Have you ever admired those stunning custom letterpress wedding invitations? You know the ones that are truly unforgettable, scroll-stopping, and so beautiful they belong on the 'gram? Maybe you’ve dreamed about letterpress invitations. Maybe you didn’t even know what letterpress is. Today, I’ll walk you through my favorite print method: letterpress.

What are letterpress wedding invitations?

How are letterpress invitations made?

Can you combine letterpress with gold foil?

Are letterpress invitations worth it?

Where to get letterpress wedding invitations?

You can also check out this blog post that details more ways to make your wedding invitations truly special.

What are letterpress wedding invitations?

Despite being an age-old print method, letterpress has seen a resurgence in the luxury wedding world due to its craftsmanship and its tactile beauty. And let’s be honest, it creates the most amazing wedding invitations. To understand just how beautiful this print method is, let’s start at the beginning.

Letterpress printing dates back to the mid-14th century, when Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the printing world with his movable type press. This method allowed for mass production of printed materials by pressing inked letters into paper, creating crisp, tactile impressions. It replaced the laborious hand-copying of texts, making books and printed materials more accessible and transforming communication.

For centuries, letterpress remained the standard printing technique, known for its rich, deep impressions and timeless elegance. With the rise of modern printing technologies, letterpress became less common in the 20th century, but it never lost its appeal. Today, it has experienced a renaissance, particularly in luxury and bespoke printing, where its handcrafted, artisan quality is cherished for projects like custom wedding invitations. The meticulous craftsmanship, combined with the unique texture and depth letterpress offers, makes it a sought-after method for those seeking timeless elegance in print.

How are letterpress invitations made?

Today’s letterpress process blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design precision. It begins with custom plates made from a design, often created digitally, that are meticulously positioned in a press. Thick, luxurious paper, such as cotton or handmade stock, is then pressed against the inked plates. This creates a deep impression on the paper, giving letterpress its signature tactile quality. Each color in a design requires a separate plate and pass through the press, which is why letterpress is known for its attention to detail and craftsmanship. The process is slower and more hands-on than digital printing, but the result is a stunning, textured finish that speaks to the elegance and quality of personalized stationery.

But how do you make sure your letterpress invitations perfectly match the elegance of your wedding? Let’s dive into the design elements that truly make them shine.

What are the limitations of letterpress?

Letterpress printing, though beautiful and timeless, does have several limitations that couples should consider. One of the primary constraints is its inability to handle intricate, highly detailed designs or large areas of solid color, as the press's deep impression is better suited for bold text and simpler motifs. Additionally, letterpress requires a separate plate and press run for each color, making multi-color designs more labor-intensive and costly. The tactile impression also limits the types of materials that can be used; thicker, more textured papers are ideal, while thinner or coated papers may not work as well. Furthermore, achieving full bleed designs or printing on both sides of lightweight paper is challenging, as the pressure from the press can cause the design to show through, though there are always workarounds. Talk to your wedding stationer or me for more details.

What type of ink and paper is best for letterpress?

Letterpress inks are known for their transparency and can be custom-matched to nearly any color, allowing for an incredible level of personalization. If you want your invitations to match the exact shade of your bridesmaids' dresses, for example, letterpress printing makes it possible. Each ink color is carefully mixed by hand, following a precise formula or "recipe" to achieve the perfect hue. The process requires expertise, as the printer tests the color on paper to ensure it aligns with the desired shade. Since letterpress inks are translucent, they interact with the texture and tone of the paper, creating subtle variations in color, which adds to the unique, handmade quality of each piece. Because of the layering effect, light colors may appear softer, and darker hues will have a rich, luxurious finish, giving the invitations depth and dimension that standard printing cannot replicate.

The type of paper you choose for letterpress printing plays a huge role in the final result, with different thicknesses and textures creating distinct impressions. For those seeking a nod to vintage elegance, handmade paper is the ultimate choice. Its rough, deckled edges and natural texture create a stunning contrast with the pillowy impression left by the letterpress, offering a luxurious tactile experience. Cotton cardstock, another popular option, is particularly well-suited to letterpress because of its softness and ability to achieve deep, crisp impressions. Available in both single-thick and double-thick options, cotton paper is ideal for couples wanting an invitation that feels substantial and refined in hand. Double-thick cardstock, in particular, elevates the entire design, giving your invitations that "must-be-touched" quality and signaling an event that will be both elegant and memorable. Even for modern weddings, letterpress printing on sleek, smooth cardstock can create a minimalist yet captivating effect, proving that this traditional method works beautifully with a wide range of wedding styles.

Can you combine letterpress with gold foil?

Letterpress printing pairs beautifully with other printing methods like digital and foil, offering endless creative possibilities for wedding invitations. By combining letterpress with digital printing, you can achieve intricate details or full-color designs that letterpress alone might not be able to replicate, while still retaining the tactile, luxurious feel of the impression. Adding foil stamping into the mix elevates the design even further, bringing a touch of shine and elegance with metallic accents that catch the light and complement the deep, textured letterpress print. This combination allows couples to layer traditional and modern elements, creating a truly bespoke invitation suite that showcases the craftsmanship of letterpress alongside the versatility of digital printing and the elegance of foil. Whether it’s a delicate foil monogram paired with a letterpress body or a digitally printed watercolor border enhanced by letterpress details, these methods blend seamlessly to create invitations that feel both timeless and contemporary.

Are letterpress invitations worth it?

Personalized letterpress wedding invitations come with a higher price tag, but that reflects the exclusivity and craftsmanship behind each piece. From selecting premium paper to creating custom plates for each color, the process is intricate—and we haven’t even touched on the time it takes to design something uniquely yours! Letterpress adds an artisanal quality that few other methods can match, creating a luxurious, tactile experience that sets the tone for your elegant wedding. This exclusive printing method makes your invitations stand out, ensuring your guests feel the significance of your celebration from the moment they open the envelope. Don’t settle for generic invitations that fall flat. When your guests are expecting a showstopper, letterpress delivers the wow factor they won’t forget.

Your invitations become fridge-worthy keepsakes, proudly displayed by your guests, building excitement every time they catch a glimpse. Don’t be surprised when they’re framed, cherished, and remembered for years to come.

Where to get letterpress wedding invitations?

When creating something this special, you deserve to work with an experienced stationery designer who understands the nuances of letterpress, knows how to blend different print methods seamlessly, and can choose the perfect materials to reflect the style and feel of your elegant wedding. When choosing a wedding stationer, research their website and social pages to see what types of letterpress invitations they’ve created. Different stationers have different styles that may resonate with you. If you love beachy and a California vibe, you’ll love Swell Press. Dreaming of heraldry and medieval times? Shasta with Shasta Bell Calligraphy is your go-to. And if you love timeless elegance, then check out my work.

With my full concierge service, you’ll feel pampered and supported every step of the way, confident that you’re sending heirloom-quality invitations without the stress of managing the details. All you need to do is say, “I do!”

I hope this blog post gives you a better understanding of how letterpress printing can elevate your wedding invitations, offering your guests a glimpse of the wonderful celebration ahead.