Learning terminology related to paper, design, size, color and printing will no doubt be part of wedding invitation shopping experience. 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. Colored ink can then highlight the design. If no ink is used on the raised design, it is referred to as blind embossing. Debossing is created by actually indenting the design into the paper.
• 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 shade.
• 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 – Common type of paper with a rich, smooth finish.
• Linen - Another type of paper featuring a cross weave texture.

As the saying goes, the more you know the better, especially when it comes to unique wedding invitations. Knowing what these terms mean is one thing, but even better might be seeing actual samples to know which ones you may want included in your wedding invitation design.

You often hear the phrase ‘modern wedding invitations’ but what really classifies them as modern. 

We all know modern is the opposite of traditional.  Traditional wedding invitations brings to mind a simple invitation card, classic black ink, a standard lettering style and two mailing envelopes.  Modern wedding invitations, on the other hand, let you be more creative and unique which seems to be quite appealing to today’s couples who tend to look for ways to truly personalize their weddings including their invites.

Here are some trends that you may feature on your modern wedding invitations depending on the design you choose and the options available:

·  Multiple Lettering Styles – A larger and sometimes fancier font style is used to emphasize the couple’s names on the invitation compared to the rest of the wording.

·  Contrasting Ink Colors - A second distinct ink color can be used to highlight certain details on your wedding invitation like your names.

·  Pockets – Becoming increasingly fashionable, this style has a pocket for holding the wedding invitation and possibly a separate pocket for any enclosure cards, depending on the specific design.

·  Self-mailing – These invitation styles no longer require a separate mailing envelope since they turn into their own self-mailer piece.  Some designs have an envelopment, which may be colored, that wraps around all the invitation pieces for easy mailing.  Another self-mailer design option are seal and send wedding invitations that actually fold and seal up into their own mailing piece.

·  Bright and Bold Colors – Today it is easier than ever to make a personal statement with your invitation colors either through your paper, design or ink choices.  Beautiful color combinations are also abundant with colors you may not have considered as matching but actually create a stunning contrast when paired together.

·  Distinctive Sizes & Shapes – You can easily select a wedding invitation design that has a unique shape such as being square or is an unusual size such as tea length.

·  Patterns – As part of the invitation design, patterns are becoming stylish including paisley and retro motifs.

·  Colored Papers or Envelopes - Make your wedding invitations eye-catching by choosing a design that has colored paper stock or colored envelopes.  Just be sure to choose an ink color that will look good on the colored paper.

·  Recycled Paper - For those striving to be more eco friendly, there are now many beautiful wedding invitation designs that are printed on recycled papers.

·  Embellishments – Ribbon has become quite popular as an added special touch to wedding invitations. 

Everyone’s idea of what modern wedding invitations are may vary but the above trends are definitely options that will make invites look more contemporary.  Your invitations will surely reflect your own unique personal style using any of these options.