When it comes to wedding invitations, one of the most exciting (and important!) choices you'll make is deciding on the print style. The print style you choose not only sets the tone for your stationery but also plays a big role in determining the overall cost.
Whether you're dreaming of something simple and elegant or bold and luxurious, there’s a printing method that’s perfect for your vision, style, and budget.
The four main print styles are full color digital printing, raised thermography, foil press (or foil stamping), and letterpress. (There are other styles, which we will touch upon, but let's stick to the main four, for now.) Each method offers a unique look and feel, ranging from the affordability of digital printing to the timeless sophistication of letterpress. If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, digital printing is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you want to create a luxurious keepsake, letterpress offers unmatched elegance and craftsmanship, though it comes with a higher price tag.
Your print style not only affects the visual impact of your invitations but also influences how your guests will experience them—both in their hands and their hearts. Rest assured, no matter which print style you choose, we’ll help you find the perfect balance of beauty and budget to bring your dream invitations to life.
Print Styles
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Full Color Digital Printing
Full-color digital printing is a process that prints in a full spectrum of colors directly onto paper or other materials. This method is affordable and ideal for producing vibrant, detailed prints without the need for traditional printing plates. It’s especially suited for wedding invitations with custom artwork or colorful designs as the focal point.
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Raised Thermography
Thermography is a printing process that creates raised, textured lettering or designs by applying a special powder to wet ink and then heating it. The heat causes the powder to melt and bond to the ink, resulting in a glossy, raised effect similar to engraving but at a more affordable price. This process is often used for wedding invitations and stationery to add a touch of elegance and depth.
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Foil Stamping or Foil Press
Foil stamping, or foil press, is a specialized printing technique that uses heat, pressure, and metallic or color foil to create a shiny, reflective design on the surface of paper or other materials. The process involves first manufacturing a copper plate featuring a custom design then pressing the heated metal die onto the foil, which transfers the design onto the material, giving it an elegant, luxurious finish. It’s commonly used for adding metallic accents, such as gold or silver, to enhance the look and feel of wedding invitations and stationery. It is a luxury print process and more costly than digital printing or thermography.
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Letterpress
Letterpress is a traditional printing technique where semi-transparent inked designs or text are pressed into thick, soft cotton paper using a custom metal or polymer plate. This process creates a distinct, tactile impression that adds elegance and texture to each piece. Known for its classic, timeless feel, letterpress is often used for high-end stationery like wedding invitations. It is the most luxurious of all of the print processes. Shown below is an example of "blind letterpress," where no ink is used to create a dimensional, colorless effect for the lettering. This technique can also be applied to patterns like line art. Additionally, black ink letterpress is used for the text beneath "Save the Date."
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Combination Printing
For an elevated and truly unique look, you can combine print styles, such as using digital printing for soft watercolor art and foil press for striking gold calligraphy and text. This approach adds depth and dimension, blending the best of both techniques for a breathtaking result. While combining print methods can be more costly, the outcome is a beautifully detailed, luxurious piece that feels both artistic and timeless—perfect for making a lasting impression.
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White Toner Digital Printing
White Toner Printing uses opaque white digital toner to create crisp, flat designs on darker papers. This technique offers a striking contrast, resulting in a modern and chic aesthetic. Perfect for bold, contemporary invitations, White Toner Printing adds a clean, sophisticated touch that stands out beautifully on rich, dark backgrounds.
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Metallic Toner Digital Printing
Metallic Toner Printing is a cutting-edge technique that uses gold or silver toner to create eye-catching, subtly reflective designs. Similar to White Toner Printing, it provides a smooth, flat finish but with a slightly shimmering metallic effect. This method adds a modern yet luxurious touch, perfect for creating bold and elegant stationery that shines on both light and dark papers, without the heavy cost of foil stamping.
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