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The essential guide to Wedding Invitation Printing Techniques

Your choice of stationery, size of invitations and method of printing are what determine the total cost for your invitations. When printing your wedding invitations, you have several techniques to choose from. Being aware of these different printing options will allow you to not only choose a method that fits your budget, but also to achieve the desired look and effect. So, let us find out what our options are.

Engraving

This is the traditional style of printing that has been used for ages. It is an expensive method, as the letters are etched on the cardstock in thick and good quality ink, using copper plates. After the ink is applied to the plates and pressed on the paper, the card is subjected to high pressure so the letters are pressed down into it. Engraved text is sharp and raised on the right side, and there are depressions on the other side of the page. It looks sophisticated and classic, but comes at a considerable price. Having your invitations engraved will take at least four to six weeks. So, if you choose it, place your order early.

Letterpress

This is a handcrafting method, where the ink is manually pushed into the paper using a metal plate on which the text is prepared. The result is similar to engraving, but not as refined. Your invitation cards have to be bulky and soft, for letterpress to work. Although it is expensive, it is cheaper than engraving. So, if you want a textured and sophisticated invitation, consider letterpress. The complexity of the design you choose is what determines the turnaround time. A set of invitations can be completed in as little as two weeks, or may take as much as two months.

Thermography

Another formal style of printing, thermography uses heated ink with resin powder to create lettering. The print is very similar to engraving, and has a raised surface. However, it is not as fine. This technique is affordable and takes less time to complete. You may however, have limited options to customize your invitation with colors.

Offset printing

This is the standard flat-printing that we are all familiar with. It is a low-budget choice, but looks very good when done well. Here, the ink lies flat against the surface of the paper, and you can choose to print in any color, format or design. Offset printing can be done quickly.

Digital printing

The results are similar to offset printing, but digital printing is done on thinner paper. It uses a printer, instead of a press. The method is suitable for casual wedding themes and it is possible to do almost any design or use any color, with this technique. This is the cheapest and quickest option, and you can have your invitation cards ready in a matter of days.

The style of printing you choose should reflect the formality of your wedding. After all, your invitations set the tone for your wedding. Although there are no hard and fast rules here, it is better to go for engraved, letterpress or thermographic printing styles if your wedding is a black-tie event. For a casual or semi-formal event, you can choose offset or digital prints.

To check out our collection of wedding invitation styles, as well as for all your other wedding needs, visit us on Best for Bride.

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Personal gestures that mean a lot: Write your own Thank You notes

thank you card

The gifts have begun arriving, and aren’t you a Happy Girl!

While receiving gifts is fun, do not forget the associated task of sending a thank you note for the thoughtful gifts you receive.

Your wedding can really drain you of all energy, and by the time you are settled into your newly married status, you may just have had enough of wedding-chores. It may seem a practical solution to get your thank you notes printed at a commercial service, and mail them to your wedding guests, but that doesn’t sound so thoughtful, does it?

There is an old-fashioned pleasure to sending a thank-you note, and the receiver will also appreciate your gesture. It isn’t impossible to do, and also conveys that you value your relationship with the person. So, make it a point to personally write your thank you notes and here are some tips to help you with it.

Send your thank you notes on time

Thank you notes have to be sent out soon after the gifts arrive, and you should make sure you do so within at least a month after your wedding. So, don’t postpone writing your notes, as it is easier to get through the list if you do so soon after you receive the gift. Make a list of who sent you what, and sit down to write your note soon after. You can either mail them all after the wedding, or send them out a few days after they arrive. If you are making use of stationery with your married name on it, make sure you do so only after you are married.

Use good quality stationery

Rather than getting the entire thank you message printed by a commercial vendor, have your fold-over notes printed with a monogram with your initials. Choose good quality paper in white or ivory, or heavy card stock and send your notes in style. You can even match the color to your wedding invitation or wedding color palette, so it forms a befitting conclusion to the rituals related to your wedding.Write with a good fountain pen or felt-tip pen, so it looks neat. Make sure you write the message yourself, and the receiver will be pleased you did so.

Keep it personal

Don’t rush through writing your notes, or use the same impersonal wordings for all. Find inspiration from samples on the internet, but make sure you make yours unique. Make it a ceremony, and do just a couple at a time. Write them when you are free and in a good mood, and make each one out separately.

Acknowledge the gift you received from the person, and convey your gratitude with a few simple words. This will help you remember the gift you received in the years to come, and also tell the sender that you genuinely appreciate their gesture. If you received cash, mention what you intend to use it for. Sign your name, stick the stamp and send it out.

For more wedding tips and advice, and all your wedding shopping needs, visit us at Best for Bride.