Once you have selected a time and date for your wedding, chosen a venue, and narrowed down your guest list, you can start to send out invitations.
Shopping for wedding invitations can sometimes be confusing, you will find that there are so many options to choose from and a wide range of variables that determine what your invitations will look like.
One of these variables is the technique used to print your invites.
Here is an overview of the different options.
Engraving is the most costly method used to print wedding invitations.
This tends to be used for the most formal events only.
The finished article will appear textured, as the lettering has been printed onto the paper using a metal plate.
This option may be suitable for you if you have set aside a lot of money for your invitations, and can afford to wait quite a while before you receive them as the process can take up to eight weeks.
Perhaps a more suitable option would be thermography.
This produces a similar effect to engraving and is now widely considered to be the industry standard.
Most big stationary companies use this method as it can be performed quickly.
As well as this, it is less costly than engraving and you will find your choices for color are greater, so you have a larger palate to work with.
On the other end of the scale, the letterpress is probably one of the most costly methods that can be used for printing your invitations.
The process is quite complicated and inking an image to create an impression which is then transmitted onto paper.
This does give you the option of using unusual fonts and colors.
Remember, the invites will ultimately be thrown away and will not be the factor that makes or breaks your wedding so instead of spending a fortune on them you may want to choose a budget option so your money can be spent elsewhere such as on your food, entertainment, or photography.