100% Cotton paper -
Paper that is smooth and pure. It is the
most desirable and used for the most formal invitations. And
yes, it costs more.
Accordian Fold - Also known as
a z-fold. Sheet of paper folded twice in accordion fashion to
create a three-paneled invitation.
Announcements - Sometimes
announcements can be sent out if you aren't having a large
wedding or party that can accommodate everyone, but you want to
let people know about your special event. Visit our etiquette
section to learn more about the proper wording and timing of
announcements if you need help creating announcements for your
special event.
Accommodation Card gives
guests information (amenities, rates) about lodging near the
wedding sites. If you've arranged for a group rate, tell your
guests to memtion that they're with the Borth/Ruppel wedding.
Borders - Borders will usually be
some kind of design that decorates the edges of an invitation. A
formal border is typically an embossed panel that looks like a
frame around your wording.
Calligraphy - A formal style of
hand writing. This style of writing is done with a very fine,
flexible metal nib dipped in ink. Every five to seven
letter the pen must be dipped in the ink again. It is a very
slow and deliberate process.
Content - The is the term that
describes the main text or wording on your invitation.
Corner Copy
-
This is copy printed, often in smaller size typestyle, on the
bottom left or right corner of your invitation usually to let
people know the reception will immediately follow the ceremony.
For many narrow or tea-length invitations corner copy is not
recommended, as it looks better centered with the rest of the
wording. Corner copy is also used on reception cards to inform
people of the dress attire, or as a reminder to R.S.V.P. The
costs of corner copy are only charged once for the entire order.
Debossing - The words of a
invitation are stamped from the front onto the paper without
ink, leaving an indented image. Debossing works well for motifs,
monograms and borders.
Deckle Edge - This style is which
the paper has a torn , feathery edge. This works best with
parchment invitations, but it can be used with a variety of
other papers as well.
Die-cut - The process of cutting paper
into shapes and designs composes this style. For example, if
you're getting married on Valentine's Day and you want your
invitation to be in the shape of a heart, then you'll want to
die-cut.
Escort Card -Directs guests to
their assigned tables; usually positioned in alphabetical order
near the entrance to the reception.
Embellishments - These are the
little extras that add charm to your invitations. The
embellishment can be ribbon, lace or a small charm. It can also
be the embossing of a motif or symbol such as a flower, fall
leaf, seashell, acorn or snowflake.
Ecru - Color also known as cream or
eggshell. Much richer than ivory.
Enclosures - All cards that are
included with an invitation: Response or RSVP card, Direction
card, Reception card, At-home card etc. They are usually much
smaller than the invitation.
Engagement Announcements
- A written formal way of telling people that you have become
engaged and that you are in the process of making plans for your
marriage
Engraving - The most expensive
print style is this class look. Engraving is the process
where the words are carved onto a metal plate, usually copper or
steel, and then forced onto the paper to raise the type. Once a
printer creates this plate for you, it is yours; you own it.
Engraving works best on heavyweight papers like cardstock.
Embossing - The opposite of
debossing, in the process the words are pressed from behind into
the paper, creating a raised image. The embossed area can be
inked or left plain. If left plain, this technique is called
blind embossing. It looks great with a seashell or leaf motif,
your new initials, or a border around the invitation.
Finish - The surface of the paper.
Your paper can be shiny, matte, smooth, pearlized or marbleized.
It can be parchment, linen, or vellum.
Flat Printing - Also known as
lithography or offset. See Lithography
Foil Stamping - Gold, bronze or
platinum foil stamped into the type, which can be shiny or
matte, is ideal for a fall wedding. It can be a bit pricey, but
it produces an elegant and warm effect. Foil stamping works well
for simple motifs without a lot of detail.
Font - Also known as a typestyle. A
lettering style chosen for your wording. Many typestyles are
available for you to choose from. Different brands may have the
same styles under different names
Font,
Ink or Imprint color -
Black ink is
used for formal events. However, for a more casual and fun
invitation, many ink colors can be used to match your event
color scheme. Most printers will include an extra charge for
invitations printed in ink other than black. Printers usually
charge by printed piece, so if you have an invitation, return
address, response card, reception card and thank you card, you
will be charged to have 5 items printed. If you would like to
use an ink color to tie in your wedding colors or to match an
envelope liner, but your budget and style won't allow for you to use
colored ink for all 5 items, you do have options. One
recommended option is to select colored ink for the invitation
and the enclosures. Then, have your return addresses done in
black ink since they are on the outside of the envelope and not
seen directly next to the invitation.
Formal Invitations -
Formal wedding
invitations typically include following components: the
invitation, an outside envelope, a reception card, an RSVP card,
an RSVP envelope, a direction card, information on
accommodations for out-of-town guests and thank you cards.
Formal invitations or other events may include some of the same
components.
French Fold
- Sheet of paper
folded twice to create a four-paneled invitation. This fold is
most common in parchment invitations.
