Understanding Print Methods & Finishes for Wedding Invitations and Stationery

Lucca Studios – Journal Feature

A Guide to Choosing the Right Materials for Your Wedding Stationery

When it comes to wedding stationery, the design is just the beginning. The way your invitations are printed and the materials they’re printed on, can completely transform the look and feel of your suite. From subtle texture of handmade paper to high-impact shine of hot foil, these finishes are what turn a beautiful design into an unforgettable experience.

Whether you're navigating print methods for the first time or simply want to understand what makes something feel truly luxurious, here’s our guide to the most popular printing techniques and materials we use at Lucca Studios.

1. Digital (Flat) Printing

Clean. Modern. Versatile.

Digital printing is a full-colour printing process and can be used across all elements of stationery. It’s the most cost-effective option and works beautifully for designs that incorporate illustrations, colour washes, or multiple shades.

Best for: Designs with multiple colours, designs that combined with other print finishes such as hot foil
Finish: Smooth and matte. Can be printed on textured or smooth card.

2. Hot Foil Pressing

Lustrous. Elegant. Heirloom-worthy.

Our signature technique at Lucca Studios. Hot foil pressing uses heat and pressure to transfer metallic foil (gold, silver, copper, white, and more) into the surface of the card. It creates a tactile, light-catching impression that feels both luxurious and timeless.

Unlike digital foil, this is a true artisan technique, we use state of the art press and custom metal plates to achieve it. Each card is pressed by hand, one at a time, a true labour of love.

Best for: Names, monograms, venue illustrations, designs where texture is key.
Finish: Metallic & debossed (pressed in to the paper). Offers beautiful texture and shine.

3. Letterpress

Soft. Textural. Understated.

Letterpress is a centuries-old technique where inked plates are pressed into thick cotton card, creating a deep impression. It’s subtle, refined, and quietly luxurious. Another artisan technique that often uses antique printing presses and each card is pressed by hand. Unlike foiling, letterpress ink can be mixed to any colour and will perfectly match the rest of you wedding.

The effect is particularly beautiful for line illustration and bespoke monograms.

Best for: Elegant type, minimalist layouts, couples who appreciate traditional craft.
Finish: Matte ink with a deep, pillowy impression.

4. Embossing & Debossing

Modern. Sculptural. Unique.

Both techniques create texture without ink. Embossing raises a design (such as a monogram or crest) above the surface of the card; debossing presses it inward.

These are best used sparingly for a statement detail—especially for couples who want a tactile, tone-on-tone look.

Best for: Monograms, logos, or pattern detailing.
Finish: A three-dimensional effect; subtle yet striking.

5. White Ink (Flat) Printing

Fresh. Clean. Unexpected.

Used most often on darker or coloured card stocks, white ink printing offers a contemporary feel. It’s printed digitally, and while it doesn’t have the texture of foil or letterpress, it offers strong contrast and a fresh look.

Best for: Modern suites, coloured envelopes
Finish: Matte, opaque white.

Card Stocks & Materials

The canvas makes all the difference.

Your choice of paper sets the tone even before the printing begins. At Lucca Studios, we offer:

Cotton Rag Paper – Soft, textured, and beautifully weighty. Ideal for letterpress and hot foil.

Coloured or Ivory Card – A curated palette of muted, romantic tones. Coloured card is perfect for white ink and ivory card works beautifully with digital printing. Both can be used with foil.

Vellum Overlays – Semi-transparent and light-catching. Lovely layered over printed cards.

Handmade Paper – Natural texture and soft deckled edges. Best for minimal foil or letterpress.

Each material interacts differently with each print method, so choosing the right pairing is part of the magic.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the shine of foil, the softness of letterpress, or the simplicity of digital print, at Lucca Studios, we guide our couples through every choice, and help you select the print finishes that perfect for you. Because ultimately, your invitations aren’t just paper, they’re the first chapter of your wedding story.

Need help choosing the right finishes for your suite?
We’d love to chat and guide you through every luxurious layer. Get in touch →