Letterpress Wedding Invitations

Designing Your Own Letterpress Wedding Invitations with the Experts at Bliss & Bone

You likely want to impress your loved ones before and during your wedding…but what if we told you that you could impress with letterpress? The printing process has been around for centuries, but it has become a mainstay in the wedding industry for the past few decades. Letterpress wedding invitations are always a good idea, and there are so many choices to make while designing them.

Letterpress wedding invitations combine a vintage aesthetic with a modern application and design. Every one of your letterpress wedding invitations will be unique and original, which is why so many couples love prioritizing them for their weddings. As you weigh your options, you should consider two major points: cost and aesthetic. Your letterpress wedding invitations should coordinate with the rest of your decor and design decisions.

In this guide, we will discuss the history, examples and cost of creating a letterpress wedding invitation. From how it is done to customizing your very own, this is everything you need to know about letterpress wedding invitations. Plus, we will also outline other items you can personalize to make an entire letterpress wedding stationery set.

What Are Letterpress Wedding Invitations?

Letterpress printing, also referred to as relief printing or typographic printing, involves making copies of text or images by impressing a raised surface with ink against pieces of paper. Though it is now an incredibly popular tool for wedding invites, it was also used for books and other reading materials way back when.

Letterpress is a printing process that dates back to the mid 1450s. German inventor Johannes Gutenberg is credited for developing this device, which was used to turn inked letters into books. It reigned as the supreme printing style for hundreds of years, until later centuries, when more efficient and cost-effective solutions were made popular. But how did letterpress wedding invitations become such an iconic option among couples today? You can thank Martha Stewart.

Lifestyle expert Martha Stewart is associated with the revival of this vintage process, and highlighted the benefits of handcrafted work and the uniqueness of the style. In the 1990s, letterpress wedding invites were featured in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, and the resurgence began. Now, most wedding stationers offer this premium printing type.

Using antique printing presses, no letterpress wedding invitation perfectly matches any other—and that is part of its charm. Because there are tiny variations among every printed piece, you and your guests will see the originality of every letterpress wedding invitation. Every color you choose for your letterpress wedding invites requires a unique plate that is pressed into the paper. 

Letterpress wedding invites are made with ink that is slightly translucent, so we recommend going for an ink color that is darker than the paper color you decide on. If you do not want a color featured at all, that is a form of letterpress printing called blind deboss. This will give the impression of letters for a more subtle effect on your letterpress wedding invites. 

You can also add metallic foil to your letterpress wedding invitation design. While there are metallic-like color offerings for letterpress wedding invites, foil stamping takes it all to the next level. It is printed in a similar way to classic letterpress wedding invitations, but the difference is that metallic foils are heat stamped and pressed into your invites.

What Are the Differences Between Letterpress Wedding Invitations and Other Printing Techniques?

There are four primary types of printing for invitations: letterpress printing, digital printing, offset printing and thermography and engraving. Within this set, there are varied costs, processes and offerings involved. Read on for more details about the alternatives to letterpress wedding invitations.

Letterpress Wedding Invitations vs. Digitally Printed Wedding Invitations

Digital printing is perhaps the most common style of printing, and it greatly contrasts to letterpress wedding invitations. The most affordable option for wedding invitations, this process requires the designer to create the invite on a computer and print them out. Along with cost effectiveness, this method is also recommended for people who want to feature multiple colors in their wedding invitations, since costs increase significantly when you add more colors to pressed printing offerings. There is a lot of variety and versatility that comes with this option, making it a great idea for couples who need a lot of stationery at a more affordable price. It is a more uniform process, which is the main reason it diverges from letterpress wedding invitations. Because you eliminate the manual process of creating each individual letterpress wedding invitation, you can save time and money on your invites by going this route. 

A similarly more affordable style for those who want to incorporate foil is the screen printing. This process involves transferring ink onto a card using a mesh screen (hence “screen” printing). Though it is also commonly used to print an image or text on clothing, this is yet another way to print out your wedding invites. 

Letterpress Wedding Invitations vs. Offset Printed Wedding Invitations 

Offset printing and thermography, also known as “flat printing,” is a type of invitation creation that happens when you mix ink and transfer the design through a press. Thermography takes this process a step further by using powder to give a raised, textured effect. In the 1970s, offset printing became a more popular printing process, since it was faster than creating letterpress wedding invitations and other stationery. This is a type of lithography that mainly contrasts with letterpress printing because the height of the printing plate is uniform. It is also the more efficient style for those who need to print out large quantities at a lower rate. That being said, it may cost more to make small quantities of offset printed wedding invitations. However, the same can be true for printing only a few letterpress wedding invitations as well. 

Letterpress Wedding Invitations vs. Engraved Wedding Invitations 

Engraving is the most expensive type of printing available, and it is also the oldest style of printing out there. Beyond that, is almost the inverse of letterpress wedding invitations. While letterpress wedding invites have ink pressed into the paper to develop a relief look, engraving requires pressure to create raised lettering. The most common type of engraved wedding invitations involves black ink, whereas letterpress wedding invitations are prepared using any color available from your stationer. There are also different materials you can use with the engraving process, compared to what’s offered for a letterpress wedding invitation. For example, couples have engraved wood, acrylic and even glass to make their wedding invitations stand out. These materials, however, can also come with an even higher price tag than the already-luxurious letterpress wedding invitations. Factor all of this into your budgeting conversations as you consider the various techniques available to you and your partner. 

Letterpress Wedding Invitations vs. Embossed Wedding Invitations

Embossing does the opposite effect of letterpress wedding invitations, and it’s another luxury option couples love for their stationery. This printing technique uses a metal plate etched with your design, and then it raises the text and iconography up. The 3D effect provides a sensory experience for your guests who receive them, which is the reversed concept of letterpress wedding invitations. 

And similar to a letterpress wedding invitation, you can also specify which part of the text you want to feature the technique. So, you can emboss the wedding couple’s names only, or you can create a fully embossed design. The same goes for letterpress wedding invitations, so you and your partner just need to decide which look you are most interested in. 

Letterpress Wedding Invitations vs. Foil Stamped Wedding Invitations

There are two main concepts that come with foil stamping your wedding invitations. It is possible to foil stamp letterpress wedding invitations, but you can also select flat printing. The major differences here involve cost, so if you are looking to save money, you can decide on flat printing that incorporates some sort of foil (typically gold, silver or rose gold). On the other hand, if your budget can accommodate it and you prefer the look of letterpress wedding invitations, that’s the best way to go. 

Again, the foil can serve as an accent piece that you choose for specific parts of the letterpress wedding invitation, as opposed to the entire design. 

If you have decided on printed wedding invitations, there are a variety of choices you need to make—and the printing process is just one of them. Letterpress wedding invites are among the most luxurious, and they offer a beautifully unique result that you will happily send out to your loved ones. Consider all of these differences, along with your own personal preferences, as you weigh your options for invitations to your upcoming celebration.

The Different Types of Paper and What to Use for Letterpress Wedding Invitations

Your letterpress wedding invitation cost also comes down to the type of paper you order with your stationer. You can receive samples of various designs and paper types, which can help you get a feel (literally!) for the letterpress wedding invitations you’re creating. 

The following are popular types of paper to have on your radar, plus our recommendations for your letterpress wedding invitations, specifically:

• Card stock: The most common type of invitation paper is card stock, which is a thick style that works well with high-end printing processes. If you are creating letterpress wedding invitations, for instance, professional stationers recommend card stock. In particular, cotton fiber or bamboo paper are softer and thicker, which allows the text to show up more clearly. Using anything thinner on your letterpress wedding invitations runs the risk of not appearing as clean or clear.
• Glassine and vellum paper: Wedding couples often use glassine and vellum paper to cast a translucent jacket or envelope around their letterpress wedding invitation. These materials are transparent, so you can start to read the text in the envelope below. Plus, you can add designs to elevate the overall look of this accent piece. 
• Kraft and wood-grain paper: Kraft paper is made from chemical pulp, and it has a brown color to it. You will often see this used for rustic wedding invitations, and it’s a more casual option for couples. Wood-grain paper is a decorative type of paper that looks like a sliver of wood, making it another popular choice for couples who want to plan a romantic, natural and rustic event.
• Acrylic: This type of “paper” isn’t actually paper. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material that’s durable and unique, perfect for your one-of-a-kind wedding invites. The process of printing on acrylic involves digitally printing, engraving or etching a design onto a piece of acrylic. You can’t use foil stamping or thermography here, so this is not the best option for your letterpress wedding invitation.

