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The wedding invitation typically sets the tone of the event since it is the first thing your guests will see. The invitation-making process can be very long and frustrating. The colors and wording you choose for your invitation reflects the theme and tone of the event. Many brides choose fusion stationers who can give a western invitation a beautiful South Asian flare. The print you choose for your invitation is also very important and should not be overlooked, as it can play an important role in the initial feel you send to your guests.
To help your invitation making, CitySaheli broke down the difference between the various styles of printing.
Engraving
This is the oldest form of printing. A design is etched into a copper plate and this plate is used with another plate to place the design onto the paper (think of a waffle iron). Lettering is raised on the front and you can see the indents of the paper on the back. Engraving is very expensive and can be cost effective if you have a large number of guests since you get the most use out of the copper plate. Printing times take up to 4 weeks.
Thermography
This is a less costly alternative to engraved printing. The process involves printing the invitation and heating the wet ink to produce a look similar to engraving. The letters look raised but the back of the paper is not indented. You will save over 70% of the cost of engraving your invitations. This is one of the most popular printing methods in the US. Keep in mind that the process does not work with all inks and papers, so check with your stationer about the selections you have made. The printing process is very fast.
Lithography
Lithography is a process where a reverse image is created on a plastic of aluminum plate. Chemicals cover the plate and are exposed to light which transfers the ink onto the paper. The printing itself does not have texture and this is commonly known as flat ink. It is one of the least expensive methods of printing. Many different textured papers will work well with this process.
Embossing
Metal plates are etched with letters that are stamped onto paper. The effect of embossing is a 3-D effect. Remember that if you order anything with embossing it can take up to 4 weeks. Embossing is usually used for monograms, borders and the return address.
Letterpress
Letterpress involves using a movable type machine. Ink is stamp into the paper almost making an indentation onto the paper. The characters are pre-set since a machine is used to stamp the paper. Letterpress looks best with handmade paper. Letterpress has been revived by Martha Stewart and is one of the more expensive types of printing.
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