Invitation Only

According to TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com 2011 Real Weddings Study, today’s brides and groom spend an average of $331 on their invitations. This number can vary drastically, however, depending on factors like the method of printing, the materials used, and whether you’ve opted for a custom design from a boutique, digitally printed seal-and-sends from an online retailer, or a hands-on template or kit from the likes of Etsy.com. The options are infinite, so to help make picking the right paper element for you a little easier, here’s the 411 on four popular techniques. Letterpress This is a centuries-old printing process in which raised moveable type and images are inked on plates and then pressed into the surface of heavy papers, leaving an impression/textural appearance. “Letterpress printing is experiencing a resurgence, and I think it’s for good reason,” says Wayne Gurnick, owner of Los Angeles-based event company Moments by Wayne Gurnick. “It sends the message that your event will be stylish and high quality, and that you pay attention to details.” Select a modern, hip design to create a cool vibe for your party, Gurnick notes, or go with a traditional look to suggest a more formal celebration. In terms of cost, letterpress typically is your priciest option, starting out at 30- to 40-percent more than digitally printed invitations. Visit local stationery shops to get an idea of their products and prices, or, if you prefer the ease of online, Gurnick recommends CarrotAndStickPress.com, PageStationery.com and InvitationsByAjalon.com, which offers a special deal of 100 single-ink invitations and enclosure cards for a mere $559. Engraving Although it can be a smidge less expensive than letterpress, engraving (the oldest style of printing) is typically considered the most formal option, appropriate for a classic, black-tie affair, says Amanda Black, assistant editor of TheKnot.com. Text is etched onto a copper plate, which is then coated with ink and wiped clean, leaving color in the indentations. Paper is placed against the plate and pressed hard to create a raised design from the indentations. Black also suggests the economical alternative thermography - freshly printed inks are dusted with a powder and heated to create a raised type that looks similar to engraving. Eco-Friendly Look for invitations made with materials like soy and vegetable-oil ink, and recycled, bamboo or cotton papers. The price varies widely, depending on the brand, materials and method of printing, but Black recommends SmockPaper.com and BellaFigura.com. DIY Taking your words into your own hands can save you a bundle, says Gurnick, but be prepared to invest some time in the project. If you have a strong design sense and layout and printing capabilities, go ahead and start from scratch. Otherwise, Gurnick suggests a hybrid approach - design your own invitation and have them printed by a local service.