If you’re not a wedding professional, all the different terms can be quite confusing! You may be asking yourself, “Should my invitations be embossed, on matte paper with laser cut belly bands and do I invest in unique envelope liners?”
Lucky for you, we’re here to help. From printing techniques, paper, to detailed designs we have some terms that might make your stationery selection process a little easier!
Printing Techniques:
Digital printing
This is a printing technique that can save both time and money. Without the need for a printing palette, digital printing can produce high-quality results from a digital document like a PDF. This technique results in a flat, non textured image.
Embossing
Embossing is a technique that uses press plates to imprint designs and lettering onto your stationery. This technique can make even the simplest pieces works of art and can be used on a multitude of surfaces.
Laser cutting
This technique uses lasers to cut out words and designs producing a delicate and elegant result.
Letterpress
Known for being the oldest printing technique, this utilizes elevated letters and designs which are then ink-pressed to the stationery.
Offset printing
This technique uses premixed ink and is transferred onto the material through a stamp-like machine. It creates a distinct and clean look for your designs.
Screen printing
Most often used on fabric, this technique utilizes ink being pressed through a mesh onto the material by a roller.
Typeface Terms:
Calligraphy
This style of writing is a step above beautiful handwriting. It is the incorporation of a design that flows through the word to create an elegant look.
Flourishes
Flourishes are the detailed design and scrollwork incorporated with Calligraphy. Think all the beautiful little flicks and whisps that make the writing a little extra special.
Typeface/Font
Typeface and font are often used interchangeably, but they still have two slightly different meanings. The typeface refers to the actual design of the lettering or type while the font takes into consideration the size and weight of the particular type.
Typography
Typography is the arrangement of letters and words to make everything look beautiful and easily legible. It is definitely an art in its own right.
Paper Terms:
Backer
A simple way to add to your design, a backer is the piece of paper positioned behind your invitation. It is another way to accent your color scheme or theme.
Beveled Edge
This term refers to showing the dimensions of your paper. Using the thickness and cutting edges at 45-degree angles give a unique accent to your paper.
Corrugated
Corrugated paper has ridges and grooves to create a cardboard-like look.
Cotton Fiber
This paper has a rich texture and is usually made from 100 percent cotton. It is one of the most traditional options for wedding stationery.
Deckled Edge
This refers to the rough, uncut edge of paper. It creates the look of homemade paper before it is cut.
Handmade Papers
Handmade paper is often made from a variety of natural materials and usually has an uneven texture. (See Deckled Edge above)
Liner
A decorative piece of paper placed on the inside of your envelope that usually compliments your theme.
Matte
A matte finish is flat and non-reflective. A new trend is Matte Glitter, which adds an elegant, rough textured sparkle to your stationery.
Vellum
A high-quality paper that was originally made from calf’s skin. Vellum includes all translucent paper, similar to parchment that has a smooth finish.
Watermark
Watermarks are a translucent emblem only visible when held against the light, watermarks are an emblem of high quality that usually indicates the maker.
Packaging and Presentation:
Bifold
Folded in two parts, it often resembles a greeting card. People often add pockets or similar details to the inside.
Envelopes
The traditional way of packaging your stationery. Envelopes can be kept simple or you can add your own personal touch to match your color scheme or design.
Trifold
Folded in three-parts, it resembles a brochure. This style allows you to give more information to your attendees such as travel and accommodation plans while you keep one panel for the event details.
Design Terms:
Belly Band
A design accent to wrap around your stationery. You can use ribbon, string, lace or even laser-cut designs.
Edge Painting
A way to add more color to your stationery, this element refers to painted or inked edges. This is often seen with beveled edge stationery.
Monogram
A monogram is the combination of you and your partner’s initials. Monograms are typically used as a wedding motif and are custom made to fit the theme and style of your wedding stationery.
Motif
A reoccurring design or image that is used throughout your wedding theme, and most commonly on all of your wedding stationery.
