Learning the Terms of Unique Wedding Invitations

Shopping for your unique wedding invitations can include learning terminology related to their design, paper, printing, size, color, etc.  Who knew there was so much to know beyond the wording and what enclosure pieces to include.   

Here are the details for just some of the terms you may come across:

• Invitation Card – simply a flat card with no folds and the verse printed on the front.
• Embossing – creating a raised design by using a printing method that presses an image into the paper.  The design can then be emphasized with colored ink.  If no ink is used on the raised design, it is referred to as blind embossing.  When the design appears as indented into the paper, this is called debossing.
• Foil Stamping - the special technique of hot stamping metallic colored foil onto paper.
• Deckle Edge – a unique, feathery edge on a piece of paper commonly seen on parchment wedding invitations.
• Ecru – a familiar invitation paper color that is a warm creamy beige.
• Pearlize – the addition of a shimmering pearl-like finish usually to an embossed design area of the invitation.
• Filigree – lacelike decorative pattern that can appear as part of a wedding invitation design.
• Tea Length – a style of invitation that is either horizontal or vertical and is typically 9 ¼” x 4” in size.
• Translucent - a term that is used to describe paper that is somewhat see-through and is often times used in layered invitation designs. 
• Vellum – paper with a rich, smooth finish.
• Linen - paper featuring a cross weave texture.

As the saying goes, the more you know the better, especially when it comes to unique wedding invitations.  It is also helpful to see actual samples to know which of these elements you may prefer to have as part of your unique wedding invitation design.  Typically, you can order blank invitation samples of your favorite designs for a small charge.