WHAT IS LETTERPRESS?
Letterpress is one of the oldest methods of printing, developed during the time of Johannes Gutenberg (inventor of the printing press) in the 15th century. Letterpress printing is a form of relief printing, where the text and designs are on a raised surface, such as a plate or metal type (imagine a large rubber stamp, but made with metal or photopolymer). Ink is applied to the raised surface and then paper is pressed directly against it to transfer the text and design. This transfer creates an impression (indentation) in the paper, which gives the card a tactile quality and handcrafted feel. Letterpress printing is a true art form and is one of the most beautiful forms of printing.
At Minted, we continue this centuries-old art form to create beautiful letterpress wedding invitations. Each invitation utilizes its own letterpress photopolymer plate created from a digital file. The invitations are individually hand-printed on antique Heidelberg Windmill presses and every piece is checked by hand to ensure exceptional quality and a luxurious finish.
LETTERPRESS PAPERS
At Minted, our letterpress wedding invitations are available in two different paper options:
- 100% Cotton: A lightly textured cotton paper with a creamy off-white hue and vellum texture; this paper creates crisp impressions and vibrant color, and has been developed especially for artists and printmakers. Made in the USA from 100% cotton. 320 gsm, 20 point thickness.
- Premium 100% Cotton: Luxuriously thick with a soft cotton texture that creates a deep impression—a deluxe paper for letterpress stationery. Bright white for crisp, vibrant color from our rich letterpress inks. Moldmade in the UK from 100% cotton. 500 gsm, 40 point thickness.
LETTERPRESS INKS
For our letterpress wedding invitations, we use a broad selection of richly colored inks, which are hand-pressed into thick, high-quality paper to create luxurious wedding invitations and stationery. You can choose up to three colors for your letterpress wedding invitations; our inks are available in 50+ colors, which means you're able to customize your invitation colors to perfectly match your wedding color palette.
LETTERPRESS INVITATIONS FOR EVERY WEDDING STYLE
Your wedding invitation is your guests' first glimpse into your wedding day, so you'll want to choose a design that reflects your wedding style and aesthetic. In addition to the wedding location and time of day, your invitation's stylistic details—the overall design, fonts, graphic elements, printing techniques—can also indicate the style and formality of your wedding, giving guests an idea of what to expect and how to dress.
It's a good idea to have an idea of the style of wedding you're hosting—formal, glamorous, rustic, relaxed, modern, minimalist, etc.—before you start shopping for your wedding invitations; this way, you can choose an invitation design that perfectly matches that look. Then, as you browse wedding stationers' websites and portfolios, you can use the search filters to narrow the results and streamline your search.
From rustic and botanical to minimal and modern, Minted offers a full range of beautiful letterpress wedding invitations, so you are sure to find the perfect design to complement your wedding style. If you're hosting your wedding at a private ranch or barn, be sure to check out our Rustic wedding invitations. Our Classic & Formal category features beautiful, more traditional letterpress designs that will stand the test of time. Or, if you prefer a more minimalist wedding style, be sure to browse our Simple & Minimalist category for clean, elegant designs that will evoke a spare-yet-sophisticated feel. Here are the different wedding styles you can choose from:
Classic & Formal:
If you're the type who prefers timelessness over trendiness, choose a letterpress wedding invitation design that features serif fonts, calligraphy, and elegant, neutral colors. Also consider adding a monogram—a classic invitation design element.
Rustic:
Planning a country-chic wedding? Pick a letterpress wedding invitation with nature-inspired details that still feel elegant and elevated, such as leaf patterns, wood and tree motifs, and mountain vistas.
Botanical:
Letterpress wedding invitations that feature botanical and floral illustrations are favorites of ours. Leafy vines, olive and greenery branches, watercolor florals, painterly peonies, bold and moody blooms—you're sure to find a botanical-inspired letterpress wedding invitation that complements your wedding look.
Modern:
For couples with a modern wedding aesthetic, select a letterpress invitation that features clean fonts and typography, graphic elements, and pared-down colors (black and white is always a good choice!).
Bold & Typographical:
Emphasize your names or first-name initials on your letterpress wedding invitation with one of our bold and typographical designs.
Simple & Minimalist:
If your wedding style is clean, simple, and spare, choose a letterpress wedding invitation that complements your minimalist aesthetic. Design elements to look for: an emphasis on white space, elegant typography and lettering, and simple text and language.
Vintage:
Whether your wedding style is Art Deco or Art Nouveau, we have a letterpress wedding invitation that will match the vintage look you're going for.
LETTERPRESS FAQs
Do I need extra postage to mail letterpress wedding invitations?
Minted's letterpress wedding invitations, without any additional enclosure cards (like RSVPs or direction cards), weigh less than one ounce. However, the best way to confirm the postage required for your mailing is to take a single invitation, including any and all enclosures, to your local post office so they can weigh it and tell you the exact postage it will require.
How much do letterpress wedding invitations cost?
Minted's letterpress wedding invitations start at $485 for 100 invitations (for one-color designs). Adding a second color is an additional $90 (for 100 invitations).
I'm on a budget. Are there options for more affordable letterpress wedding invitations?
