A Guide to Wedding Invitation Print Methods
Exploring the Luxurious
Photography from the incredible Triple Fox Weddings
Wedding Invitations are so much more than just a piece of paper, they have become statement, heirloom collections which reflect the style and personality of the couple and set the tone & excitement of the event for your guests.
In this guide, I will explain popular printing techniques, from budget-friendly digital printing to the more luxurious techniques such as letterpress, hot foil & sculpted embossing, here is everything you need to know when considering your wedding invitation print methods.
DIGITAL
Digital Printing, also known as flat printing, is perhaps the most widely used printing method for invitations because it is the most flexible, cost-effective and ideal for vibrant, full-colour designs such as watercolour.
How does Digital Printing work?
A digital printer applies ink directly to the paper either at a professional grade or laser (toner) printer or inkjet printer.
Digital Print on Wedding Invitations:
Clean and crisp printing
Smooth flat Finish
Great for intricate patterns, watercolours & photography
No tactile dimension unless the paper has a texture
Quick and less labour-intensive to produce
Why choose Digital?
Digital Printing is ideal for couples who have a more vibrant design style, a more refined budget or have a shorter timeline to send invitations.
LETTERPRESS
Letterpress is a method of relief printing, with the designs of the invitation pressed into the soft cotton paper, creating a beautiful pillowy & vintage effect. If you have been looking for wedding invitations, you have no doubt stumbled across this soft romantic style of invitations.
How does Letterpress printing work?
The designer uses a custom plastic-based die/plate which is saturated with speciality ink and using a vintage letterpress the design is pressed onto the hand-fed cotton paper, with each colour requiring a different die.
Letterpress on Wedding Invitations:
Produces a luxurious tactile feel with visible depth
Great for text-based or less intricate designs
Timeless artisan print method dating back to the 15th Century
Labour intensive as paper is hand-fed and requires multiple presses for each colour
Letterpress printing by the amazing Grania @ Ink and Paper
Why choose Letterpress?
Letterpress is the starting point of luxury wedding invitations; its timeless appeal is perfect for couples who want a classic & elegant look with a deep tactile impression (on the paper and your guests).
HOT FOIL
Hot Foil is also a relief print method but uses heat and metallic foil sheets creating a stunning clean, sharp and shimmering light-catching effect which will wow your recipients.
How does Hot Foil printing work?
Hot foil is similar to letterpress but uses metal dies usually magnesium, copper or brass which is heated and then pressed onto the paper with a metallic or pigmented foil.
Hot Foil on Wedding Invitations:
Adds a luxurious shimmering metallic effect to designs
Also tactile with depth added from the metal plate
Great for white designs as white foil is more pigmented than can be achieved with other print methods
Labour intensive as paper is hand-fed and time laborious
Costly due to die costs and labour required
Why choose Hot Foil?
Hot Foil wedding stationery invitations are at the height of popularity and luxury when it comes to wedding stationery design, adding a timeless and elegant touch whatever the event or design may be.
CLASSIC & SCULPTED EMBOSS
‘Classic’ embossing is the method of creating raised impressions on the paper using a die with weight and/or heat to displace the fibres to create the raised design, creating a clean flat, polished final piece.
Sculpted embossing takes the art form to a new level – literally. The technique involves creating a multi-level contoured die, pressed to create a 3D appearance, adding depth and texture to create intricate and realistic designs.
Embossing on Wedding Invitations:
Classic embossing is fantastic for sophisticated & minimal designs
Sculpted embossing is magical for intricate floral motifs or lifelike textures for visual impact with unparalleled depth and detail, often resembling hand-sculpted artwork
The most tactile & luxurious print method for invitations
The most expensive of the popular print methods
Sophisticated look without the need for additional colour
Why choose Embossing?
Deciding between classic and sculpted embossing comes down to the design preference and desired aesthetic as well as factors such as budget, production time and materials used. Either way, the rich and tactile end result is truly captivating and sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who touches it! Perfect for couples looking to make a statement with ultra-luxurious stationery.
Factors to consider when choosing a print method
1. Budget – Determining how much you are willing to invest in your wedding stationery suite, the more expensive methods (letterpress, hot foil and emboss) are worth it for the impact they create.
2. Wedding Aesthetic – Your wedding stationery should match other overall wedding theme and aesthetic.
3. Quantity – The number of stationery pieces required will have an effect on the cost and printing method recommended, for example; small print runs will not be cost-effective on multi-coloured letterpress or hot foil/embossed designs requiring multiple plates.
4. Timeline – Luxury print methods take longer to produce, so timelines must be planned accordingly.
Final thoughts…
Your wedding invitations reflect your style and the joyous celebration to come. Whether you opt for the affordability and flexibility of digital printing or the luxury of sculpted embossing, each method has its own unique charm. Fortune Press specialise in timeless luxurious hot foil and embossing but loves to explore & layer all print methods to push the design boundaries and create something magical.
Ready to create your dream wedding invitations now you have learned more? Explore our Semi-bespoke House Collection or enquire about Bespoke Wedding Invitations and let us bring your visions to life.
Chloe x
