Wedding Invitations, as with all aspects of the big day planning, have lots of options that can leave you feeling completely bamboozled. There are so many types and styles of wedding invitation available to brides, from budget busting to bargain. But it doesn't need to be a chore deciding what suits your wedding, we're going to have a look at all the gorgeous options out there.

Letterpress invitation from Pretty as a Picture

Letterpress

Letterpress Invitations: Danu by Eva Slade and Cameo Suite by Farrell & Chase

Letterpress printing has been around since the 1400s and there has been a revival and renewed interest in the art form in recent years. Today Letterpress wedding invitations are made in the same old fashioned way, with vintage presses and the best paper. Letterpress creates the effect that the letters and images are stamped into the paper, creating precise characters and a beautiful textured finish. Letterpress is not the cheapest option and there are a few select suppliers in Ireland. Try Farrell & Chase, Pretty as a Picture and Eva Slade.

Engraved

Engraved  invitation - Louella Press |  Thermography - Tiny Prints

Engraved Wedding Stationery is  is an age old process where the paper is stamped with a mold, leaving an indentation or imprint on the paper. Ink is then applied to the imprint and allowed to dry. The letters appear slightly raised, while also indented on the opposite side of the paper. Engraved invites can be difficult to prepare, which can make them a more expensive option.

Thermography

A less expensive option than engraving, thermography offers the same look to the front of the stationery as engraving - invitations have raised lettering but there will be no indentation on the back of the card. Thermographed invitations are prepared by using a glue based solution to set the lettering and design of your invitations. Then ink and very fine powder, or "dust", is applied to the glue based solution and heated. As the drying process takes place, the lettering then becomes raised to simulate the refined look of engraving. Betsy White do a great range of thermographic invitations.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamped invitations by Bellafigura (available from Pretty as a Picture)

Hot foil stamping is a dry printing method in which a heated die and foil are used to apply graphics to a surface. Hot foil stamping comes  in a variety of finishes including shiny, matte and holographic. It's a great way to add the sparkle of metallics to your invitation, but you can use other colours like the neon invitations from Bellafigura above.

Hand-painted Wedding Stationery

Handpainted invitations by Rifle Paper Company and Kate Brangan

For a very personal look, as with handpainted wedding cakes, hand painted stationery can be a great option to create a very relaxed and whimsical look. Hand painting is beautiful, completely custom made choice for invitations. It can be an expensive option that will vary on your requirements.

Calligraphy

Invitations by Calligraphy by Jennifer and Finer Details in Cork.

Calligraphy is the Greek art of elegantly curved and curly handwriting.  Known in ancient times as kalligraphia, which means beautiful writing, it can be elegant and stylish while giving a vintage flair. You should allow plenty of time if you choose this hand-drawn option. Some stationery companies will offer a digital version of hand drawn calligraphy. Calligrafont, Noeleen Frain and Evelyn Slye all offer calligraphy services.

Digital Printing

Invitations by Finer Details and As You Wish

This flat style of printing is the most familiar one. The quality of digital printing can vary widely so make sure to look for a printer who can deliver crisp quality and true colors. Check their portfolio and examine samples carefully. Most professional printers offer a wide array of selection and styles. The turnaround time for printed invites can be better than most other alternatives. Digital printing is much more cost effective and also allows finishing like creasing and folding. Digital means individual sheets could be personalised with names of guests too.

Shop Bought

Printed stationery with space to include your wedding details and guest names is available from lots of high street shops like Easons, Paperchase and Marks and Spencer. These invitations are a very cost effective option, but might become tiresome when writing out all the details of your wedding for the 58th time.. maybe best kept for smaller weddings.

DIY Set / Self Assembly Invitations

Envelopments DIY invitations from  The Invite Inn.

DIY invites come in a wide array of designs and styles. It's then up to you what you add and how you "dress them up" and what the end result is. An option that you need to allow enough time for and think realistically about whether you have the patience!

Downloadable Templates

Downloadable template from e.m. papers

Downloadable template are an increasingly popular DIY option, choosing a downloadable, customisable template means you can keep costs down and end up with the full suite of stationery from Save the Dates right through to Ceremony Booklet covers and table numbers. You can keep costs low by printing yourself at home, or take your templates to a professional printer to save you the hassle.

So, what style of invitations are you thinking of having for your wedding. We'd love to hear your thoughts on stationery!