About Wedding Stationery

If the thought of selecting and ordering your wedding stationery overwhelms you, you're not alone. Deciding on the theme, the colors, whether the typeface and wording is formal enough or too formal can be tough to figure out. Of course your fiance is of no use when it comes to helping you narrow it down. If it were left to him, he would pick whatever just to get the process over with. Don't worry, I'm here to help.

Here's what you need to know about wedding stationery:

WHAT TO ORDER
Wedding stationery can include save-the-date cards, the invitation, response cards, programs, seating cards, place cards, menu cards and thank-you notes. Choosing to go with one stationer for all your stationery will ensure that you have a unified theme.

HOW TO PICK THE STATIONERY DESIGN:
Before you start shopping for stationery, determine the following: your wedding date, your wedding theme (whether it's a destination wedding or black-tie affair), your color scheme, number of guests, and your budget.

THE PAPER:
Stock - stationery paper is made in different materials and textures. The finishes and weight affects the price. When you hear the word "stock" it refers to how many pounds a ream (500 sheets) of a particular paper weighs. Keep in mind that the heavier the stock the more expensive the paper.

Shapes - Nowadays you'll find invitations come in a variety of shapes. Invitations don't necessarily have to be square or rectangular. Explore the possibilities and allow your personality to shine through.

PRINTING METHODS USED:
Engraving - this is the most formal and typically the most expensive option. Engraving is a process of making an indentation to the back of the paper raising the type. Engraving requires a heavy card stock (thus the pricey bit).

Letterpress - this is a labor-intensive and can be a costly option. Letterpress type is indented, whereas engraved type is raised. A heavier but soft paper is best for this type of printing.

Offset Lithography - this is the least expensive type. It  can be found on store bought greeting cards. This type of printing is a great budget friendly option that can be made to look modern and trendy.

Thermography - this style of printing uses heat-based process and resin powder to create a raised lettering. It is a great alternative to engraving. The lettering can appear shiny rather than matte. It costs half the price of engraving.

Have a look at some of these lovely personality infused stationery designs from Mitchell&Dent:

{image cred­its: angela hig­gins for mitchell & dent via ohsobeautifulpaper.com}