Now that you have a better understanding of your paper choices, you should also know that white card stock is best for letterpress wedding invitations. The colors will be more vibrant and readable, providing your guests with the best possible experience. 

Letterpress Wedding Invitation Wording and Etiquette

Because letterpress wedding invitations are such a traditional and classic option for couples, it makes sense that many also want to know the etiquette rules associated with stationery. The experts at EmilyPost.com have weighed in on everything from the text to the distribution methods (spoiler alert: it’s OK to digitize your stationery!). Here are a few rules for your letterpress wedding invitations:

1. The hosts of the event should send your letterpress wedding invites and address the guests. At the beginning of your invitation, you want to use the hosts’ names and titles with their middle names as well. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. John Michael Smith request the honor of your presence OR the pleasure of your company.” 
2. What exactly the hosts are requesting. This next phase in the invitation writing process depends on where you are getting married. If the ceremony is hosted in a church or place of worship, your letterpress wedding invitation should specify that the hosts are requesting “the honor of your presence.” And for all other venues, you can say that the hosts would like “the pleasure of your company” at the celebration. This is a small step, but one that is a key part of the etiquette tips laid out by experts in the wedding industry. 
3. The wedding couple’s names should be written out. Traditionally, the bride’s parents host and share her last name. If that is the case, you only need to include the bride’s title and first and middle name, followed by the groom’s title and first, middle and last name. So, you would see something like, “Miss Jane Sophia to Mr. Joseph Matthew Jones.”
4. Make the time and date of the event clear. The date, including the year, should be spelled out if you are keeping with the formal rules. You should also capitalize the day of the week and month, but not the year. You should also include the city and state, unless all guests are local. As for exact timing, you also might want to cushion your timeline a bit. So, if you are planning for the ceremony to start at 5, asking your guests to arrive at 4:30 or 4:45 can ensure that all of your guests will be seated by the time it kicks off. This will accommodate any tardy guests who may have experienced traffic or mismanaged their time on your wedding day. Plus, you want to specify whether guests will need to relocate after the ceremony. If you are venturing to another location afterward, include the name and address of the second venue. Otherwise, you can simply write that there is “dinner and dancing to follow.”
5. Don’t forget the RSVP note. You can write “RSVP” in almost any way, but just make sure guests know when you need to receive their responses. Your options for RSVP requests include the following: Asking guests to reply through the mail or via your wedding website. The former is the more traditional option, and it comes with the task of providing guests with printed reply cards and stamped envelopes. This way, your guests can easily fill out their reply card, place it in the envelope and put it in their mail drop. For the latter option, you will need to give clear instructions on how they can visit your wedding website, go to the online RSVP form and submit their response to you. 
6. Share your desired wedding attire with your guests. The last thing you want is for your guests to show up in the wrong attire. It can throw off the overall vibe of your wedding, and it is best to keep your guests in the loop about everything. Common attire recommendations include cocktail, semi-formal, formal and black tie. However, it is becoming more common to create your own unique attire requests, like garden party formal or country western chic. For the more obscure suggestions, you should include some sort of mood board or an expanded description of what you’re looking for on your wedding website.

With these rules in place, here are a few wording examples to kick your creativity into gear:

Letterpress Wedding Invitation Wording Example #1:  

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Mark Jameson 

Request the Pleasure of Your Company

at the wedding of their daughter

Miss Mila Sophia

and

Mr. Wilton Frederick Jones

Saturday, the seventeenth of June

two thousand twenty three

at half after 5 o’clock

The Greystone Estate

Malibu, California 

This is the most formal option, and it works for wedding couples who want to stick with the most traditional wording for their letterpress wedding invites. Following this formula can make it even easier to complete your letterpress wedding invitations.

Letterpress Wedding Invitation Wording Example #2:  

The Honor of Your Presence Is Requested

at the wedding of 

Elodie and Beckett

06 17 23

3 o’clock in the afternoon

Wheatleigh Estate

Lenox, Massachusetts

Formal attire

“The honor of your presence” is generally associated with couples who are getting married in churches or other places of worship. Since there is no host listed, it is likely indicative of the fact that the guests of honor are also hosting. The date and time are also written more informally.

Letterpress Wedding Invitation Wording Example #3:  

Celebrate Our Wedding

June 24, 2023

430 PM

Villa Chateau

Miami, Florida

Imogen & Roman

In this example, Imogen and Roman are keeping it simple and to the point. While it is more informal than other text options, we love how bold and clear it all is written here.

Letterpress Wedding Invitation Wording Example #4:  

The Pleasure of Your Company is Requested at the Wedding of

Ellie and Ben

08 15 2024

The Valley Ranch

San Jose, California

At Half Past Five in the Afternoon

Cocktail Attire

From the jump, we can interpret that the wedding venue is not a place of worship. This letterpress wedding invitation says, “the pleasure of your company is requested,” which is in line with the ranch where this couple is getting married. It also has a more casual tone with the mention of the wedding couple’s first names only.

Letterpress Wedding Invitation Wording Example #5:  

Lyric Maverick and Remy Hughes

Request the Pleasure of Your Company

at Their Marriage

06 22 25

Lido del Fairo 

5 O’Clock in the Evening

Capri, Italy

Black Tie Optional

This version of the letterpress wedding invitation is slightly formal and a bit casual—a perfect combination for the black tie optional event Lyric and Remy are hosting. The invitation also starts with their first and last names, suggesting that they are hosting their upcoming celebration. 

These are general guidelines and samples to review, but they are certainly not required. While etiquette was followed closely in years past, it is becoming less of a priority among couples. Many either do not identify with the rules or simply feel that they are outdated, in general. To make it easier on you and your partner, stick with wording and language that you feel is authentic to you and your relationship. There is not one “right” way to do anything, so when it comes to the text for your own letterpress wedding invitations, just go with whatever wording and style you and your partner are comfortable with. 

How to Address Your Letterpress Wedding Invitations

Beyond the wording that goes into your letterpress wedding invitation, you also need to be mindful of how to address your invites. There are different “rules” or suggestions for addressing certain people, based on their relationship status, living situation and even their careers. You can apply these ideas to printed and online wedding invitations alike. So, while formal letterpress wedding invitations are printed, you can use these if you ultimately decide on online options. See below for the etiquette-related advice from wedding experts.

• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for single guests with no plus one: If you want to go the formal route with your letterpress wedding invitation, you should write out your friend or relative’s full name and title (think Mr., Mrs., Ms. etc). For example, “Mr. Jonathan Smith” or “Ms. Samatha Moore.” 
• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for single guests with a plus one: Let’s say you want your single guest to have the opportunity to bring a plus one, even though they might not be in a relationship. If you do not know if they have a significant other, or simply want to give them a plus one, you can include their full name and title with “and Guest” at the end. “Mr. Jonathan Smith and Guest” is what your letterpress wedding invitation address would look like.
• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for couples who do not live together: You could also have a couple that is dating or engaged and not living together. Technically, you are advised to send individual invitations to each person, but there is another option. You are more than welcome to send one invitation addressed to both people to the person who you are closest with. For this one, you can write their full names and titles on two separate lines or on one line. “Mr. Jonathan Smith and Ms. Samantha Moore.” Keep in mind that unmarried women over the age of 18 are commonly given the title “Ms.” unless they have a distinguished title (more on that later!). 
• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for couples who live together, but are not married: If you are inviting a couple that is engaged or dating and living together, you can use the same rules and suggestions described above. There is no need to consider sending out two separate invitations, especially since they share the same address. 
• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for couples who are married: For couples who are married, it is a traditional arrangement to feature both individuals’ titles, followed by the husband’s full name. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Smith.” If the woman did not change her name, or if you are addressing a same-sex couple, you can use the same structure described above for couples. Simply write out both individuals’ full names and titles on the same line.
• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for families with children over the age of 18: If you have family friends and want to invite them all to your wedding, it is customary to send out separate wedding invites for the “kids” who are over 18 in the family. Even if all of these adults live under one roof, you should still send one letterpress wedding invitation to the parents and individual ones to everyone else over 18 years old.
• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for families for children under the age of 18: Your letterpress wedding invitation could also go out to family with younger children who you would love to attend your wedding. If that is the case, you can keep it simple by writing, “The Smith Family” or you can have a more formally written envelope that includes everyone’s names. For instance, you can write, “Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Smith” on the first line and then the kids’ first names on the second line.
• Addressing letterpress wedding invitations for guests with distinguished titles: Have a doctor, lawyer, military member or other guest with a formal title? Don’t forget to feature it when you address their letterpress wedding invitation. It is a sign of respect and thoughtfulness to be aware of this specific detail. If there is a couple and one of them has a distinguished title, you should prioritize the person with the “higher” rank. Here are some examples for doctors: Dr. Jonathan Smith, Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Smith, Dr. Jonathan Smith and Dr. Samantha Moore. For a judge, consider something like "The Honorable Samantha Moore and Mr. Jonathan Smith." And for military personnel, use their specific rank (written out, not abbreviated) followed by their full name. 

Your wedding day comes with a lot of tasks, but you should not avoid paying attention to details like addressing guests in your letterpress wedding invitations. These people mean a lot to you and your partner, and you want to be as considerate, respectful and detail-oriented as possible. Your guests will not only appreciate this, but they will also feel seen and welcome to attend your upcoming event. And if you want to have a more informal structure with your letterpress wedding invitations, you can also write out your friends’ and family members’ first and last names only. Including formal titles might not feel authentic to you and your partner, so just stick with what works for both of you.

Unique Pieces to Add to Your Letterpress Wedding Invitation Suite

A letterpress wedding invitation is such a special, unique idea for your invites. They will serve as a one-of-a-kind keepsake you and your guests will love, but it is not the only extra or premium choice you can make for your letterpress wedding invitations. There are a few additional pieces you can—but certainly are not required to—add to your letterpress wedding invitation suite order. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

• Belly bands: Contrary to how it sounds, belly bands have nothing to do with anyone’s belly. The term describes an item that wraps around your entire letterpress wedding invitation suite and keeps all of the pieces together. These range from simple to elaborate, and some are customizable with options to include your and your partner’s names, a design and more that works cohesively with the rest of your stationery suite.
• Stamps: Depending on the weight of your letterpress wedding invitations, you will need one or more stamps to send them out. You can stick with classic, easy-to-find options or you can get creative with it. Some companies curate postage to create a full design on your envelope. So, guests will be wowed even before they open up the envelope and look at your letterpress wedding invitations. 
• Wax seals: The classic lick and stick envelope closure is perfectly suitable, but many couples also love the idea of creating a unique wax seal. You can learn how to DIY your own wax seal, or explore all of the options available on sites like Etsy. These can include your custom wedding logo or monogram, a design that reflects your event or anything else you can think of for this special touch. 
• Envelope liners: Another way to get creative with your letterpress wedding invitations? Explore your options for an envelope liner. You can add a photo of you and your partner, a pattern that matches the tile floor of your venue and so much more. This is an opportunity to add an unexpected element of fun to your stationery suite, so see which options are available and look into the ones you gravitate toward the most. 
• Calligraphy: To further outfit the envelopes for your letterpress wedding invitations, consider hiring a calligrapher to address them. Since you are using one of the most premium printing styles, it makes sense to follow through with a calligrapher for your envelope addressing. Prices range for this offering, but you can expect to pay about $3.50 to $5.50 per invitation. This can add up, so make sure your budget can accommodate this feature. It is by no means required, but a beautiful idea to round out your letterpress wedding invitations.

These are just a handful of the additions you can make to your stationery order. Your letterpress wedding invitations will inevitably serve as memorable pieces that contribute to your special day, and these thoughtful touches will further impress your family and friends.

When to Send Out Letterpress Wedding Invitations

Your letterpress wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks prior to your celebration, on average. If you are planning a destination wedding, for instance, you will want to send out both your Save the Dates and wedding invitations ahead of schedule. Making a letterpress wedding invitation will also take longer than its online counterpart. Giving yourself enough time to do your research, seek out inspiration and put all of your creativity to work is crucial during this step in the process.

For all printed invites, including custom letterpress wedding invitations, there are three service options available at Bliss & Bone: Standard, Rush and Lightning. Below, you can review a breakdown of the timelines for each one. Please note that hand calligraphy will require an additional two to three business days.

• Standard production services: If you go the basic route for letterpress wedding invitations, you will receive your first proof from a designer within three business days, and all future revisions have a turnaround time of one business day each. Once you submit your approval for your letterpress wedding invitations online, it will take about 12 to 15 business days to receive them.
• Rush production services: For a slightly faster production process, you can opt for the Rush services and receive your first proof in just two business days. Just like the Standard system, all future revisions will take one additional business day. Production time is down to 10 days, and there is a 25 percent upcharge.
• Lightning production services: If you need the team to work at lightning speed, go with this option. You will get your first proof in only one business day and the production time is cut down to only seven days. Keep in mind that this quick turnaround comes with a 50 percent upcharge.

For all of these services, you will be able to choose your shipping option when you checkout. Ground shipping generally takes three to five business days, but for rush orders, you can select two-day or overnight shipping.

You should keep this timing in mind as you embark on creating your letterpress wedding invitations. Factor in how long it will take to submit your order, the time it takes to develop your invites and the estimated date you should receive them. And even though you can send online invites in seconds, it will take some time for guests to receive your letterpress wedding invitations through the mail.

Here are few other dates you should keep in mind for your wedding timeline if you are creating letterpress wedding stationery:

• Determine your (estimated) guest list. You want to ensure that the venues you explore can accommodate your guest list. To do so, you should figure out who you need to attend your wedding at the beginning of your planning process. This should be one of the first decisions you and your partner make together—and it is a big one. Consider your budget, family and friends and dream wedding venues as you discuss. To give you a better idea of your estimate, understand that approximately 70 to 85 percent of invited guests typically attend an event.
• Collect guests’ information. Of course, you have your loved ones’ phone numbers, but you need to confirm that you have their most up to date addresses. Go through your contacts and ensure that you have their address, which will come in handy when you send out letterpress wedding invitations and the all-important thank you notes after your big day.
• Create your wedding website. Even if you plan on creating letterpress wedding invitations that go through the mail, you still need an online information hub. Your wedding website can highlight important parts of your wedding weekend, allow guests to submit their RSVP virtually, share images of you and your partner and even provides you with an opportunity to communicate with your guests.
• Design your Save the Dates. Your first invitation to send out to your guests, this shows the “where” and “when” to your guests and introduces them to your wedding aesthetic. These should be sent out six to eight months before your wedding day, if not earlier.
• Collect RSVPs. Make sure your letterpress wedding invitations include information about when your guests need to RSVP. They should send back their “yes” or “no” responses about two to three weeks prior to your event, so you have enough time to finalize your guest list and make seating arrangement related decisions. If you want to make things even easier for your guests, consider creating a RSVP wedding website to digitize guests’ submissions. 
• Finalize your wedding menu. About a month before your wedding, your caterer should know exactly what is on the menu. You can also customize menus to match the design of your letterpress wedding stationery.
• Send out “thank you” notes. You have two options here: You can either send out “thank you” notes as you receive gifts, or you can wait until after your wedding day. There are perks to both, but writing them as you go can save you some time to enjoy your post-nuptial bliss and honeymoon. However, waiting until after can allow you to write a more thorough “thank you” note that includes how much you enjoyed celebrating your wedding with every guest.

