invitation suite field guide

  • 1: Invitation Suite

    An invitation suite typically consists of an an invitation, an envelope with a printed return address and a reply card set. Everyone is different, so each suite can be tailored to your specific event and preferences. 

  • 2: Reply Card

    Whether you’re receiving your replies by mail or online, a reply card is the traditional place to have your guests RSVP. 

  • 3: Reply Card Envelope 

    If you’re collecting your replies via mail, you’ll need a reply card envelope included in your invitation suite. Your address is printed on the front. Don’t forget to add postage! 

  • 4: Details Card 

    Sometimes additional information is needed. A details card provides the space and can be multiple sizes. Have a wedding website? Multiple events? A details card is where you’ll want to list those items.

  • 5: Inner Envelope

    Mailed items can sometimes get a little roughed up. An inner envelope provides your recipients with a fresh, clean envelope that’s easy to open. They can also specify precisely who’s invited if your invitation is addressed to a family home with multiple residents. If you choose to use an inner envelope and a liner, the inner envelope will be the one that is lined. 

  • 6: Outer Envelope

    An outer envelope typically has a return address printed on its back flap. Dress them up with a liner or use an alternative color to your invitation stock to liven up your suite. 

  • 7: Invitation

    AN INVITATION PROVIDES ALL THE NECESSARY DETAIL AND SETS THE TONE OF YOUR EVENT. 

printing methods

  • Engraving

    Engraving involves pressing a copper plate etched with a design into paper to create a raised and highly detailed impression. A mark of quality engraving is the “bruise” seen on the reverse side of an invitation left by the plate or “die.” Engraving inks are opaque and can be printed on colored paper. They come in a matte finish and are available in several metallics. Traditional, elegant and refined… engraving makes for a classic invitation. 

  • Embossing

    Embossing, or, blind embossing, is engraving without the ink. The result leaves a subtle yet highly detailed raised mark on the paper. Multiple levels can be etched into embossing plates to create a truly three dimensional effect. Family crests and decorative elements are often embossed. 

  • Letterpress

    Letterpress printing is the opposite of engraving. Instead of creating a raised effect, a polymer plate is pressed down so that text and imagery is indented into the paper. Letterpress is best captured on soft papers such as Arturo but has a lovely and tactile look on any stock. Letterpress inks are slightly translucent with a soft matte finish and therefore cannot be printed on colored paper without their hue being affected. 

  • Foil

    Foil is just like letterpress, but instead of using ink, a copper plate presses sheets of metallic material into the paper creating the same debossed effect. Foils are opaque and look dramatic and shiny against any colored stock. Use a holographic or glitter foil to add a glamorous twist. 

  • Thermography

    Thermography is a cost effective method created to mimic engraving without the use of a copper plate and consequent bruising. The raised effect is much more subtle than traditional engraving but still creates detailed text and imagery. Thermography inks are translucent with a slightly glossy finish. Darker inks on light paper produce the best results. 

  • Digital

    Digital printing is completely flat to the touch and can be found on everyday greeting cards and books. It’s great for recreating multi-colored artwork like a water color crest or a vintage collage. It can be paired with other printing methods to create a colorful and tactile invitation or used on its own as a cost effective option. 

paper

  • Standard Weight 

    Standard weight paper is nice and sturdy without being too thick. It is our most cost effective option. All of our papers have a matte finish. 

  • Heavy Weight

    For those that want a little something extra… our heavy weight stock feels luxurious in your hand. The thicker edge of this paper provides an ideal canvas for edge tints and beveling.

  • Arturo

    Arturo* is handcrafted in Italy. Beautiful and soft, Arturo is recommended for letterpress invitations and comes in several colors. Unless deckled, only the heavy weight stock is available.  

  • Deckle Edge

    A deckle edge* is a feature of the standard weight Arturo stock. It adds romance and texture to any invitation and comes in several pastel colors. 

  • Colored Paper

    Color can add personality and panache to any invitation. Colored paper* can be paired with engraving, embossing and foil. Charcoal, rose, navy and racing green are just a few of our favorite hues. 

  • Die Cutting

    Need an invitation that looks like a leaf? No problem! Die cutting* is used to cut paper into the shape of your choosing. The process is similar to that of a cookie cutter. 

*not available on digital invitations 

add-ons

  • Envelope Liners

    Envelope liners are a great way to add color, pattern and imagery to any invitation or stationery set. The best part? They’re completely customizable. Choose from our curated selection or we’ll help you create one. You can even use a piece of artwork, including your own! 

  • Corner Treatments 

    Rounded, notched or double corners are a cost effective way to add a little something extra.

  • Edge Treatments*

    Engraving inks are applied by hand to any card and include hand-painted borders, bevels and edge tints. Beveling creates an angled edge to which ink may be applied. Edge tints, however, simply involve painting the side of the card. Hand-painted borders are applied to the front of the card and are 1/16 inch thick unless otherwise specified.

  • Ribbon

    Satin ribbon* available in white, ecru, dusty blue, petal pink, rose and racing green tied in a bow or knot complete the look for all printing methods except digital. However, feel free to source and tie your own ribbon. It’s a great way to keep multiple pieces in an invitation suite together.

  • Wax Seals 

    Add a pop of color with a custom wax seal. Feeling crafty? Grab your glue gun and add dried petals to the hot wax before stamping. Prefer to leave the crafting to the professionals? Wax seals come pre-stamped with professional grade adhesive backing —sort of like a three dimensional sticker!

  • Digitized Calligraphy

    Calligraphy provided by your favorite calligrapher can be digitized and printed onto any invitation, no matter the printing method. It’s a great way to add a very personalized touch. 

  • Digital Addressing 

    Want to have your envelopes looking neat and orderly? Enter digital addressing. At $2 per address ($1 for digital invitations) it’s a cost effective alternative to calligraphy. Simply send us your formatted address list and we’ll take care of the rest!

  • Overlays

    Vellum and Marguerite* overlays provide alternative options to traditional tissue for all print methods except digital. 

*not available on digital invitations 

pricing

PRICING IS DETERMINED BY YOUR SELECTED QUANTITY, PAPER, PRINT METHOD AND ADD-ONS. ANY CUSTOM DESIGN OR ILLUSTRATION MAY ALSO ADD A FEE DEPENDENT UPON THE SCOPE OF WORK. THE PRICING BELOW GIVES YOU A GENERAL IDEA OF WHAT A STANDARD INVITATION SUITE COSTS AND IS BASED ON A QUANTITY OF 100. PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX AND SHIPPING. 

  • Engraving

    PRICING INCLUDES A ONE COLOR STANDARD WEIGHT INVITATION WITH INNER AND OUTER POINTED FLAP ENVELOPES AND A RETURN ADDRESS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE OUTER ENVELOPE FLAP.

  • Letterpress & Foil

    PRICING INCLUDES A ONE COLOR STANDARD WEIGHT INVITATION WITH INNER AND OUTER POINTED FLAP ENVELOPES AND A RETURN ADDRESS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE OUTER ENVELOPE FLAP.

  • Thermography

    PRICING INCLUDES A ONE COLOR STANDARD WEIGHT INVITATION WITH INNER AND OUTER POINTED FLAP ENVELOPES AND A RETURN ADDRESS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE OUTER ENVELOPE FLAP.

  • Digital

    PRICING INCLUDES STANDARD WEIGHT INVITATION WITH UNLIMITED COLORS AND A SINGLE POINTED FLAP ENVELOPE WITH A RETURN ADDRESS PRINTED  ON THE BACK OF THE ENVELOPE FLAP.