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Wedding Stationery Guide: How to chose the right printing style

Printing Primer· Wedding Stationery Guide

2 Apr

Chances are, before researching wedding invitations, you never had to worry about things like printing processes before. And that’s absolutely normal! Prior to planning my own wedding, I had no idea there were so many different options (let alone what each technique entailed). Since this is a common source of confusion for brides, I put together a quick list of pros and cons of the main printing styles. Scroll to the end to download a handy chart with a side-by-side comparison of these printing styles!

wedding invitation printing style comparison

FOIL STAMPING

With foil stamping, a heated die is used to press a sheet of thin metallic foil to paper. The resulting design will have a shiny finish – perfect for achieving brilliant metallic finish. Gold, silver, rose gold, and copper are the most common colors, but other shades (think red, green, pink, or even white) are available.
custom hand calligraphy gold foil

FOIL STAMPING PROS

– shiny metallics are possible

– the impression can be seen and felt

– can print on colored or white paper

– can achieve an opaque white on colored paper

– pairs well with flat printing or letterpress

FOIL STAMPING CONS

– higher cost per piece (especially for small orders)

– longer print time

– not ideal for thin lines or small type

 

 

LETTERPRESS

With letterpress printing, ink is applied to a custom printing plate, then pressed into paper using an antique printing press, creating an impression in the paper. (An uninked plate is used for blind letterpress.)
black tie preferred wedding invitation

LETTERPRESS PROS

– deep impression can be seen and felt

– can print on colored or white paper

– add texture and interest without color using blind letterpress

– pairs well with flat printing or foil stamping

LETTERPRESS CONS

– higher cost per piece (especially for small orders)

– longer print time

– each print will vary slightly in ink coverage and impression

 

 

Specialty Flat Printing

With specialty flat printing, ink lays flat on the paper, leaving a smooth finish. This is similar to traditional flat printing, but white ink printing is available on dark paper or envelopes or colored inks on light paper or envelopes.
white and navy save the date card

sPECIALTY FLAT PRINTING PROS

– can print white ink on colored paper or envelopes

– less expensive alternative to foil stamping on dark paper

– variable data is possible (like escort cards or envelope addressing)

sPECIALTY FLAT PRINTING CONS

– no impression (ink lays flush with paper)

– not ideal for thin lines or small type

 

 

 

FLAT PRINTING

With flat printing, liquid ink or toner is applied to paper, leaving a smooth finish.
printed vellum invitation overlay

FLAT PRINTING PROS

– least expensive of printing styles

– faster turn around time

– can print unlimited ink colors

– variable data is possible (like escort cards or envelope addressing)

– great for photographs (like save the dates)

FLAT PRINTING CONS

– no impression (ink lays flush with paper)

– no metallic ink

– not available on colored paper

I’ve put together a chart comparing these four printing styles! Just enter your email address below to view the comparison!

Looking for more information about your printing options? Please get in touch and I will provide a personalized recommendation based on your stationery needs!

Find more wedding stationery tips and advice in The Wedding Stationery Guide by Banter & Charm.

Previous Post: « Wedding Save the Date Wording Samples

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MEET SARAH

Hello! I´m Sarah - I am a mom, wife, and stationery designer living in southwest Michigan. I believe in God and good manners, love beautiful typography, adore traditions, and am infatuated with pretty paper.
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ABOUT ME

I’m Sarah, and I create tailor-made wedding stationery for brides that need a simple, classic invitation design with just the right amount of personality.

Banter & Charm is a Michigan wedding invitation design studio based in St. Joseph. Not local? I serve brides throughout Michigan and northern Indiana, Notre Dame, Chicago, the Midwest, and across the US. Read More…

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In an era of evites and facebook events, your wedd In an era of evites and facebook events, your wedding invitations might be the first formal, printed stationery you’ve sent. So when it comes time to assemble them, it’s easy to feel lost! ⁠
Assembling your invitations can be as simple as stacking the pieces and stuffing the envelope or involve a glue gun and bow-tying skills. ⁠
I offer full or partial assembly services if any of this is more than you want to handle! Follow the link in my profile for some DIY assembly tips.⁠
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I'm a big fan of black and white invitation suites I'm a big fan of black and white invitation suites, but this gray and gold foil combo might just be a new favorite. Still traditional, but with a modern twist! And the silk ribbon holding everything together 😍⁠
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Nothing says traditional wedding like this elegant Nothing says traditional wedding like this elegant invitation suite in soft gray letterpress on extra-thick cotton paper. There's a reason the classics never go out of style! ⁠
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Trying to decide on the perfect finishing touch fo Trying to decide on the perfect finishing touch for your invitation suite? Put a bow on it 🎀 ⁠
It's a great way to hold all the pieces of your invitation suite together, and while this white ribbon is lovely it's also available in a rainbow of colors to match your wedding palette!⁠
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Yesterday was an extra special day for my mom- not Yesterday was an extra special day for my mom- not just Mother's Day, but also her birthday! I can't imagine where I would be without her, and so much of what I do now is a direct result of the things she shared with me as a child. I have her to thank for my love of baking, interest in gardening, and do-it-yourself nature. I can't come close to being the artist she is, but I would never have picked up a paintbrush if she hadn't put one in my hand ♥️ Hopefully I can pass down some of these traits to my own children!⁠
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Nothing says traditional wedding like this elegant Nothing says traditional wedding like this elegant invitation suite in black letterpress on extra-thick cotton paper. There's a reason the classics never go out of style! ⁠
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#banterandcharm #traditionalwedding #classicweddings #letterpress #iloveletterpress #michiganweddinginvitationdesigner #weddinginvitations #invitationdetails #letterpressinvitations⁠
There is something so romantic about silk ribbon! There is something so romantic about silk ribbon! Wedding invitations can be wrapped up with a bow, making your guests feel like they’re opening a present when they get your invitations in the mail. But maybe you’re not the bow type – or it’s just a little too feminine for your fiance. No worries! I have some fun ideas for ways to use silk ribbon in your wedding stationery suite on my blog - link in profile.⁠
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In love with letterpress, but still want to includ In love with letterpress, but still want to include a photo on your save the date? Try this gorgeous combo: the text and details are printed in letterpress on soft cotton paper, then a separate photo is mounted to the card for a perfectly classic look.⁠
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#venueND #classicinvitations #weddingpaper #weddingstationery #chicagobride⁠
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