PRINT METHODS
There are so many factors to consider when designing your invitations. Below are some of the more common options, and you can mix methods of print as well, depending on the final design of your invitations.
Digital Flat Printing
This is most recognized print method. It uses high-resolution, digital color to print flat designs. The result is a smooth, flat finish. This is the most cost effective method of print.
Foil Stamping
This is a unique printing method that applies a metallic foil to the surface of the paper to create a shiny finish. This print method is popular if you want to add touches of gold, rose gold, copper or silver accents to your invitations.
You can do a traditional foil stamp, where a metal plate is created with your design, it’s heated, and a layer of foil is placed between this plate and pressed into the paper.
Letterpress
A custom plate is made and a press is used to physically imprint the design into the paper. Ink is mixed by hand. The texture of this method makes it very popular, and one of the higher end methods of printing. Pricing varies by the number of colors, the quality of paper, and if you want to add any details such as edge painting.
Engraving
The design is etched (in great detail) on metal plates and hand fed into die stamping presses. The result is a raised image on the front, and an unmistakeable “bruising”, or visible impression on the back side. This bruise indicates the mark of the high quality print method.
Thermography
Like engraving, it produces a raised ink effect. However, there is no impression left on the back side of the paper. The way this method is achieved is by applying the ink on the paper, then dusted with a power and both are heated, which causes the design to rise.
Acrylic
Acrylic is essentially a transparent piece of plastic that is extremely unique. If mailing these as invitations, you will have to factor in the added cost of sending these to your guests in a box versus an envelope. Many clients will sometimes use this option for menu cards as well.
ADD-ONS AND OTHER OPTIONS
Deckled Edge
Vintage Stamps
Edge Painting
Custom Wax Seals
Guest Addressing
Pocket Folds
HOW MANY INVITATIONS DO I NEED?
Use our free download to help you organize your guest list. This outlines how to input your guest names, and will let you know the total number of households, aka the total number of invitations, you’ll need. This number is different from your guest count.