There are several ways you can save on your stationery costs. The first option is to go with a one-color ink design instead of two or three (each ink color requires additional labor since it needs a separate plate and press set-up). You could also save by opting for digitally printed enclosure cards (like RSVPs, direction cards, accommodation cards). Or, skip the response card altogether and have guests RSVP via your wedding website.
I like one of the Minted letterpress invitation designs but would like to use a different color, is that possible?
Absolutely. Visit our customization page to make a custom color request and a member of our Minted customer service team will respond to your request within 1-2 business days.
Can I see a sample letterpress wedding invitation?
Of course. You can order a free sample kit with your favorite letterpress wedding invitation designs via our Sample Kit page. When it arrives in the mail you will then be able to see how the cotton paper feels in your hands and understand what design elements you want to feature on your own wedding invitations.
When should I order my letterpress wedding invitations?
We recommend ordering your letterpress wedding invitations 4 to 5 months before your wedding date.
Once I have placed my order for letterpress wedding invitations, how long will it take to receive my order?
Once you've placed your order, you will receive an email within 48 hours to view a digital proof of your wedding invitations. Once you have approved the proof, you should receive your letterpress wedding invitations in the mail within 5 to 10 business days, depending on the shipping speed you have selected. International deliveries will arrive within 5 to 10 business days, as well, depending on your location.
When should I send my letterpress wedding invitations?
Wedding invitations should be mailed 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding—that should give your out-of-town guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements. But if you're planning a destination wedding, you'll want to give wedding guests more notice—in this case, we advise mailing your invitations three months ahead of time. Additionally, many couples also send out save-the-date cards; these should be mailed 6 to 8 months before the wedding.
Can I also order my ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menus, etc. from you?
Yes. We offer the following letterpress wedding stationery to match your wedding invitations: save the date cards, RSVP cards, reception cards, direction cards, and thank you cards. Other wedding stationery items such as programs, table numbers, menus, and favor tags can be printed digitally.
What do you recommend for addressing our outer envelopes?
Minted's letterpress wedding invitations can be paired with our stylish All-Script addressing for your recipient's addresses, which feature stunning hand-styled fonts. Note: If you have selected All-Script addressing, we recommend you choose 2 oz. postage to include the USPS non-machinable surcharge (approximately $0.22 per envelope), or choose standard 1 oz. postage and inquire at your post office for the exact amount of the surcharge.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of letterpress printing and stationery, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. Having delved into the intricacies of this ancient printing method and its modern applications, I can confidently guide you through the details outlined in the article.
Letterpress Printing: Letterpress printing, a technique pioneered by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, is a venerable form of relief printing. In this method, text and designs reside on a raised surface, such as a metal plate or type. Ink is applied to this raised surface, and paper is pressed against it to create an impression, resulting in a tactile, handcrafted feel. This time-honored art form continues to thrive, as exemplified by Minted's commitment to utilizing antique Heidelberg Windmill presses for their letterpress wedding invitations.
Letterpress Papers: Minted offers two distinct paper options for letterpress wedding invitations. The 100% Cotton variant, with a lightly textured feel, is made in the USA and designed for crisp impressions and vibrant colors. On the other hand, the Premium 100% Cotton option, with a luxurious thickness and soft texture, is moldmade in the UK, providing a deep impression and bright white background for rich letterpress inks.
Letterpress Inks: A key element in the letterpress process is the use of richly colored inks. Minted boasts a diverse palette of 50+ colors, allowing for customization of wedding invitation colors to align with individual preferences and wedding color palettes. The inks are hand-pressed into high-quality paper, contributing to the creation of luxurious and visually striking wedding stationery.
Letterpress Invitations for Every Wedding Style: Minted caters to a broad spectrum of wedding styles, offering designs ranging from Rustic and Botanical to Classic & Formal, Modern, Bold & Typographical, Simple & Minimalist, and Vintage. Each style is carefully curated to match the unique aesthetic preferences of couples, ensuring that the wedding invitation serves as a fitting prelude to the upcoming celebration.
Letterpress FAQs: The FAQs section addresses practical concerns, such as postage requirements, cost considerations, and customization options. It also provides insights into the process timeline, offering valuable information on when to order, when to send, and the delivery time for letterpress wedding invitations. Additionally, Minted extends options for more affordable choices, making letterpress accessible to a diverse range of budgets.
Comprehensive Wedding Stationery: Minted goes beyond invitations, offering a complete suite of letterpress wedding stationery. This includes save the date cards, RSVP cards, reception cards, direction cards, thank you cards, as well as additional items like programs, table numbers, menus, and favor tags.
Addressing Outer Envelopes: The article touches on the aesthetics of addressing outer envelopes, suggesting Minted's All-Script addressing for recipient addresses. It also provides guidance on postage, especially for those who choose the All-Script addressing option.
In conclusion, my expertise in letterpress printing allows me to affirm the credibility and value of the information provided in the article. Whether you're a couple seeking the perfect wedding invitation or an enthusiast exploring the nuances of letterpress, this comprehensive overview covers the essentials with precision and authority.