With an understanding of the letterpress wedding invitation production process and your general event planning timeline, you should feel empowered to get organized and creative at the same time. Check off every item as the recommended time arrives, and you will be more than prepared for your upcoming event.

Examples of the Best Letterpress Wedding Invitations 

You can create the best letterpress wedding invitations imaginable with our unique templates. There is a lot of range in letterpress wedding invitation template ideas, so we are narrowing down a few of our favorite designs. These are the letterpress wedding invitations couples are loving right now: 

• Horizontal letterpress wedding invitations: While most letterpress wedding invitations—and classic invites, in general—are positioned vertically, they can be made horizontally as well. Take the Mila letterpress wedding invitation, which features two colors: Limestone Letterpress and Taupe Flat. This mixture of textures and color combination of pure white, cream and taupe makes it the most dreamy neutral letterpress wedding invitation. 
• Handwritten letterpress wedding invitations: Creating a handwritten effect is easy with the script fonts available to couples. The black and white Hendrix letterpress wedding invitation template is minimalist chic at its finest, and couples love how it incorporates the Black Letterpress text color to write out all of the text.
• Letterpress wedding invitations with a logo or monogram: You can find a letterpress wedding invitation that features a custom logo or monogram, which typically shows the couple’s names or initials and any other key details. For instance, the Elodie letterpress wedding invitation template has this effect with the couple’s shared initials, spelled out names and wedding date.
• Blind deboss letterpress wedding invitations: Blind deboss makes a letterpress wedding invitation that is so classic, minimalist and works for practically any event. As an example, the Imogen letterpress wedding invitation uses a custom color that is almost identical to the paper color. Plus, it also shows how you can attach your own logo or monogram to the top left corner of your letterpress wedding invitations.
• Letterpress wedding invitations with a mix of color and blind deboss: Why not have the best of both worlds with your letterpress wedding invitations? The Emily letterpress wedding invitation does just that, as it has the couple’s names in a Light Sage Letterpress color that matches the paper and a Camo Flat secondary color for the details. 

These are just a selection of the many possibilities that come with the best letterpress wedding invitations. From mixing flat and letterpress colors to matching the ink and paper for a blind deboss look, you can imagine your letterpress wedding invitation in near-countless ways. 

Wedding Themes That Work Well with Letterpress Wedding Invitations

Even though letterpress wedding invitations are considered traditional and formal, they can be used for almost any style of wedding. Depending on your personal taste and wedding aesthetic, you can easily tie in inspiration from your event to your letterpress wedding invites. 

For a better idea of these, here are popular wedding themes and how you can bring them into your letterpress wedding invitations:

• Classic letterpress wedding invitations: Commonly associated with white flowers, lots of greenery and an elegantly minimalist style, classic weddings are a perennial favorite among couples. One of our go-to classic wedding invitations is the Blair design, which features the couple’s initials, followed by a mix of serif and script fonts. 
• Modern minimalist letterpress wedding invitations: You do not have to do much to make a serious impact on your letterpress wedding invitations online. Keeping it simple with a serif font and not only accepting, but emphasizing space in your invite is a great solution for modern couples. As an example, the Harlow letterpress wedding invitations make the couple’s first names the headline and then features an all-caps recap of the event details below.
• Tropical letterpress wedding invitations: We often associate tropical weddings with lots of greenery and bright, bold colors. When it comes to letterpress wedding invitations, you can also pick a collection that subtly reflects your desired theme. Take the Aaron wedding invitation, for instance, which features a tropical green color for the main text and envelope. To complete the set, you can also choose the Aaron wedding website, which has a beautiful greenery element to it. 
• Boho letterpress wedding invitations: Similar to the tropical event style, boho weddings rely on a specific color palette and decor. You will often see oranges, pinks and other neutrals like cream and brown involved in this type of wedding theme. For this reason, we love how the Cybil letterpress wedding invitation has muted shades of pink and orange for a minimalist boho vibe.
• Vintage letterpress wedding invitations: Because of its major part in printing history, letterpress goes so well with any vintage affair. This aesthetic can come from how the card looks, like with deckle edges, or how the text is displayed. If you look at the Emily letterpress wedding invitation, for example, the romantic script text gives off that perfect vintage feel.
• Black and white letterpress wedding invitations: From black tie affairs to more casual microweddings, we are always seeing the classic black and white combination at weddings. And because letterpress wedding invites typically feature one text color, it is the perfect idea for your stationery. The Layla wedding invitation does just that, and has a cream-colored paper with a bold black font and envelope.
• Neutral letterpress wedding invitations: You can seek out neutral templates that feature colors including cream, beige and variations of gray. There is a soft, romantic feel to these types of letterpress wedding invitations, and quite a few options to choose from. For instance, the Abigail letterpress wedding invitation uses a beige card that is offset with white lettering. This is paired with a white envelope, but you can adjust all colors involved so long as you love the original design. Keep this in mind as you explore your options, since you can transform virtually any template into a neutral letterpress wedding invitation.  
• Seasonal letterpress wedding invitations: The time of year that you are getting married can immediately inform all decisions related to your letterpress wedding invitations. That being said, do not need to find a template with objects that translate directly to the spring, summer, fall or winter. Instead, you can locate letterpress wedding invitation templates that have the colors or general elements that coordinate with the season. The yellow color of the Adrian letterpress wedding invitation, for example, can work particularly well for a spring or summer celebration. Meanwhile, the darker tones of the Arlo template would be well-suited for a fall or winter wedding.  
• Floral letterpress wedding invitations: If there is one thing all weddings have, it’s flowers. All white, a combination of pinks and reds…you name it, there is a color combination that will fit your vision. You can take your letterpress wedding invitations to the next level by ensuring that the design speaks to what you have already discussed with your florist. The Brigitte letterpress wedding invitation is one example of this, since it shows a beautiful hibiscus flower with a moody, darker background. Beyond the tropical inspired florals, there are plenty of templates that can emphasize your love for the flowers at your wedding. 
• Metallic letterpress wedding invitations: While you can use metallic foil in your letterpress wedding invitation design, you can also find templates that have gold or silver on the card itself. The Avery wedding invitation template is a perfect example of this, since it artistically incorporates gold into the design. This is an especially popular style for those hosting glam weddings, or one with an art deco theme. Just make sure that when you decide on a type of metal, you stay consistent with it for all aspects of your wedding. Mixing metals is on trend these days, but you do not want to overdo it if you want to achieve the most timeless look possible. 
• Botanical letterpress wedding invitations: Botanical is best for plant lovers. This is slightly different from floral or tropical wedding themes because it showcases another type of greenery. If you are hosting a garden wedding, you may love the idea of a botanical letterpress wedding invitation that prioritizes lots of greenery. The Amber letterpress wedding invitations can combine your venue and interest in plants with this specific printing style. Another template couples love is the Camila wedding invitation, which is a more grayscale style that still has plenty of leaves and greenery in the design. 
• Handwritten letterpress wedding invitations: Though “handwritten” isn’t exactly a wedding theme, you can create a romantic, truly authentic celebration if you incorporate handwritten-looking stationery. This gives the look that you personally wrote out the invitations, and it’s a unique and whimsical packaging for your stationery. The Bradford letterpress wedding invitations, for example, offer a bold way to share your wedding details and highlight your and your partner’s name using this special printing style. For an alternative idea, consider the Declan wedding invitation, which looks like real, handwritten text. 

In addition to your theme, you can draw inspiration for your event everywhere: Your venue, decor pieces, attire and much more can all inform the decisions you make for your letterpress wedding invitations. Think through all of the aspects of your wedding as you explore the many options available to you and your partner. 

