Over the last several weeks we have been asked often to explain the different print methods that can be used for invitations and social stationery which lead me to write this blog. That said, there is nothing like seeing is believeing as each print style is textural.  So what better way to streamline the process then produce ONE document with all of the methods on it.  Now back to the descriptions:

LETTERPRESS: almost became a lost art however, thanks to the fantastic designs from SMOCK, elum and Wiley Valentine (our faves), letterpress is back with a vengeance.  Can you tell we love letterpress? In this oldest form of printing, ink is applied to the raised portions of a printing plate which is then pressed on the paper. The type and images are debossed instead of raised. 

ENGRAVING: is an art which has endured for centuries.  It is also the most formal means of printing.  Think Crane. An engraved piece requires a metal plate that has been etched with invitation copy/artwork and then ink fills the plate.  Each piece of paper is hand-fed into a press where it is stamped with at least 4000 POUNDS of pressure. The resulting image is raised and hightly detailed.  When running your fingers across an engraved piece, the raised ink will have a matte feel. Engraving is considered a mark of quality. 

EMBOSSING: is engraving without ink. A metal plate is still utilized however it is not filled with ink.  Embossing can create a 3-D effect, such as in family crests or it can have even depth throughout the artwork. 

THERMOGRAPHY: simulates the appearance of engraving (raised letters) without the use of metal ink.  Thermography has a shiny finish and is a more cost effective method of printing versus engraving.

OFFSET/FLAT PRINTING: is the way most books and magazines are printed.  There is no textural effect to this printing method. And, it is less expensive than thermography.

Truly, the best way to tell the difference is to touch and compare them side by side.  If you can tell which invitation is letterpress printed, we’ll give you a $100 gift certificate to your own custom creation! First one to guess wins!

We are so honored to have been chosen to be a Little Black Book vendor. Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book ”is a highly edited collection of wedding service providers – from mom and pop boutiques to A-Listers. Bottom line, these vendors are the best of the best.”  Their blog www.stylemepretty.com features real weddings, inspiring decor concepts, and more.  It is the go to resource for brides.  And, now you can find URBANcoast on the site.  Our page will be launched soon featuring the latest in couture invitations, accoutrements, out of the box design concepts and more. 

What is Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book? 

Style Me Pretty http://www.stylemepretty.com SMP is a nationally recognized inspirational wedding resource that publishes original content via blog format.

Little Black Book http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book/ We are not a “yellow pages” list.  Our thoughtfully edited resource showcases only the most innovative and chic, top quality wedding professionals on the planet.

TOP TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN ORDERING YOUR INVITATION SUITES AND COORDINATING ACCESSORIES (Only if you are not working with us at the Coast, as we guide you through this process!)

ESTABLISH YOUR LOOK & FEEL.

This is the first view your guests will have to the style of your wedding.  Paper, printing type and embellishments, etc. all speak to the experience of the event.

KNOW YOUR BUDGET.

It is extremely helpful if you share your budget or at least a financial target prior to reviewing invitations. Your time will be better spent focusing on options only within your budget to avoid any disappointment looking at those options that are not.  When thinking about your budget, look ahead at the larger picture not only from a design perspective, but from a cost perspective as well.  Here are a few key elements to consider:

• How many invitations will you need? In your count it is important to consider couples, families and individual invitees as often brides and grooms base their count on estimated guest responses.
• Consider the number of pieces you will need, such as accommodation card, activities card and response card/envelope.
• Consider any other printed accessories you may want for the wedding, such as menus, table numbers, place cards, seating chart, welcome letters, favors and thank you notes.
• AND, don’t forget to ask if there are any specials?

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.

This will allow the stationer ample time to prepare and pull samples for you. It will also ensure that you are the only client they are working with at that time.

PROVIDE AS MUCH INFORMATION IN ADVANCE.

The more information you provide in advance, the more productive your meeting will be.  Supplying the date, time, location of your wedding as well as colors, themes and styles help the stationer to identify choices for you.  For example, let the stationer know if your style is modern or classic. Simple or elaborate. If you have images of the invitations you like, bring them.

ORDER EXTRA ENVELOPES.

Whether you are addressing the envelopes yourself, getting them printed or using a calligrapher, it is recommended that you order at least 10 additional envelopes to allow for error.

ASK ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TIMELINE & PROCESS.

This is a critical part of the ordering process, especially if you are having a destination wedding. It is so important to ask the following questions:

• How long will it take to get a proof? How many proofs are included in the price of the invitation? What is the cost if I want an additional proof? (YOU ALWAYS WANT A PROOF, BTW)
• How long after proof approval will my invitations be ready?
• If you are ordering out of an album, don’t forget to indicate the shipping method you prefer. And, ask if there is a drop ship fee if it isn’t being shipped to the store.
• When ordering accessories such as place cards, find out what is the last day that you can make changes.  Order extra for the last minute changes.
• Consider the amount of time it will take to assemble your favors, so the packaging arrives well in advance.

ASK ABOUT SHIPPING.

Always ask if the shipping price is included in your invitation suite or due upon arrival.  In some instances, the stationer may be able to get an estimate in advance from the vendor. Also ask if they mark up the price or if it is a pass through cost.

ASK ABOUT ASSEMBLY SERVICES.

It is extremely important to ask if your invitation comes assembled. Many designers charge an added fee for this service and depending on the complexity of the invitation, it can be quite costly.  Also if you are considering doing it yourself,  ask the stationer if they can assist you with the first few.

PURCHASING POSTAGE!

Don’t buy postage until AFTER you have had your FINAL invitation suite weighed at the post office.  Every suite and size requires a different rate. We always recommend that you send an invitation to yourself first, to ensure the postage is accurate. The post office isn’t always right.

Don’t forget you can get really great styled stamps online at zazzle.com in-place using the standard bell or rings. Or, you can have your stationer design one to coordinate with your invitation suite.

DON’T STRESS.

Choosing the wrong stationer can add additional stress and cost.  When choosing a stationer, make sure you like the people you will be working with.  It is important you connect with your designer. Do some research in advance: look at their custom work, read testimonials, visit their store, check out the lines they carry, etc.  Look closely at their website as it is indicative of their creativity and the quality of their work. When you work with the team at URBANcoast, there is no stress. Just great style and service. Do everything we recommend in Tip # Ten, and we think you’ll agree.