Letterpress vs Digital Invites
In this episode, we will be discussing the following essentials when it comes to wedding invitations.
Digital or Flat: Holds the color really well and fulfills the purpose of sending an invitation. It's the least expensive option.
Letterpress: The ink is pressed down onto the paper, making it an expensive option. It's a classic thing.
Foil Printing: This is where you get more shiny colors like silvers, golds, rose golds, etc.
Engraved: It is a printmaking process in which lines are cut into a metal plate in order to hold the ink
Embossed: The impression is pushed up from the back of the paper. It is a more expensive option and gives textured raised image vibes.
Hand sculpted Embossed: This is where you can get all different levels of pushing and raising of the paper.
Blind Embossed: This is referred to when the image is raised up out of the paper.
Laser engraving: Laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks.
Laser cutting: Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to vaporize materials, resulting in a cut edge.
Embroidered: Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn.
Etching: It is a printmaking process in which lines or areas are incised using acid into a metal plate in order to hold the ink.
There are a litany of pros and cons for all stationery opportunities. Before selecting the style of printing, you should consider it important to decide on the style of invitation or the design you're most drawn to. Other factors when choosing an invitation style are paperweight, edges, and borders. We also talk about pricing, time frames for processing, and even some of the etiquette when it comes to your ultimate choice. What I can say for sure is if you have never ordered printed invitations before you NEED to listen to this episode!
Emily founded Emily Baird Design in 2011 to create pretty things for wonderful people. She is passionate about custom stationery and design. She has been nationally recognized in the top bridal magazines and blogs for offering exceptional service and beautiful work including Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and more! If you're looking to tell your love story through beautiful paper or want show-stopping event branding, she is here to help. Emily has been doing stationery for 10 years now. She has worked with a diverse variety of clients.
If you're a couple who loves watercolor and images with a lot of color in them, flat printing is the way to go. Letterpress is amazing if you're working with a few colors, it handles good typography and it is a classic route. The one cool thing that you can do if you're deciding between a flat press or letterpress is you can combine the two. You could have your printer print a watercolor frame outside the card and have a letterpress card inside. You can sort of be involved there, but it depends upon the kind of printer you're working with. In terms of cost, flat printing is the least expensive Letterpress costs depend upon the type of printer and paper quality, but it is a little pricier. In terms of timing, the digital route is the fastest, whereas the letterpress takes some time.
According to Emily, there are many complexities with letterpress printing. It is advisable to not use borders in your cards while using the letterpress, because they can be ruined while cutting or printing and can look too straight. You can also choose the quality and the color of paper. With paper, you have limitations as well as flexibility.
When it comes to envelopes, since you need a plate for every single text or image for letterpress, you would need a plate for every single person, so you don't have the option of doing that for each of your different guests. With flat printing, you might be working with a calligrapher to write people's names on the envelopes. If you want a darker envelope, it may not work well with dark ink. It's okay to have different types of printing within your invitation. This cannot only save your bank account, but also lets your invitation be the star of the show.
If you decide to do something more dynamic, like a watercolor map showing different events within the card, you can do that. Also, the more cards you're going to have, the more beautiful the experience will be but the cost and shipping will be more expensive.
Whatever route you decide to take depends upon your choice, happiness, and budget.
Places to go and People to see:
To listen to this podcast in it’s entirety, you can visit here.
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Emily Baird with Emily Baird Design: Co-Hosts Website
Emily Baird with Emily Baird Design: Co-Host Instagram
All Podcast Episodes: Here.