Stationary Success

Invitations should be ordered at least four months before your wedding… and if you’re engraving then tack on another month in addition to that.  It’s best to start looking at your options in advance so you know exactly what you want when the time comes. Let’s go over a quick review on popular printing styles.

There are a few options out there as far as invites go.  The most popular, traditional, and expensive method is engraving.  Basically the paper is pressed onto a copper plate to make raised letters on your invitation. It is very beautiful. If you love the engraved look but are working on a tight budget, I suggest thermography. It’s a process that creates the raised lettering look with powder and ink.  The result looks very similar to engraving with the exception of the back of the invitation.  Offset printing is the least expensive and also the quickest to print. It’s also the least formal.  Nowadays, the trend is going towards letterpress printing- my personal favorite.  It used to be the oldest and most traditional way of printing, but its coming back with a bang! The printer creates and impression in the paper and gives your invitation a very contemporary look.  Be warned though, it can be quite expensive.

If engraved invitations is what your heart desires.. check out William Arthur.  He has simple and traditional engraved invitations to choose from. There you can also find invitations made by Vera Wang and Rita Renning.

terra cotton engraved invitation

WeddingPaperDivas has thermography invitations in various colors and designs.  This website is great because they feature other styles as well such as letterpress and offset printing. You can search designs by ribbon accents, colors, styles, shape, and many more options.

thermography Blue Ribbon Design

Offset printing can be found in many companies. Some are done well and most are not. I suggest The Green Kangaroo because their offset printing is actually done well.  They feature different collections based on your level of taste.

pocket wedding invitiation chocolate and chartreuse

I save the best for last- letterpress invitations by Dauphine Press. They offer a wide variety of colors and sensational designs. Proceed with caution, as one full invitation set might cost you a kidney.

rosberry's garden letterpress invitation

Some other places to check out are Crane & Co., Invitation Consultants , My Gatsby, and The Delphine Press.

Shopping online for invitations is just as effective as going to boutiques in my opinion. You can always order samples to be mailed and there is far more variety online than any one shop can offer. I do suggest going to a few boutiques though just so you can actually see what each printing style looks like.  Make sure you look up invitation wording etiquette before ordering because not all shops will proof-read for you.

Until next time, Good luck and Happy Wedding!