With so many wedding invitation options available, it comes as no surprise that two of the most common questions that Lace and Belle receives are “What printing styles do you offer? and “Which printing style is right for us?” While your overall wedding aesthetic will be taken into consideration, it’s in fact your budget that will ultimately be the deciding factor for which printing method you choose for your wedding stationery. If the terms digital, raised ink, letterpress, emboss, deboss, and foil stamping have you feeling overwhelmed, I have you covered with Lace and Belle’s guide to wedding invitation printing techniques.

Digital Printing (also known as flat printing) is the most cost-effective, budget-friendly printing style. Since there are no required plates needed, this printing option offers not only the quickest possible turnaround time, but endless color options, too.

Thermography Printing (also referred to as raised ink printing) offers a formal and classic style. A resin powder is applied to the printed ink while it’s still wet. After the excess powder is removed, heat is applied allowing the powder and ink to fuse together leaving a raised ink effect on the card stock surface. While no custom plates are needed to achieve this process, each ink color does need to be applied separately, so using only 1 or 2 colors is recommended to avoid high costs.

Letterpress Printing (or relief printing) is achieved through the use of a printing press and custom plates. When the card stock is passed through the press, the custom dies press against the paper and transfer the ink onto the card stock. The inked plates leave behind an indented design for a luxurious style full of texture, especially when a heavier card stock weight is chosen.

Blind Emboss provides a 3D or raised effect through the use of two dies, in which two plates fit into each other (one plate is raised and one recessed). When the card stock is pressed between the plates, an embossed design impression is left behind. Blind Debossing, on the other hand, recesses the design for an indented style. Both blind emboss and blind deboss are printed without color and are perfect options to subtly incorporate a motif, such as a monogram, lace, stripes, polka dots, or ikat patterns, for an unexpected, modern impression.

Foil Stamping is the application of pigmented foil, in which a heated die is stamped onto the foil. When pressed on the card stock, the pigmented foil of the design plate is permanently adhered to the card stock surface. Foil stamping is the most expensive printing option, but the only way to achieve a true metallic foil look.

Whether you envision beachside nuptials, a rustic wedding, or a modern ballroom celebration, your wedding invitations will set the tone for your wedding day through your pretty paper details. Still have questions? Are you ready to get the wedding stationery design process started? Let’s chat! I can’t wait to hear from you! Xo