If you are looking on the Bliss & Bone website and see a design you like, make sure that you clarify your preferences for letterpress wedding invitations. This is a premium offering, and you want to mark down your specific request as you are building them. There are also online invite templates that have the same look as letterpress wedding invitations, and we’ll share some of our favorites later on in this guide. 

Letterpress Wedding Invitations vs. Online Wedding Invitations

Letterpress wedding invitations are of the printed variety, and there are quite a few to choose from. You might want to learn more about the differences between these printed invites and their digital counterparts, so we are breaking down the key benefits of both types.

From budget to overall experience, these categories are vastly different—but you really just need to find the best option for you, your partner and your upcoming event. Review these “pros” as you consider your options, talk it through with your partner and then go from there to create your digital or letterpress wedding invitations. 

Reasons Couples Love Printed Wedding Invites

• They are keepsakes you and your guests can hold onto. There are so many relics from your wedding that you will want to keep for years to come. By opting for printed letterpress wedding stationery, you can guarantee that you and your guests can cherish it forever. There is also something about the tangible experience of opening and physically holding an invitation in your hands. If you and your guests are interested in this concept, letterpress wedding invites might be perfect for you.
• They are super luxurious. Letterpress is considered a premium offering for a reason. The touchably special design is the ultimate option for the most luxurious, chic affair imaginable. To level it up, you can also opt for metallic foil to bring yet another “wow” factor to your design. There is just something about the dimension and detailing involved in the intensive process that makes printed letterpress wedding invitations truly one-of-a-kind.
• They are incredibly customizable. There is even more than meets the eye with printed wedding invitations. At Bliss & Bone, you can consult with a designer (more on that later!) to further personalize your letterpress wedding stationery. Don’t see exactly what you want? Talk to our team and we can work on making your invites as perfect as possible.

Reasons Couples Love Digital Wedding Invites

• They are cost effective. If you are looking for ways to save on your wedding invitations, digital is the best option for you. Because you are not purchasing paper, envelopes and stamps, your prices are significantly less than they would be with printed invitations. These are becoming more and more popular among wedding couples for this reason, and you can also seamlessly connect them to your wedding website for extreme convenience for both you and your guests.
• They are eco-friendly. Since you are saving money on paper, you are also reducing your carbon footprint. If being environmentally conscious is a priority for you and your partner, going digital with your wedding invitations is the ideal solution. There is so much paper that goes into wedding stationery, but swapping in digital Save the Dates and wedding invitations can reduce your impact by a significant degree.
• They are easy to make in a shorter time frame. Running short on time, or simply want to get your invites to your guests as soon as possible? You can design digital wedding invitations and send them out on the same day. If you and your partner can be decisive about the design, there are just a few steps you need to follow to get these done quickly. Managing your time with the efficiency of this process is another reason couples love this type of invitation.

In the past, printed wedding invitations were known as the traditional, etiquette-approved solution for couples. But now, wedding experts agree that it is totally acceptable and encouraged to decide on digital wedding invitations if they meet your budget and general preferences. There is so much to love about both styles, so all you and your partner need to do is get excited about the creative process. 

Online Designs That Look Like Letterpress Wedding Invitations

If you have decided to forego letterpress wedding invitations, likely because of the cost or environmental concerns, there are still options that have a similar effect. While you will not be able to run your fingers over the letterpress wording, online wedding invitations are made with exceptional designs that truly stand out. The online invites at Bliss & Bone prioritize dimension and texture, making them the ideal alternative for couples who want the look of  a letterpress wedding invitation.

• Neutral online wedding invitation: If you are getting married in the desert, few designs are better than the Aaron online wedding invitation. This one has neutral tones and a desert-inspired plant in the background. Even more, this looks almost exactly like the printed counterpart. The wording has the effect of letterpress that will grace your guests’ screens once you send out your invites.
• Colorful online wedding invitation: The Adrian online wedding invitation has it all: color, fruits, vintage-looking stamps and plants. It is a particularly special idea for couples planning a spring or summer wedding. You should go for a template like this if you want the look of a colorful letterpress wedding invitation.
• Vintage online wedding invitation: You do not have to compromise on the look of a formal wedding invitation when you select a template like the Austen design. It has a vintage-inspired appearance, with florals and a rustic-looking envelope, and the text looks just like it went through a letterpress process. 
• Classic online wedding invitation: If you are planning a chic black and white affair, look no further than the Blair online wedding invitation. It combines a letterpress effect with a three-dimensional ribbon (hello, pseudo-belly band!) and textured black background. 
• Botanical online wedding invitation: Bring together neutral greens and botanical accents with the letterpress-esque style. The Emily online wedding invitation has all of this and more, and it would be the perfect complement to a special day hosted during the fall. The Sofia online wedding invitation is another example of this style, since it shows a blind embossed look for the couple’s name and is accented with green details in the text below it and leaves across the background.
• Minimalist online wedding invitation: If you are looking for a straightforward and simple solution, the Grace online wedding invitation looks like someone used the letterpress technique on your screen. The date is “stamped” onto the invite, which creates the ultimate effect of the printing process in digital form.
• Modern online wedding invitation: For a modern and edgy template, consider the Hendrix online wedding invitation. It looks very similar to the real printed letterpress version, but this one is all virtual. By sending it out, you can welcome your guests into your dynamic and unique celebration. 
• Electric blue online wedding invitation: What is interesting about the Shira online wedding invitation is that it has all of the components of a classic wedding invite—with a twist. Couples love the electric blue color that gives it this letterpress look.
• Tropical online wedding invitation: There is a misconception that all tropical wedding invitations need to be green. The Willow online wedding invitation, for instance, is all about the shadows. The letterpress look gives it dimension on the card, and then a tropical leaf shadow overlay is cast over everything. 

At Bliss & Bone, you have so many template choices. From printed to online wedding invitations, you are introduced to a variety of ideas with varying costs. If you are seeking out more cost-effective options, these online wedding invitations will provide you with everything you need. There are pros and cons to letterpress and digital invites alike, and you and your partner should discuss the best choice for your specific preferences and budget.

Recommendations for Insert Cards Sent with Your Letterpress Wedding Invitations

One of the decisions you need to make while building your printed wedding invitations is whether you want to add an insert card. While a reply card is a must if you want guests to send back their RSVPs, an insert card is an optional—but super helpful—addition to any set. There is practically no limit to what you can feature on a little card that is sent through with the rest of your invitation suite. These are our recommendations for what you can include in your insert cards:

• Invitations to other pre- or post-wedding events: Are you hosting a pre-wedding welcome party or post-wedding brunch? If there is anything else on your itinerary, you should include that information on an insert card. 
• The link to your wedding website and/or registry: Share a clear message about how guests can connect with your information hub. Provide the URL to your wedding website, which can serve as an extension of your invites. Within it, you can share suggestions for what guests should do in the area, direct guests to your registry and recommend travel and lodging near the venue.
• Instructions about room blocks and other accommodations: If you want to encourage guests to sign on for a room in a local hotel, the insert can feature information about how to do that. You will want to include a code or specific URL to direct guests to as they plan their lodging.
• Details about transportation to and from the venue: For couples providing transportation to guests to and from the wedding venue, you can have an insert card that details everything. For example, they might have a shuttle picking guests up from the hotel where you have booked a block of rooms.
• Suggestions for what guests should wear to your wedding: Have a certain attire, or even a specific color palette you want guests to follow? You can include any necessary information on a reply card that is sent with your letterpress wedding invites.
• Insights about the reception: Some couples might have the ceremony and reception at the same venue, but others might want guests to move to a second or even third location for the reception and afterparty. To keep your guests in the loop, provide clear instructions about where they need to go and any details are transportation. 

Your wedding is set to be the best day of your life, but it comes with a lot of moving parts. More information is always valuable to your guests, and supplying it on an insert card makes it more readable and understandable. Consider all of the plans for your wedding as you evaluate whether or not you should add an insert card to your letterpress wedding invitation order.

