Print types for invitations
Filed under: Invitations
Wedding invitations come with a language all their own. Confused? Here's a short glossary of terms:Letterpress: Invented by Gutenberg in 1450, this is the oldest method of printing, but becoming less common now because it's more labor-intensive than offset printing. Letters are formed on metal blocks, inked, and pressed onto the paper.
Engraving: Engraved invitations are the most formal, and (surprise!) the most expensive. This method is as old as the letterpress, because it's essentially the inverse. With letterpress, the inked letters are pressed onto the paper; with engraving, the letters are pressed up through the paper. If you turn an engraved invitation over, you'll see the letters pushed up from behind. Some engravers will give you the plate used to produce your invitations as a keepsake.
Thermography: Thermographed invitations also have raised lettering. Because the lettering is produced by the fusion of ink and powder, you can't see the imprint from behind. In addition, thermography produces a shinier, glossy finish than engraving, and is less expensive.
Embossing: Raised images on paper. This can be accomplished using the letterpress (engraved) or by using powder, glue, and heat. This second variation is less expensive. Blind embossing refers to embossing with no colour -- tone on tone texture.
Offset: Also called lithography or flat print, this is the most commonly used style of print for wedding invitations. Invitations are clear, but there is no raised print. It is less expensive that both engraving and thermography.
Laser: Laser printing looks a lot like offset printing, but is even less expensive, particularly if you print your own! Many craft stores sell blank invitation kits, often for about a dollar an invitation.
Handwritten: If you plan a very small wedding, handwritten invitations are perfectly acceptable -- and good etiquette! And, as we've written before, invitations can also be written in calligraphy, either by yourselves, or a professional calligrapher.
Embossing: Raised images on paper. This can be accomplished using the letterpress (engraved) or by using powder, glue, and heat. This second variation is less expensive. Blind embossing refers to embossing with no colour -- tone on tone texture.
Offset: Also called lithography or flat print, this is the most commonly used style of print for wedding invitations. Invitations are clear, but there is no raised print. It is less expensive that both engraving and thermography.
Laser: Laser printing looks a lot like offset printing, but is even less expensive, particularly if you print your own! Many craft stores sell blank invitation kits, often for about a dollar an invitation.
Handwritten: If you plan a very small wedding, handwritten invitations are perfectly acceptable -- and good etiquette! And, as we've written before, invitations can also be written in calligraphy, either by yourselves, or a professional calligrapher.
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