Glossary of Terms

Blind Embossing

Blind embossing is a printing method where an image is pressed into paper resulting in a raised design. The embossing is termed "blind" because the design is formed without ink or foil. (Debossing is an image stamped onto paper or a napkin without ink or foil; it appears "indented.")

Bright White

This shade is the ultimate in white, very crisp, pure and bright!

Calligraphy

The art of fine handwriting. Specifically beautifully stylized script used to address envelopes, or write the invitations themselves.

Deckle Edge

An uneven, feathery edge on a piece of paper is called a deckle edge. This edge is most commonly found on parchment invitations; however, other papers may also have deckle edges and will be noted in descriptions.

Destination Wedding

It's a wedding that you have to travel to (a.k.a. eloping) -- only some destination weddings also include guests. Common destination wedding sites are Walt Disney World, Europe, Las Vegas, Hawaii, New Orleans, Mexico, Canada, the Poconos, Colorado, and the Caribbean...just to name a few. Cruise weddings are also popular!

Die-Cutting

The process of using sharp metal rules to cut shapes and designs into paper. Die-cutting includes cutout shapes and sculpted edges.

Double Envelopes

The traditional set of two envelopes is used with formal invitations and announcements. The outer envelope is addressed to the guest and may have your (the sender's) address printed on the back flap. The inner envelope, with the invitation and enclosures is enclosed inside the outer envelope. The inner envelope carries only the guests' names. The inner envelope is available with a coordinating liner; it is not gummed and is not sealed.

Ecru

This color is a warm creamy beige.

Embossing

Embossing is like blind embossing above, only this type of printing uses ink or foil on the raised area to add drama and dimension.

Engraving

The use of carved or etched plates to produce raised lettering by pressing the paper into the holes.

Filigree

Ornamental work, formerly with grains or breads, but now composed of fine wire and used chiefly in decorating gold and silver to which the wire is soldered, being arranged in designs frequently of a delicate and intricate arabesque pattern. On invitations, these patterns are normally embossed or foil stamped using gold or silver foil.

Flourish

To make ornamental strokes with the pen; to write graceful, decorative figures. Commonly printed on the cardstock, or embossed into the cardstock.

Foil Stamping

This effect is achieved when colored foil is hot-stamped onto paper (perhaps a Christmas card) or accessory items, such as napkins.

French-Fold

A sheet of paper folded twice to create a four-paneled invitation is considered French-folded. This fold is most common with parchment invitations.

Layers

This term indicates layers of paper tied or glued together. If the top layer is translucent and the lower is decorative paper, you'll see a muted version of the lower layer through the translucent top.

Letterpress

Historically, this involved using individual metal or wood block letters to create a pressed in ink transfer on the paper.

Liners

This term refers to the decorative paper used to line the inside of an inner envelope or a single envelope.

Monogram

A design composed of one or more letters, typically the initials of a name, used as an identifying mark. These are often used on informal cards.

Ornate

Elaborately, heavily, and often excessively ornamented.

Panel

A panel is the center section of your invitation "framed" by a raised area of paper. It also refers to pages facing each other. For example, a tri-fold invitation when opened fully, has a left, middle and right panel.

Parchment

This translucent paper is made to look like original parchment. This distinctive paper adds a softening effect to any invitation.

Pearlize

The process that applies a luminous pearl-like finish to part of an invitation, usually to an embossed design, is called pearlizing.

Short-Fold

A short-fold is created when a sheet of paper is folded once, not exactly in half, forming an invitation with a short front panel and longer back panel.

Thermography

This type of printing is created by adding a resin powder to wet ink, which when heated, creates a raised surface.

Topiary

Of or characterized by the clipping or trimming of live shrubs or trees into decorative shapes, as of animals.

Tri-Fold

A tri-fold is created when a sheet of paper is folded twice to form a three-paneled invitation. Both outside panels are folded inward to cover the center panel.

Typestyle

A specific style of type or font, such as Roman.

Vellum

Vellum is a paper with a rich, smooth finish paper.

White

This shade is a soft white, like wedding gowns. It is a delicate hue.

Z-Fold

A z-fold is created when a sheet of paper is folded twice in accordion fashion to form a three-paneled invitation.