How Much Do Letterpress Wedding Invitations Cost?

Your letterpress wedding invitations cost will definitely affect your decision making process. By industry standards, your wedding stationery should account for four to six percent of your overall wedding cost. So, it is important to first have a conversation with your partner (and anyone else who has offered to help pay for your celebration) about your budget. Depending on how much you plan to spend on every vendor and which vendors you want to prioritize, letterpress wedding invitations might be within reason. With this in mind, it is important to understand that most couples who want to prioritize their stationery often select premium features like letterpress wedding invitations.

That being said, letterpress wedding invitations are known for being among the most expensive types of stationery options available to couples. One expert told Brides.com that you can expect to pay around $1,600 for 100 letterpress wedding invitation sets—or more. Because of the lengthy process involved in creating the plate and physically pressing the letterpress wedding invitations, prices instantly go up. And for every additional color, costs vary as well because a new plate needs to be designed for every hue selected.

This pricing varies greatly from digital printing and engraving, which run about $700 and $2,200, respectively. You can find a printing option that should fit your budget, or you can take things digital for the most cost-effective solution. There are plenty of templates that give the appearance of letterpress wedding invitations online, as they incorporate dimensional text and objects that give more life to your guests’ screens. Costs are around $1 each for online wedding invitations, making them the most budget friendly choice for couples. 

If you are curious about Bliss & Bone pricing for letterpress wedding invitations, costs start at $527.50 for 25 A7 (5 x 7-inch), one-ply cards with one color only. An additional custom letterpress wedding invitation color will add $415 or more to your order. And if you are interested in bringing metallic foil to your letterpress wedding invitation, costs start at $655 for 25 cards. 

Now that you understand the estimates for how much letterpress wedding invitations cost, you can compare the prices to your budget goals and go from there. Whether you are interested in custom letterpress wedding invitations or want to learn more about digital invites, there is one guarantee: Any invitation you create will be beautiful and totally unique to you and your partner.

How Much Do Other Letterpress Wedding Invitation Alternatives Cost?

Sometimes it’s challenging to understand just how much your wedding will cost. When it comes to your letterpress wedding invitations, it’s helpful to compare the average costs to other printing styles prior to making your final decision. Fortunately, the experts at Brides.com created an easy-to-understand guide to the cost of different types of wedding invitations. Of course, you can use many of these printing styles as alternatives to letterpress wedding invitations, but some will cost more than the antique process.

• Digitally printed wedding invites: These are considered the most affordable printing style for wedding invitations. The average cost is about $700 to $1,200 for 100 invites. 
• Offset printed wedding invites: Offset printing is considerably more expensive than other alternatives to letterpress wedding invitations. Wedding couples can expect to pay more than $1,200 for 100 invites. 
• Engraved wedding invitations: These wedding invitations are perhaps the most expensive ones you’ll come across while looking through your options for wedding invites. And while letterpress wedding invitations are about $1,600 minimum, engraving starts at about $2,200 for 100 invites.
• Blind debossed and embossed wedding invitations: Because it is more common to combine embossed or blind debossed an accent on your invitation (as opposed to the entire text), these are relatively more inexpensive. These also use the same process as letterpress wedding invitations, but they do not incorporate any ink. You can expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $400 for 100 invites. 
• Foil stamped wedding invitations: If you want to add a special foil to the text of your invites, those are around the same cost as letterpress wedding invitations. Couples should plan to pay an additional cost of $1,800 for 100 invites.

At this point, if you are still interested in letterpress wedding invitations, you should also understand the additional fees that could increase the cost of them. Here are other factors that can affect the cost of wedding invitations, including your letterpress wedding invitation: 

• Supplies used in the process: The paper, ink and printing process your stationer uses will have the biggest impact on your wedding invitation costs. As we mentioned, card stock is recommended for letterpress wedding invitations, but there are also varying levels and costs for this type of paper.
• The additions you choose to finish off your letterpress wedding invitations: Later on in this guide, we’ll talk about the different “extras” you can purchase to go with your letterpress wedding invitations. These may include belly bands, stamps, wax seals, envelope liners and calligraphy (which will likely go on your envelopes). You could also opt to have your letterpress wedding invitations have a bevel cut or some other type of edging, which involves painting the edge of your invitation a different color. 
• Where you are getting married: The vendors in particular areas, including the stationers who can make your letterpress wedding invitations come to life, have varying prices based on their locations. For instance, a study by the Knot showed that stationery cost the most in the Mid-Atlantic ($610, on average), followed by the Northeast/New England ($580), the Midwest ($510), the Southwest ($500), the South/Southeast ($490) and the West ($460). Of course, these are all averages, so it’s possible yours could cost more or less, depending on what you ask for and from which vendor. 
• Rush mailing services: If you have a quicker turnaround time for your letterpress wedding invitations, you will need to pay extra for rush mailing services. It’s important to communicate your deadline clearly with your stationer, so they can prepare your invitations on time and give you an appropriate estimate. 

From how to compare prices to alternatives to letterpress wedding invitations to the extra fees that will factor into your budgeting, these are all of the details you need to prepare for your stationery production. 

How to Make Custom Letterpress Wedding Invitations

After assessing your budget and reviewing the many letterpress wedding invitations online, you can start building your own. There are a few steps involved, so you will want to factor your own design process into the aforementioned letterpress wedding invitation production time. 

Follow these simple steps to build your letterpress wedding invitations: 

1. Scan your options for letterpress wedding invitations online and then choose your favorite one. After seeing it up close, click on the “Customize + Price” button.
2. Adjust the needs for your card. You need to select how many letterpress wedding invitations you need, and you can also decide on the formatting and type of paper you will use. If you are ready to move on, click on the tab with the “Aa.”
3. Add one or two text colors. If you want to use one color for your letterpress wedding invites, choose only Text Color 1. For more variety, you can also opt in for Text Color 2, and edge paint (a border, essentially) is also available. To make changes to the envelope, click on the tab with the envelope icon.
4. Fix the quantity and paper. Just like with the card, you can adjust how many envelopes you will need and the color of the envelope paper. In this section, you can also toggle on the envelope printing and liner offering. From there, click on the “$” tab.
5. Review the costs. Bliss & Bone’s paper builder provides you with real time pricing as you make decisions for your letterpress wedding invitations. If you have room in your budget or need to cut down, you can easily figure out your next steps by understanding the full pricing breakdown. If you are OK with the rate, click “Next” in the bottom right corner of your screen.
6. Provide all of your wedding details. Type all of the text you want to include in your letterpress wedding invitations in the “Card Text” section, and then write down your return address to go on the envelope flap in the “Envelope Text” section. After that, you need to download a template that you will use to add your guests’ information. When you are all set, upload your guest address file. Plus, you can add an insert or reply card and reply envelope. This is especially important if you want guests to RSVP through the mail. If you have any additional concerns or notes, feel free to provide that in the “Notes to Designer” section.
7. Confirm your order and enter your payment details. If everything looks good on your end, you can enter your payment information and officially submit your order. With your confirmation, a designer will get to work on your letterpress wedding invitations. 
8. Receive your digital proof. In two to three business days, you will receive a digital .pdf proof showing your letterpress wedding invitation. Your order comes with two rounds of proofs, so you can work with your designer if the initial one does not meet your expectations. 
9. Approve of your digital proof. When you are ready to order your letterpress wedding invitations, give your designer the go-ahead and your design will be sent into production. They will be shipped 12 to 15 days after this confirmation. 
10. Check your mail! You will receive your letterpress wedding invitations in the mail, and then you can assemble them. Make sure to get the correct postage and then head over to the post office.

We have outlined these steps, but there is a clear guided process available through our builder as well. For instance, you will not be able to move forward and purchase your letterpress wedding invitations until you have uploaded the file with your guests’ names and addresses. 

