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.

Unique wedding invitations

You are finally getting married! The date, as well as the reception of your wedding, is all set. Now, it’s time to deal with one of the most important aspects of your preparations-the wedding invitations. A wedding invitation is the first thing that guests know about your marriage.

Being so, it has to be carefully made, and should leave a good, lasting impression to the special people invited. But how do you go about making or choosing the perfect invitations? Here is a list of the things that you have to consider to help get you started.

Before anything else, you have to know how many people you intend to invite to your wedding, as this will determine the quantity of themed invitations you are going to need. Take time to think of all the important people, friends, and relatives whom you want to celebrate your wedding with. Also, ask your family, your parents most especially, regarding the persons that they would like to invite.

After you’ve finalized the guest list, make a side note indicating the extra number of cards you might need. Usually, it should be 20% more than the original number of cards, but it’s really up to you to decide. What’s important is that you have invitations to spare, just in case you have last-minute additions to the guest list.

The first thing that you should consider is the tone of your wedding. Is it formal, semi-formal, or casual? If your wedding is formal, you might have to narrow down your choices to cards that look traditional, elegant, and simple but with an element of sophistication. Usually, these are letterpress invitations with an engraved style, wherein the paper is stamped at the back by metal plates and when printed, will cause letters to rise up from the paper.

On the other hand, if your wedding is casual, you need not be too grand with the cards. It can be just as simple as a one-page card. Then again, if you want to make it more unique-looking, you can opt to choose envelopes that come in fun styles.

Now that you have a clear idea on how you want your invitations to look like, it’s time to decide whether you want to purchase, customize, or make your own wedding invitations.

There are many pre-made invitations available in local wedding shops, printing shops, and significantly, over the Internet. Moreover, choosing to buy ready-made invitations doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing uniqueness and style. All you have to do is be diligent enough in scouting for great designs that reflect your wedding theme, as well as your own, personal taste.

How about a hand-made invitation? This is also a good option, most especially if you want to really make a statement by giving a completely extraordinary invitation to your guests. With a hand-made invitation, they will surely feel your sincerity in inviting them.

Indeed, it’s quite hard to choose from a wide array of wedding invitations. However, if you start the right way by considering the wedding tone, theme, and exploring your many options; you’ll find it less difficult to decide. Don’t stress yourself too much. Try to enjoy making the best preparations for a spectacular and memorable wedding day that awaits you.