons. The soft, delicate, and translucent paper adds a nice, formal touch to the invitation. It is usually white or cream in colour, and cut to standard sizes to cover the wording on the invite.
Fly paper is also practical, as it protects the invitation from smudging, scratching, or getting damaged in the mail. This is especially important for invitations with ink jet printing, multiple cards, embellishments, or pocket invitations.
Additionally, fly paper can be used to create a cohesive look for the wedding stationery. For example, using matching fly paper for the invitation, RSVP card, and envelope can tie the elements together.
Furthermore, fly paper can be a way to add a personal touch to the invitation. Couples can choose from a variety of colours, sizes, and custom text or designs to create a unique and memorable invitation.
Overall, fly paper is used for aesthetic reasons to enhance the beauty and elegance of the wedding invitation, while also serving practical purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
Fly paper, or tissue paper, is used in wedding invitations for three main reasons: tradition, aesthetics, and practicality. Tissue paper was originally used to blot excess ink from handwritten invitations to avoid smudging. Today, it is used to create a nice, organised, formal presentation and to protect invitations from smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing.
Vellum is a contemporary alternative to fly paper, or tissue paper. It is more translucent and offers a more modern look. It is available in a variety of colours and sizes and can be printed with custom text and designs, whereas tissue paper cannot.
Fly paper is recommended when using ink jet printing, as these cards are more likely to smudge in the mail. It is also useful when including multiple cards or embellishments, such as crystals, string, or ribbon, to prevent damage during mailing.
The best type of paper for wedding invitations depends on your desired look and feel. Card stock is recommended for a luxurious and expensive feel, with a weight of 120 pounds or more. Cotton fibre paper is the most costly option and is incredibly soft and durable, responding well to ink. For a rustic look, kraft and wood-grain paper are popular choices. Glassine and clear vellum paper are also used for a translucent, modern look.