There are a million and one ways to print a piece. At a broad level, paper cards can either be printed flat (digitally) or pressed. Beyond that, there is texture, color, folds, foil, thickness, and so much more fun stuff.
let’s break it down…
LETTERPRESS
Letterpress is a form of printing in which we create a metal plate of your design, dip it in liquid ink and press or stamp it into lush paper. It creates an effect in which the design is indented down into the paper.
Though, we can also do this effect in reverse (indented up out of the paper) but it is called embossing, and hint: much more expensive.
Invented in China in 1041, it’s a very unique and special option to make your invitation immediately stand out. It makes even the simplest designs feel like a luxury brand.
But it’s quite a bit more expensive than digital flat printing, and does take some time, so let’s look at the other option…
DIGITAL FLAT
Digital flat printing is the type of printing we’re all used to. It’s a laser printer that can fly your design out quick and flawless.
Cartridges of CMYK ink create the unique colors of your design with tiny little dots. This way, you can use as may colors as you want with no additional cost!
A perfect option for anyone in a hurry, on a budget, or a fan of simplicity.
Indentation
LETTERPRESS
10-15 biz days production
$$
No Indentation
DIGITAL FLAT
2-3 biz days production
$
PAPER TEXTURES
If we do Letterpress, we will almost always do cotton paper. But either way, these are the available texture options for your paper…
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IDEAL for letterpress but also gorgeous in a flat digital print. This is the most formal and soft option.
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This is a great cheap option that still has a little bit of what we call “toothiness” - aka it’s NOT shiny.
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The cheapest option! Somewhat smooth, but not too shiny. The best option if you’re on a budget!
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Has a subtle raised crosshatch pattern that resembles a linen fabric.
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Has a wool or felt-like texture. Very toothy. Lots of groove textures. Only recommend for super simple designs.
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Most all textures can be found in color, but typically, these are available in what’s called a “vellum” texture - it’s a lot like Eggshell!
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The crown jewel of paper is handmade, and features a gorgeous deckled edge. This is an amazing option for something unique and vintage if you have the space in your budget. It can only be pressed - no digital flat printing.
FOIL STAMPING
Make the whole
place shimmer…
Foil Stamping is similar to Letterpress, but additionally uses a metallic foil sheet in the stamping process to create a metallic, shiny, reflective effect!
Can be combined with letterpress or flat printing.
$$$
keep it together…
Wax
Belly Bands
Vellum Wraps
String
Ribbon
Pocket Folders
How to choose?
At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what’s most important to you. If you remember an invitation you received, what do you remember about it? When you browse through invitations, what stands out to you the most?
Wedding planning is full of decisions. Decide what to prioritize, and release control on the rest.
I can’t wait to chat about all the things we can create together!