Talking Through Your Letterpress Wedding Invitation Design with a Pro

Looking to further personalize your letterpress wedding invitations? At checkout, you can use the Design Your Own application when you check “Yes” for a design consult. Once you have done this, a designer from our team will reach out and talk about your customization options. These designers cost an additional $200 per hour. 

Custom letterpress wedding invitations can have the follow premium features:

• More access to customized prints and fonts: With this offering, you can change the color of a print or reinvent a font combination. You also have the opportunity to select two fonts, even if they aren’t necessarily paired together in the example. You can work directly with a designer to match all of your specific preferences along the way.
• Tags: Wedding tags can be as simple or ornate as you want. Share your specifications with your stationer, and a designer will help craft one that will work well with the rest of your stationery suite.
• Grommets: You can add a special touch to the paper wedding invite when you feature metallic grommets, which are also offered in our customization menu. 
• Booklets: Highly recommended for wedding weekends and larger affairs, a comprehensive booklet can keep all of your invitation details organized. These special additions can create the “wow” factor you’re looking for in your letterpress wedding invitations. 
• Folded cards: While many of the examples you’ll see of letterpress wedding invitations are one-sided, you can also work with a designer to create folded cards that you send to your guests. 
• Ribbon or leather lacing: For a touch of elegance or edginess, you can also bring in other materials like ribbon or leather lacing. These will provide more texture and dynamism to your unique design. 
• Specialty papers or materials, like vellum: There’s practically no limit to what you can achieve with the team at Bliss & Bone, and that includes the paper products we use for letterpress wedding invitations. Speak with your designer about the opportunity to have a vellum jacket or other specialty paper in your stationery suite. 
• Gilded edges: If you love the look of foil stamped wedding invitations, you might also be interested in gilded edges for your letterpress wedding invitations. The process involves pressing a foil design onto the edge of your invite, or you can also add a metallic accent onto the edge of the card stock. 

Once you have shared these preferences with your designer, you will have a consultation with them. These experts have years of experience preparing the best wedding invitations possible, and they will offer suggestions and opinions about how you can create your stationery. If there are any other items you want to coordinate with your wedding invitation, you can also share that information during your consultation.

If you decide to go this route for your letterpress wedding invitations, our team will provide an estimated timeline to make it all happen. We are here to make your vision come to life, so we can talk it through and then get started on your dream wedding invitations. 

Collecting RSVPs After Sending Out Your Letterpress Wedding Invitations 

Imagine this: You have already completed your letterpress wedding stationery and it is almost time for your epic celebration. The month prior to your wedding, you have a lot going on—to say the least. Your vendors will call to finalize details, and your venue and catering company is probably waiting for a final guest count. This all leads to your RSVP collection, and how you ultimately finalize your guest list. 

There are three main solutions for requesting and collecting RSVPs. These include:

• Sending letterpress wedding invitations with a reply card and envelope. This is the most traditional arrangement for your invitation suite, and it requires you to order reply cards and envelopes with your return address on them. Guests will receive this set in the mail and understand that they need to fill out their reply card, put it in the envelope and mail it back to you or the person who is collecting RSVPs.
• Sending letterpress wedding invitations with instructions to RSVP online. If you want the best of both worlds, you can send out printed wedding invitations and ask for your guests to RSVP online. This allows you to send out a formal paper invite, while also saving paper and money with the RSVP process. You simply need to make it clear that you need their responses to be digital. Either include instructions in an insert card within your invitation suite, or provide a link to your RSVP wedding website.
• Sending online wedding invitations that connect to an RSVP wedding website. Keep everything online with online wedding invitations that directly connect your guests to the RSVP section on your wedding website. This is a particularly solid option for couples who want to stay organized online and do not want to collect physical RSVP cards. 

After determining which type of RSVP you want to send out and receive back from your guests, you need to get to work on the guest list. By about two weeks before your wedding, you should have everyone’s responses back and a confirmed number of people. With this number settled, here is what you need to do next:

• Send the number of guests to your venue and/or catering company. While your venue and catering company will have a rough estimate, a confirmed number will be needed prior to your event. They need to know how many tables to set up, and how many seating arrangements should be made at each one. Your venue and catering company could be linked, but if not, make sure to communicate this to the catering company as well. After all, you do not want them to overorder and charge you extra for food your guests will not eat!
• Make your seating chart. This step first requires a deep breath. It can feel overwhelming to place your guests at specific tables, but it all starts with where you and your partner are going. Two popular options are a sweetheart table, where you and your partner sit at a small table just for the two of you, or a bigger table for you, your partner and your wedding party. Depending on the experience you want, either seating situation is fun and celebratory. With the rest of your guests, you need to consider the people who are friends and family members. For example, you can group college and high school friends together, respectively, and put relatives in the same family at one table. You can also decide if you want to make clear seating assignments and give every guest a specific chair at every table. The alternative option is to assign a table to every guest, which would allow your guests to decide which seats they want to take at the reception.
• Design your seating chart display. People have thought of the most creative ways to share where guests are sitting at the wedding. You can go with a classic board that features the table name or number and the corresponding guests’ names below, or you can think of something on-theme for your specific event. We have seen a table full of tequila shots, a polaroid wall, an assortment of tasty chocolates and so much more with names and table assignments on them. As long as you are authentic to you and your partner with this one, you really can’t go wrong.

Your RSVPs make up a big portion of your to-do list in the leadup to your celebration. It is crucial to know the exact number of guests who are attending your wedding to make seating arrangements and order the proper amount of food and drink. Opting for the best possible RSVP style for you and your partner will keep you organized and on track during a pretty chaotic period in the planning process. 

Matching Your Invites with Other Letterpress Wedding Stationery

Your letterpress wedding stationery is not limited to your formal invitations. If you are interested in using this technique for nearly all of your stationery set, that is possible at Bliss & Bone. On our site, you can shop by collection to see all of the cohesive designs we have curated just for wedding couples.

Our experts have created the following items, which you can tie together to match your letterpress wedding invites:

• Wedding website: Your wedding website is the information hub for all things related to your upcoming festivities. You can choose to provide information about pre- and post-wedding events as well, like a welcome party the night before or a brunch following the big day. Plus, wedding websites are used to collect RSVPs, share photos and provide travel, lodging and activity recommendations for guests.
• Save the Dates: These are the first formal pieces of contact you will make with your guests about your wedding. You can send out virtually or through the mail, and it is a primer for your big day. 
• Rehearsal dinner invitations: You will most likely have a rehearsal dinner the night before your wedding. If you follow traditional guidelines, the groom’s parents will host the celebration and will create the invitations. However, if you are interested in connecting your rehearsal dinner invites to your letterpress wedding stationery, you can offer a template within your Bliss & Bone collection as a suggestion.  
• Wedding menus: At the reception, most seating arrangements are topped with a one-of-a-kind wedding menu. These typically come with your and your partner’s names or some sort of logo, and of course, all of the courses they can expect to eat during the dinner portion of the evening.

All of these pieces of your letterpress wedding stationery are customizable and available in sets at Bliss & Bone. You can look through each collection and see which one you and your partner find yourselves gravitating toward. Collections take the guesswork out of so much of the design process, since our designers have curated these sets to provide cohesion and ease throughout this important step in your planning journey. 

Other Wedding Stationery Items to Keep on Your Radar

Your letterpress wedding invitations, Save the Dates and more items we have already mentioned aren’t the only stationery items to purchase for your wedding. There are plenty of other pieces you need for during and after your celebration as well. You can work with a stationer who can provide the following, and make sure to ask if you can match them to your letterpress wedding invitation design. 

