Full Color Wedding Stationery: When Flat Printing is the Perfect Fit

Flat printing for save the dates, day-of details, envelope liners, and everything that calls for color

If you’ve fallen in love with a floral save the date or a wedding detail card with watercolor illustrations, chances are it was produced using flat printing (also known as digital printing or full color printing).

While I specialize in letterpress and foil stamped invitations, some pieces in your wedding stationery suite call for more flexibility, faster turnaround, or a full spectrum of color. That’s where full color wedding stationery comes in.

Whether you’re including a photo, watercolor artwork, or personalized information that changes piece to piece (like names or addresses), flat printing is the best fit. Let’s walk through where it shines and how to incorporate it into your suite, without compromising on quality or style.

As part of the Wedding Stationery Guide, I’ve put together a primer on printing processes to clear up some of the confusion that comes with ordering wedding invitations. See other posts in the series here: Printing Primer

What Is Flat Printing?

(Also known as digital printing)

Flat printing is a modern printing process where ink is transferred digitally—no printing plates, no pressure, no metallic shine. It’s most similar to an ultra-high-end version of an inkjet printer, and it allows for unlimited color in a single pass.

That means you can have:

• Soft watercolor washes

• Bright floral artwork

• Full-color photos

• Subtle shading and gradient effects

• Even printed backgrounds that mimic colored paper

It’s ideal for the pieces that require color and customization, but not necessarily deep impressions or metallic finishes.

When to use flat printing

Best Uses for Full Color Wedding Stationery

While I don’t recommend flat printing for the main invitation, it’s absolutely the right choice for other pieces in your suite, such as:

Save the Dates
Want to use your engagement photo? Or a watercolor painting of your venue? Flat printing handles images beautifully, and you can even add foil stamping for your names or date to create a mixed-finish effect.

Day-of Stationery
Menus, programs, place cards, table numbers—you name it. Flat printing is the go-to option for these pieces, especially if you want to personalize them with individual names or meal selections.

Guest Addressing and Place Cards
Flat printing allows for variable data, meaning we can print each guest’s name and address directly onto your envelopes in a coordinating font (same goes for your reception place cards or personalized menus). No hand-addressing, no stickers, no stress.

Envelope Liners & Backers
This is the perfect place to feature a venue sketch, monogram, or patterned design. It brings your suite together and makes opening the envelope feel like an experience.

Flat printing can be paired with foil stamping or letterpress. This is a great way to add a touch of texture to your photo save the date cards, or combine a watercolor painted background with letterpress typography.

When Flat Printing Makes Sense

• Budget-conscious: Since it doesn’t require custom plates or separate press runs for each color, flat printing is the most cost-effective method I offer.

• Flexible quantities: Whether you need 200 menus or 1 escort card with a single guest’s name, flat printing makes it possible.

• Fast turnaround: Perfect if you’re on a tight timeline or need day-of paper printed after final headcounts come in.

Printing on Colored Paper

Flat printing isn’t limited to white paper! I offer single color flat printing on light colored paper stocks, which allows for a wide range of ink colors.

Want to use dark paper or envelope like navy or black? I also offer white ink flat printing, a specialty process that gives you bright, opaque white text on rich backgrounds. It’s perfect for envelope addressing, detail cards, or day-of stationery with a dramatic, modern look.

Whether you’re aiming for contrast, softness, or something a little unexpected, I can help you choose the right paper and ink pairing to bring your design to life.

Full color designs are gorgeous on screen, but even better in person. Order a sample pack to feel the difference between flat, letterpress, and foil printing, plus compare paper weights and finishes.