Gift-Received Card -
Preprinted note that lets guests know you received their
presents and will send a personal thank-you later.
Informal Cards or Note - Most
commonly used as a Thank You card. Usually printed with "Thank
You", a monogram or the names of a couple. The card is blank on
the inside allowing you to hand write a small message of thanks
to your guests who attended your special event
Invitation Proof -
All printers are professionals at printing
invitations. They wouldn't be in the business if they didn't
take care of each customer to ensure that their wording and
invitations look their best. Each order is reviewed to make sure
that your wording is grammatically and socially correct.
Often times you may request that your wording be printed in
another language, or you may want to add extra lines over the
recommended amount. In these instances, or if you are concerned
about how your wording will look, there is always the option to
purchase a proof of your wedding invitation ensemble. Once your
order is placed the printer will review and format your wording,
in the typestyle you have selected, so that it will fit neatly
on your invitation. At this point, if you have purchased a proof
of your invitation, they will fax or email you a copy of how the
wording looks. Once you approve the proof they will send it to
print. Additional proofs of the same printed item and major
changes may cost more. If you would like a proof of the return
address, response card, reception card or any other printed
item, they usually charge for those separately. Please note that
the proofing process will add a few extra days to the turn
around time on your order.
Layers - Two layers are glued or tied
together with ribbon in this beautiful style. The top layer can
be translucent, showing the printed invitation on the second
page. conversely, the bottom layer can feature a design, image
or a photograph of the two of you, with a printed overlay.
Left corner copy - Sometimes
couples choose to include information, such as when the
reception or dance will take place, in the lower left corner of
their invitations. This is called corner copy. Your corner copy
will be printed in the same ink color and typestyle as the rest
of your invitation wording; however, the type will be slightly
smaller. If you are ordering a seal-and-send invitation, rather
than stating corner copy you will be asked to fill in copy for a
center footnote. The center footnote is your reception
information; however, it will be centered and printed in the
same ink color, typestyle, and type size as your invitation
wording.
Lined Envelopes - A
coordinating lining to your envelope is a nice finishing touch
to the presentation of your invitation. Linings are generally in
a solid color which highlights a color in the invitation. For
traditional invitations with double envelopes, the inner
envelope is lined. For more contemporary invitations that have
single envelopes, linings are available for the single envelope.
Linen Paper - An invitation
favorite. It is lightly textured similar to the look of linen in
comparison to the pure smooth cotton stock, and gives a very
elegant subtle look to paper
Menu card- Gives a course-by-course
listing of food to be served.
Map / Direction Cards -
These should
be printed, and included in your invitations as a courtesy for
guests who may not be as familiar with the area.
Monograms / Motifs -
Monograms personalize an invitation, and add
classic elegance to your invitation. They can also appear on
informal cards and thank you cards. If you select a monogram
here is the proper sequence MyGatsby.com adheres to: the woman's
first initial from her first name appears first, the first
letter of the man's last name is the middle initial (sometimes
in a larger type style), and the first letter of the man's first
name appears last. Motifs are an icon or an image and, like
monograms, are also used to decorate an invitation. Depending on
the brand, monograms and motifs are often available at a minimal
charge. They are available on most cards, however if you would
like a monogram or motif to be printed when you are engraving
your invitations, please note that it will take a few days extra
and may cost a bit more.
Name Card - Lets everyone know
you're changing your name. You can include this with the invite
or announcement, or mail separately.
Offset Printing - Also called
lithography or flat printing, this great choice for an informal
second wedding uses a rubber cylinder to press ink onto the
paper. The ink simply lies flat on the surface of the paper. It
is the most common style of printing chosen by second-time
brides. Offset is simple. It looks nice, can be used on any type
of paper is affordable.
Panel Card
- sheet of paper,
usually of thicker stock
Parchment - Translucent, cloudy
paper creating a dreamy, airy effect
Parking Card - Tells guests
about any special arrangements you've made fro them near the
wedding sites.
Pearlize - This process applies a
luminous pearl-like finish to an invitation, usually to an
embossed design or border.
Pew Card - Designates special seating
for honored guests at the ceremony. Include these cards, which
note the guests' pew number, in the invitations, or mail once
their response cards have been received.
Place cards - Place cards help
guests find which table they are seated at and are usually
numbered, blank or printed with your name.
Printable Invitations -
Printable invitations are those which you can create the text
and print out using your own computer printer.
Programs - Helps guests understand
the direction a formal ceremony is going in, what is being done
next, and the explanation of any special rites that are
unfamiliar to people of a different religion. They can also be
used for tributes to special people in your lives.
R.S.V.P. Cards - Derived from
the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît". Translated in
English, meaning "please reply". See Respond card.
Rain Cards - Used for outdoor
weddings. Informs guest where to go in case of bad weather.
Reception
cards: You will need a separate reception card only if you
are having a formal wedding, the reception is being help
someplace other than the ceremony site, or all the information
won't fit onto the wedding ceremony invitation.
