printing styles

There are five main printing styles when you go with one of the companies. It is important to know what these are and what the differences are.

Thermography- The majority of the invitations that you receive are probably done in this method. Basically they use heat, colored powder and glue to raise the printing on the invitations. It is the least expensive of the raised printing methods and is a great alternative to engraving. It does look a bit rubbery and waxy, but it doesn't take anything away from the invitation. Thermography is transparent and takes on the color of the paper, so it is suitable for light papers only. Also metallic colors don't show up as well with thermograpy, so if you are set on gold spring for the engraving.

Engraving- This is the most traditional method and the most expensive. It is done with ink and a customized plate that pushes the paper up. The plate is yours and it makes it much easier if you want to get more printed. Engraving is a must if you want a colored paper, such as black, red, blue ect. Not all companies do engraving, but if you want to spend some extra money engraving is a classy way to go. However, if you are out to save your pennies for the extra cake instead go with thermogrophy.

Letterpress- Letterpress is the same method as engraving, only opposite. It is pushed into the paper. This gives the invitation a subtle look and is very classy. This method is usually reserved for softer papers and gives the effect of a pillowy invite. This is less expensive than engraving, but more than thermography and flat.

Flat- Flat printing is usually the same as thremography as far as price goes, but --eh flat. Some place, like Kinko's and Minute Men will do flat printing on the spot cheap, but it may not be the best quality.

Blind Embossing- You see this mostly on envelopes for return addresses or monograms. It has no color and is just an impression of the words or monogram. Usually this is included in the price, but it depends on the vendor.

---One thing to keep in mind---
When you want to get creative it is okay to mix type styles at no extra charge, but if you want to add more then one ink color it can get expensive. Whenever you want to change the printing color or method you get charged a second pass charge.