One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is working with a stationer to create your invitations. Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day, and while there are many things to consider when planning your wedding, choosing the right paper and printing method to help set the tone and style of your wedding will earn you big style points.
In this blog, we'll go over the different types of paper and printing methods available, and I'll give you some great tips for choosing the right ones for your wedding invitations.
Paper Types
First, let's look at the different papers and cards available for wedding invitations:
Cardstock
Cardstock is popular for wedding invitations because of its durability and versatility. It's a heavy-weight paper that comes in various weights and finishes, so you can find the perfect one to match your style. Smooth, matte, and glossy finishes are available, you can get textured finishes like linen and felt, and taking things up a notch are embossings that can mimic the textures of things like leathers and fabrics.
Vellum
Vellum is a thin, semi-transparent paper that's used to add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations. It's often used in combination with cardstock to create a layered look. These days vellum comes in a range of colours so you're not limited to just white, and there are even shimmer varieties on the market too!
Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is a natural-looking paper that has a vintage feel and is a wonderful choice for rustic or boho weddings. Use it on its own or in combination with other papers to create a unique look. While kraft paper is generally available only in brown, there's no reason you can't dress up that colour palette with your envelopes, ribbons or other additional elements!
Cotton Paper
Cotton paper is a high-quality paper that's made from 100% cotton fibres. It's a superb choice for formal weddings or weddings with a classic vibe. Cotton paper is soft to the touch and feels luxurious in the hand.
Handmade Paper
Handmade paper is usually made in small batches by skilled artisans. It can be made from 100% cotton, recycled paper or a mix of different base fibres. The great thing about handmade paper is as made in small batches, it's possible to have a bespoke colour ordered if you have something specific in mind.
Eco-friendly pro-tip: why you should avoid acrylic invitations
While acrylic invitations may look sleek and modern, they should be avoided due to their environmental impact. Acrylic is a type of plastic that is not biodegradable, meaning it will take hundreds of years to decompose. The production process for acrylic is energy-intensive and produces greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of plastic, choosing acrylic invitations for your wedding may be seen as insensitive and out of touch with the concerns of the day.
Instead of using acrylic, using paper-based invitations that are made from sustainable materials, such as recycled paper or FSC-certified paper is the way to go. These options are more environmentally friendly and can still achieve a beautiful and elegant look for your wedding invitations. By choosing eco-friendly materials and printing methods for your wedding invitations, you can reduce the environmental impact of your special day while still achieving the look and feel you desire.
Printing Methods
Next, let's look at the different ways your wedding invitations can be produced:
Offset Printing (also known as Lithography)
Offset printing is a traditional printing method that uses a printing plate to transfer ink to paper. Offset printing produces high-quality prints with rich, vibrant colours and sharp details and is the perfect choice if you're looking to add neon or metallic inks to your invitations. This method is more suitable when you print large quantities of invitations, as it's not particularly cost-effective for short print runs.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a newer printing method that uses a computer to print directly to paper. It's a smart choice for small quantities of invitations or invitations that have an element of personalisation. Digital printing produces high-quality prints with accurate colours and fine details.
Letterpress
Letterpress is a printing method that uses raised type to create a tactile impression on the paper. If invitations with a classic or elegant feel are your thing, this is the way to go! Letterpress produces crisp prints with a luxurious, handcrafted look and feel.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is a printing method that uses heat to transfer foil to paper. It's a great way to add a touch of luxury to your invitations. Foil stamping produces high-quality prints with a metallic, reflective finish and certainly packs a visual punch.
Tips for choosing the right paper and printing method
Now that you know about the different types of paper and printing methods available, here are some tips for choosing the right ones for your wedding invitations:
1. Consider your budget.
The type of paper and printing method you choose will have a big impact on your budget. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider using a less expensive paper or printing method. There are many affordable options available that still produce high-quality results.
2. Think about your style.
The type of paper and printing method you choose should reflect the style of your wedding. If you're having a formal wedding, you may want to choose high-quality paper and a traditional printing method like letterpress. Such combinations can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your invitations. On the other hand, if you're having a more casual wedding, you may want to choose a less expensive paper and a more modern process like digital printing. You can also get creative with the types of paper you use, such as kraft paper for a rustic wedding or vellum for a romantic feel.
3. Get samples.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, it's a good idea to get samples of the different papers and printing methods you're interested in. This will allow you to see how they look in person and feel the texture of the paper. Ask your stationer to sort you out with some samples at the ideation stage so you can start picturing what your wedding invitations might look like when complete. You can also ask your stationer to provide a proof of your invitation design before printing the entire batch. This will give you the chance to make any necessary adjustments before signing off on the design and going to production.
4. Consider the environmental impact.
As mentioned earlier, it's important to consider the environmental impact of your paper and printing choices. Opting for recycled or sustainably sourced paper, as well as using eco-friendly printing methods, can help to reduce your carbon footprint.
To sum up, choosing the right paper and printing method for your wedding invitations is an important decision that you should give some time and thought. By considering your budget, style, and environmental impact, you can find the perfect combination of paper and printing methods to create beautiful and meaningful invitations for your special day.
So what are you waiting for? Drop me a line here and we can start exploring the different types of paper and printing methods available to you and create the wedding invitations of your dreams!
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