• Wedding welcome sign: You can greet your guests with a sign that is custom made for you and your partner. Stick with a font and style that coordinates well with your letterpress wedding invitations. So, even though it won’t be printed in the same way as your invites, they can still have a similar look to them. It can be as simple as, “Welcome to Our Wedding” or “Welcome to the Wedding of Hadley and Alex,” or something more detailed and in line with your specific theme. You can also have this displayed on a posterboard, rustic wood sign or anything else you can think of. In addition to welcome signs, it might also be helpful to have signage that directs guests to different parts of your event. These include directions to the cocktail hour, reception or even the restrooms. With the right preparation, you can draw inspiration for all of this signage from your letterpress wedding invitations.  
• Wedding ceremony program: This is a piece of stationery that is handed out to guests prior to the wedding ceremony. Wedding programs are not necessarily required, but they provide a space to show your personality, show your guests what they can expect at every step during the ceremony. Use it to share the names of your officiant, the people in your wedding party and any readers who might be included in the ceremony.  Plus, it’s another way to connect to your letterpress wedding invitations. While it is more common to have these digitally printed, you can go all out and get them printed using the letterpress technique as well. 
• Wedding cocktail napkins: People who love all of the details involved in your wedding celebration will want to personalize everything—down to the cocktail napkins. You can feature your custom wedding logo or monogram (more on that later!) with a similar font to the one featured in your letterpress wedding invitations. 
• Seating chart display: As we previously mentioned, your seating chart display is typically set up at cocktail hour. You should connect it to the rest of the stationery items in your order by ensuring that it has an appropriate font and design. 
• Escort cards: If you are creating a classic seating chart display, you should pair it with escort cards written for all of your guests. You can group couples and families, or stick with individual escort cards that will make it easy for them to navigate to their table after the cocktail hour. Just make sure that all of them have the correct table number or name below or on the back of the card!
• Wedding table numbers: After your guests visit your seating chart display at cocktail hour, they will know which table they need to go to. It is common for couples to use numbered tables, but you can also think outside of the box and use special names. For example, you could name each table after a country you have visited together, your favorite ice cream flavors and more. 
• Wedding place cards: If you have decided to give seating assignments to every guest, you will also need to order place cards that will be displayed at the reception tables. You can use a calligrapher, have it digitally printed or take the more luxurious approach and see if you can have them match your letterpress wedding invitation. 
• Notes for every guest at the wedding: For a special touch at your celebration, consider writing a note to every guest in attendance. It will set the tone for the reception and make all of your guests feel welcome and appreciated. You can divide these between you and your partner, and it is most common for smaller gatherings. It will take quite a bit of time, especially for a 200-plus guest list, so evaluate your timeline before figuring out this step. But if you are having a smaller celebration, especially one that involves a lot of travel, this is one addition you and your partner won’t regret and that your guests will absolutely love and remember long after your wedding day. 
• “Thank you” notes: After all is said and done for your wedding, you need to thank your guests for their gift and presence at your celebration. Many stationers will include coordinating “thank you” notes in your order, and these can easily get printed just like your letterpress wedding invitations. Inquire with your stationer about these offerings as you discuss pricing and packages available. 

The items on your stationery to-do list probably feel a bit overwhelming. However, it is important to understand that a lot of these are considered “nice-to-haves.” These are not all required items, but they can provide your guests with details and information that they will appreciate and hold onto as keepsakes from your big day. Weigh the pros and cons and consider your budget as you plan everything out with your stationer.

How You Can Add a Unique Logo or Monogram to Your Stationery

Couples who want to personalize their letterpress wedding invitations as much as possible might be interested in adding a custom logo or monogram to their carts. All you need to do is visit the Bliss & Bone site, review your options for logos and monograms and select the one you like most. Then, you need to add your personalized text and a dedicated designer will get started. You can decide whether you want a logo that is only used on Bliss & Bone products, used elsewhere or both. 

Our logos and monograms can include a unique graphic, a font that matches your letterpress wedding invitations and much more. You can talk with your designer during the proofing process to get the exact look you want. One revision is included in your purchase, so you can make adjustments as needed.

Within two business days, you will receive your logo or monogram uploaded to your Bliss & Bone account. If you purchased it for use elsewhere or both in and out of Bliss & Bone, you will receive a print-ready file via email that you can use for anything you can think of. In the past, people have used their files to create wedding signs, cocktail napkins and much more. 

When it comes to Bliss & Bone products, you can use your new logo or monogram to bring even more cohesion to your letterpress wedding invitation and the rest of your stationery suite. Custom logo or monogram pricing is $40 for use on Bliss & Bone only, $80 elsewhere or $120 for both. If you want more than two rounds of edits, you will need to pay $40 for additional revisions. You and your partner should discuss how you want to incorporate your logo or monogram into your celebration, and then decide which option will work best for you and your event.

Why Wedding Couples Often Hire Professional Planners

Your wedding is a momentous occasion, no doubt, but it also requires a lot of time and energy beforehand. If you and your partner are already overwhelmed, hiring a trusted pro to come in and tackle the logistics is essential. Of course, you want to include the idea of hiring a planner in your budgeting discussion. Planners cost an estimated $1,000 to $2,500, according to WeddingWire.com. However, that number can go up to $4,500 or more, depending on the planner’s level of experience and notoriety in the industry. 

Still on the fence about hiring a wedding planner for your special day? Here are the key reasons why couples say hiring a planner is a must:

• Planners know exactly which vendors you should hire: Because it’s their job to plan weddings and other special events, it’s more than likely your planner has worked with other potential vendors in your area. They can offer support and suggestions when it comes to hiring the people they’ve truly enjoyed working with. 
• They help with outreach and communication with other vendors: One thing that’s guaranteed with wedding planning? Lots and lots of emails and communication. If you don’t want your inbox flooded, your planner can take on the majority of these conversations and only reach out to you on a need-to-know basis. 
• They can weigh in on design decisions and other “small” details: It’s possible that you can get stumped on something as small as the accent color for your wedding. If you are ever in doubt about anything, a planner is your go-to person to help with all things related to your wedding—down to the design details. Many planners position themselves as sounding boards, and you can always text or hop on the phone to talk something out with your trusted pro. 
• They can help coordinate everything on the day of your event: The one thing you don’t want to be doing is worrying about your wedding day timeline. You can trust that your planner and their team will have everything covered, and they will send out a clear timeline for you, your partner and your wedding party. Plus, they’ll speak with your wedding vendors—particularly hair and makeup, transportation and venue coordinators—so everyone is on the same page beforehand. 
• They can manage everything that happens after your wedding is over: Even after you’ve said, “I do” and danced the night away, there’s a lot that will need to be done. Your planner and their team will manage the breakdown of different items and coordinate any other cleanup that is required at your venue or venues. 

If you and your planner can afford to hire a planner, this is often the vendor couples are the most grateful for. After assessing your budget and personal preferences, start researching planners in your area and get started on the most well-managed event possible. 

As an alternative, you can also look into hiring a wedding coordinator. These are pros who work with you for a shorter period of time. They can come on during the month of your wedding and help with any logistics involved, or even the week or day of the event. Coordinators are less involved in the planning process, but they are more cost-effective and can come in handy when you are feeling the most stressed out as the wedding day approaches. For example, a day-of coordinator is estimated to cost about $800 or more, per WeddingWire.com. Meanwhile, partial or month-of coordinators cost about $1,250, but prices can go up from there. 

There are so many expenses involved in your wedding planning process, but a planner is considered an essential. In fact, some venues even require that you bring on a planner before booking with them. They can take the guesswork out of nearly every step and they are your go-to contact for working through anything related to your wedding. That’s why it’s not surprising that many couples become good friends with their planner. After months or a year or more working together, there’s a special bond between couples and their planning team.

Get Started On Your Letterpress Wedding Invitations

The longstanding history of the letterpress printing process and the modern adaptations of the style today are what make these so special. It is no surprise that it has been one of the most popular options among wedding couples over the past 30 years. If you still have any questions about your letterpress wedding invitations, know that the team at Bliss & Bone is here to help you. To learn more about what we can accomplish together, visit Bliss & Bone online or email us at hello@blissandbone.com. We look forward to working with you on the letterpress wedding invitations you and your partner will love.