Top Printing Methods for Your Wedding Invitations

January 20, 2020

Filed in: Education

Understanding the different printing methods that you could use for your wedding invitations is hard enough, and then having to choose which one is right for you?! No thanks, I’ll pass. Sounds like a headache waiting to happen, right?

Trust us, we get it.

Until we went to college for four years and studied nothing but art, design and printing methods, we were right in your shoes. I remember the first time I heard the word “thermography” and I was like “thermo-what?” Luckily, we live and breath printing now, so we can help you get started understanding the difference between all the options.

To save you some time in your decision making so you can hit the ground running and get those invitations out the door ASAP, we’ve described the top printing methods our couples use for their wedding invitations. As a bonus, we’ve also included “$-$$$” to describe how affordable each method is so you can keep your budget in mind, too.

So, let’s get to it!

 

Digital Printing

printing methods - digital printing

Also called flat printing, digital printing is a printing technique where the ink is printed directly onto the surface of the paper. Digital printing is the most cost effective printing technique where you’re able to print any and all colors for the same cost. If you’re interested in graphics with lots of colors (like a watercolor illustration), digital printing would be a perfect fit for your invitations. Digital printing is one of the most flexible printing methods and can easily be paired with any of the follow methods for an added wow-factor.

Pricing: $

 

White Ink Printing

white ink printing response envelope

White ink printing is a form of digital printing but white ink isn’t in all regular printers. It requires a special printer with a white ink cartridge or tank. White ink is more expensive than digital printing but can have a lasting impression because it’s more “rare”. It can really pop on darker colors and makes a statement for your invitations or envelopes. 

Pricing: $$

 

Thermography

 

If texture is your thing, thermography is for you! Thermography is a raised ink printing process that gives the ink a texture as you run your fingers over it. It looks similar to digital printing until you turn it to the side or touch it—the difference will wow you! Thermography can be done in a variety of colors to match your palette, as well! This printing method is the perfect partner for digital printing if your looking to combine some methods.

Pricing: $$$

 

Foil Stamping

gold foil wedding invitation

Any time you see a metallic element on the paper, most likely it’s been through the foil stamping process. Foil stamping is a cost effective way to make a strong impression with your stationery items. It can be done in any color, but our most common colors are gold, silver, rose gold, copper, and white.

Pricing: $$$$

 

Letterpress

printing methods - letterpress

Letterpress is a traditional printing process where a plate is made to press into the paper. It leaves an indentation in the paper where the ink is pressed. It’s typically on super thick paper which most of our clients love. It can be done in combination with foil, as well, and is our most expensive printing process. But, the cost is definitely worth it if you’re looking for drool-worthy invitations. They’ll be show-stoppers for sure!

Pricing: $$$$

 

There are many, many, many other printing methods out there in the world, but these are our most common as well as our favorites.

Interested in seeing more examples of what some of these methods look like in action? Check out more in our portfolio for more inspiration. And if that’s not enough, head over to our Instagram or Pinterest where we’re constantly sharing more of our work.

comments +

  1. Recently, my fiance started looking for the perfect paper and printing method for our wedding invitations, and she’s running out of time. It’s great that you described printing methods and how they work, so I’ll send your insight right now to my fiance. Thank you for the advice on printing techniques and their price range.

    • Samantha Wise says:

      Hi Eli! I’m so happy to hear that this post was helpful for you and your fiance as you plan + create your wedding invitations. (: If you ever need some additional assistance with your wedding stationery, please feel free to reach out and I’d love to help! -Samantha

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