There are a number of popular printing methods for wedding invitations, all of which lend a unique appearance and texture to the paper. Making an informed decision about the kind of printing you’ll use on your invitations will help you to make your suite your own so that it stands out! After all, your wedding kicks off when your invitations are sent. They signify what guests can expect and build excitement for the big day! So, you’ll want to know which of the top most popular printing methods work for your wedding invitations.

Digital/Flat

Digital printing, also known as flat printing, is perhaps the most popular printing method because it is easy and relatively inexpensive to produce en masse. It prints smooth to the touch, so all you feel is the even texture of the paper.

Perfect for: large areas of color, unlimited design and color choices.

Texture: liquid ink rests smoothly on paper

Cost: $

Letterpress

Letterpress printing dates all the way back to the 15th century. With this technique, a printing plate is created and saturated with rich matte ink. Then, 100% cotton paper is hand-fed into the plate so that the design can be pressed on, one color at a time. When you run your fingers over the printed area, you can feel the indentation of the design. Letterpress printing is priced according to the number of colors used, so depending on the look you are going for, it can be a cost-effective or pricey option.

Perfect for: a textured, vintage look

Texture: liquid ink pressed deep into the paper

Cost: $$

Thermography

Thermography is a less costly and more modern alternative to engraving (see below). This technique produces raised text by way of dusting the ink that is printed on the surface of the paper with a special resinous powder. When the powder is heated, it fuses with the ink and swells to form a smooth raised surface.

Perfect for: an alternative to expensive engraving

Texture: raised ink sits on top of the paper

Cost: $$

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a process in which metallic foil sheets are pressed into the surface of 100% cotton paper at high temperatures. This technique is similar to letterpress, but its result is a shiny, rather than matte, indentation in the paper. Also like letterpress, it is priced according to the number of colors used.

Perfect for: a shiny pop of color

Texture: shiny foil stamped deep into the paper

Cost: $$$

Engraving

Engraving is a time-honored technique that dates back to the seventeenth century. It is the oldest form of modern printing! With this technique custom-made copper plates are etched with the design text. Paper is then hand-fed into the plates, where intense pressure infuses ink onto it one color at a time. The resulting image is raised on the paper, which gives the design a dimensional appearance.

Perfect for: the most luxurious and distinctive invitation suite

Texture: raised ink sits on top of the paper

Cost: $$$$

I hope this list of the most popular printing methods for wedding invitations has given you a good idea of the best option for you! Here at Turnage and Watts, we’re all about helping our clients make their wedding stationery their own, through custom and semi-custom designs that they’ll cherish for decades to come. For more information, contact us!