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Engraved: Invitations
are the most elegant, and the most expensive. The words are cut into the paper with copper
plates, so that the lettering can be felt on both sides. Engraving is
generally chosen for formal, traditional invitations on white or off-white stock.
These are appropriate for formal daytime and evening weddings
Thermographed: invitations
are less expensive, but their raised lettering, achieving through the application of a
powder compounds, approximates the look and the feel of engraving. When used on
white or off-whitestock in a very plain style, they, too, are approximate for formal
weddings. More fanciful, informal designs for less-formal affairs may also be
thermographed
Printed:(on a press, by
photo-offset, or laser printer) invitations are generally less expensive, and less
formal. The style and color of paper used may affect the degree of formality, of
course, but printed invitations are usually best suited to less-formal affairs.
Handwritten or calligraphied: invitations
are lovely, if your wedding is small, you might consider handwriting etch invitations on
beautiful stationary, or hiring a calligrapher to do them. For a larger number of
invitations, a calligraphied look can also be achieved by computer graphics
Decorative details: including
laser cuts, embossed designs, lithographs, photographs, ribbon, and other trims are
considered informal invitations, though they are not always "informal" in price
Typeface:
the style of lettering, and there are literally hundreds of styles
from which to choose. Most are available in either serif,
which has elaborate curls and can be harder to read, and sans serif,
which is without curls and more legible |