With so many different styles of invitations, we know it can be overwhelming to even know where to start. Not only are there different colors, graphics and fonts, but more importantly, there are many printing methods that will dramatically effect the overall presentation of your wedding details. Here is a quick primer to bring you up to speed on what is available as well as what might best suit your style and budget.

Flat Printing

Flat printing has become very popular in the past few years due to the trend of bringing more color and graphics to the wedding invitation. When you run your hand across the surface, there is little to no impression as the ink has dried flat on the card. The impact of color is the most important factor when considering flat printing. It is often the most economical method of printing due to the speed of the digital presses that are used. The Exclusive II Collection is our most popular collection of designs available in flat printing. They are highly customizable with your choice of a white or ecru card base and dozens of ink colors.

Thermography

Thermography is perhaps the most popular method of printing invitations, because it is both affordable and pleasing to the eye. This method involves sprinkling a special resin powder on the printed invitation while the ink is still wet and then exposing the piece to heat. The powder and ink fuse together causing the lettering to rise atop the surface of the paper. The end result is similar to engraving, but is less expensive.

Engraving

Engraving is a prestigious tradition that raises your lettering above the surface of the invitation while leaving slight indentations on the reverse side of the paper. The elegant look of engraved stationery is produced by filling the crevices of an etched copperplate with ink, feeding the paper into the press and then stamping the paper between the copperplate and another hard surface. The result is a three-dimensional masterpiece! Some printers will even send you the original copperplate with your invitation orders as a unique and lasting keepsake. (The invitation shown above is only available with thermography printing through our website. The same style may be engraved when ordered in person in our boutique. Please call to make an appointment to view engraved invitations in our office: 615-216-7576)

Letterpress

Letterpress is a finely crafted technique that involves pressing an inked raised surface such as a metal plate into soft paper (hard or thin papers won’t create as deep of an imprint). This pressure creates an impressed image, leaving your wording crisp and sharp in appearance. Letterpress printing is a detailed process that may need an extended production period, so be sure to allow more time. This process results in the highest  possible printed quality, giving your invitations unmatched beauty and distinct character.

To view our complete invitation collection, please call and make an appointment with a design consultant:

615-216-7576

New invitation collections for 2013 are pouring in and we are in love with the many classic, vintage inspired styles. With The Great Gatsby due out in theaters this May and so many of us glued to PBS every Sunday night to catch the latest installment of Downton Abbey, I thought it would be fun to showcase some of the new timeless invitations styles we have in our boutique.

So what do you think? Are any of these worthy of Mary and Matthew’s nuptials?

To view any of these invitations in person, call or email to make an appointment. We would be happy to show you the many ways to further customize your invitations to perfectly suit your unique wedding style.

(615) 216-7576