Instant expert: Invitations
Review these terms and know the terms of the trade before you go to the stationers.
Engraved invitations
Stylewatch: Traditional and formal, but also the most expensive.
The process: Paper is pressed onto a metal plate, causing the letters to be slightly raised on the paper.
Thermography
Stylewatch: Traditional since it mimics the formality of engraving
The process: This process fuses ink and powder together on the paper to create raised letters which resemble engraving. Since plates don't have to be made and the printing process is quicker, thermography is about half the price of engraved invitations.
Offset printing
Stylewatch: Less formal, more fun with many ink colors and type styles to choose from.
The process: In this standard printing process, ink lies flat on the paper.
Calligraphy
Stylewatch: Elegant and unique, with styles to match any wedding
The process: This can be done by hand or with new computerized calligraphy machines that create a perfect script each time. Most machines found in stationery stores can inscribe one or two invitations at a time - faster than an individual.
