There’s something undeniably romantic about letterpress wedding invitations, from the soft impression stamped into thick cotton paper to the texture you feel when you run your fingers across it. It’s not just printing, it’s craftsmanship. If you’re drawn to heirloom-quality goods and elegant details, letterpress might be the perfect fit for your wedding stationery. Read on to discover what sets this printing method apart and what to expect when choosing it.
What is Letterpress Printing?
Letterpress is one of the oldest printing methods, dating back to the 15th century. The printer physically presses the design into the paper using a custom-made plate. Think of it as sculpting a design into paper, rather than simply printing on top of it.
Unlike digital printing, which lays flat ink directly on the surface of the paper, or foil stamping, which uses heat to apply metallic foil, letterpress uses pressure to create a tactile impression. The result is the “debossed” texture it’s known for—classic, elegant, and truly one-of-a-kind.
At Turnage + Watts, I often pair letterpress printing with digital printing or foil stamping. I always use soft cotton or handmade paper to create an experience that feels as luxurious as it looks.
What Does the Letterpress Printing Process Look Like?
Because I print each letterpress wedding invitation by hand, the process is more intricate and time-intensive than digital printing. First, we’ll finalize your design and turn it into a custom polymer or metal plate. Each color in your design requires its own plate and a separate press run. So, a two-color invitation is printed twice, one color at a time.
After printing, the pieces need time to dry before being trimmed, assembled, and packaged. This extra care adds to your wedding invitation timeline. On average, couples should allow an additional two to three weeks for letterpress production compared to digital printing.
What Should Couples Know About Letterpress Wedding Invitations?
If you’re dreaming of letterpress wedding invitations, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Letterpress is a luxury printing method. It’s labor-intensive and requires special supplies, so it costs more than digital printing.
- The fewer colors you choose, the more you’ll save. A stationer must print each color separately, so choosing a simple palette (one or two colors) manages the cost.
- The paper matters. Letterpress shines on thick, high-quality cotton paper or handmade stock, which enhances the beautiful impression made by the plate.
- It’s time-intensive. You’ll want to allow extra time for design approval, plate creation, and drying.
When Should Couples Invest in Letterpress Wedding Invitations?
Letterpress is ideal for those who want meaningful, tactile, and timeless wedding invitations. If stationery is something you particularly value as part of your wedding experience—or you want guests to feel the quality the moment they open the envelope—it’s absolutely worth the investment.
Many T+W couples choose letterpress for their wedding invitations, but opt for digital printing on pieces like RSVP and detail cards. This hybrid approach saves money while maintaining an heirloom look and feel.
Letterpress printing is more than a trend. It’s a centuries-old art form that continues to make a stunning impression on modern weddings. From the gentle texture to the handcrafted quality, it’s a choice that transforms your stationery into a keepsake. If you believe letterpress wedding invitations are right for you, I would love to connect and discuss your custom design. Let’s create something one-of-a-kind together!
Vendors:
Vendors We Love:
Summer Bear Photography // www.summerbearweddings.com
Simply Grand Events LLC // www.simplygrandevents.com
Happily Everitt After Services // www.happilyeverittafterservices.com
Events by MDM Associates // www.mdmassociates.net
The Meadows Wedding Venue // www.meadowsweddingvenue.com
Sterling Event Services // www.sterlingeventservices.com
