The Complete Glossary of Custom Invitation Printing and Design

Digital printing transfers a design directly from a digital file onto paper using inkjet or laser technology. It is the most accessible and cost-effective printing method, offering fast turnaround times and the ability to print full-color designs without setup fees. Digital printing is ideal for complex gradients, photographic imagery, and smaller print runs.

Letterpress is one of the oldest and most celebrated printing techniques. A custom plate is pressed into the paper, creating a distinctive debossed impression that can be felt with the fingertip. Letterpress is prized for its handcrafted aesthetic and tactile quality. It works best with thicker cotton or soft-surface cardstocks and is most commonly used in one to three colors.

Engraving uses an etched metal plate to push ink up from below, leaving a raised impression on the front of the paper with a slight indentation on the back. It produces an exceptionally sharp, crisp line quality that has long been associated with formal stationery, wedding invitations, and official correspondence. Engraving setup costs are higher than digital printing, but the result is unmistakably refined.

Thermography is a raised printing process that uses heat to bond a powder to wet ink, creating a glossy, raised effect that resembles engraving at a lower cost. The raised lettering is smooth and shiny rather than truly pressed into the paper. Thermography is a popular choice for formal invitations on a moderate budget.

Foil stamping uses heat and pressure to bond a metallic or pigmented foil film to the paper surface. The result is a brilliant, reflective finish that catches the light. Foil is available in gold, silver, rose gold, copper, and a wide range of colors including matte and holographic options. It is applied using a custom die and works best on flat, smooth paper surfaces.

Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto the paper surface. It produces bold, saturated colors with an opaque, slightly textured ink layer. Screen printing is well-suited to simple designs with limited colors and works particularly well on uncoated, textured, or colored stocks.

Offset printing transfers ink from a plate to a rubber roller and then onto paper. It is the industry standard for large-quantity printing and delivers consistent, accurate color reproduction at scale. While setup costs are higher than digital printing, the per-unit cost drops significantly as quantities increase, making offset the preferred method for large wedding or event print runs.

Die cutting uses a custom steel die to cut paper into shapes beyond the standard rectangle. Invitations can be die cut into arches, circles, ovals, or entirely custom silhouettes. Die cutting adds a sculptural quality to a suite and can reinforce the theme of an event.

Scoring creates a precise crease line in paper so that it folds cleanly without cracking. It is essential when folding thicker cardstocks and is typically applied to gatefold and trifold invitation formats.

Embossing raises a design element above the surface of the paper, while debossing presses it below the surface. Both are achieved using a custom die and can be done with ink (called registered embossing) or without ink (called blind embossing or blind debossing). These techniques add a sophisticated tactile dimension to stationery.

Edge painting applies ink or paint to the trimmed edges of a card, revealing a thin stripe of color when the card is viewed from the side. It is a distinctive finishing detail that adds richness and a sense of craftsmanship to thick cardstocks. Edge painting pairs particularly well with letterpress and foil-stamped designs.

A belly band is a strip of paper, vellum, or ribbon that wraps around a stacked suite of invitation components, holding them together without an envelope. Belly bands can be printed, left plain, or stamped with a wax seal.

A wax seal is a decorative embossed disc of wax used to close envelopes or secure belly bands. Wax seals typically feature a monogram, crest, or decorative motif pressed into the wax with a custom stamp. They are one of the most beloved finishing touches in luxury invitation design.

An envelope liner is a decorative insert adhered to the inside flap of an envelope. Liners can feature printed patterns, watercolors, botanical illustrations, or solid colors. They create a beautiful moment of discovery when the envelope is opened and add cohesion to a stationery suite.

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), the four ink colors used in standard full-color printing. Digital files intended for print should be converted to CMYK color mode, as colors displayed on a screen in RGB mode can shift significantly when printed.

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, the color model used by digital screens. RGB has a wider color gamut than CMYK, meaning some bright or highly saturated screen colors cannot be accurately reproduced in print. Designing in CMYK from the start helps avoid unexpected color shifts.

The Pantone Matching System is a standardized color language used across the printing industry. Each PMS color has a unique number and a precise ink formula that ensures consistent color reproduction regardless of the printer, press, or location. PMS colors are particularly important for brand colors, foil selections, and any project where color accuracy is critical.

A color proof is a printed sample produced before the full print run to verify that colors, text, layout, and finishing match the intended design. Reviewing a physical proof is strongly recommended for any premium or large-quantity invitation order, as colors can appear different on paper than on a screen.

A soft proof is a digital PDF or image file provided for review before printing. While not as accurate as a physical proof, it allows for a final check of text, layout, and design elements. Soft proofs are standard practice in most digital printing workflows.

Non-standard envelope sizes, shapes, or weights may require additional or custom postage. Square envelopes, for example, typically require a surcharge. Wax seals, thick cardstocks, and multi-piece suites can also affect the total weight and mailing cost. Always weigh a fully assembled suite at your local post office before purchasing postage in bulk.

Hand canceling is a postal service option in which envelopes are stamped by hand rather than run through automated sorting machines. It is recommended for delicate envelopes, wax-sealed closures, and any mailing where the front of the envelope must remain pristine. There may be an additional fee for this service.

Calligraphy addressing is the practice of hand-lettering guest addresses on envelopes using a pointed pen or brush. It adds a deeply personal and artistic touch to an invitation suite. Digitally printed calligraphy-style addressing is also available as a more cost-effective alternative that replicates the look of hand lettering.