Before you begin shopping for the perfect invitations you may want to review this glossary of printing terms so you will understand what you are purchasing and just what all this printing lingo means!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.