A useful glossary to all wedding related terms, and other important information.
Picture this; You have just got engaged and are now on the look out for the most perfect wedding stationery suite, to wow your guests and finally create that dream invitation you have always imagined? But do you want embossed or debossed? How about a deckled edge? Is 250gms sufficient or do you choose 400gsm?
Don't worry if you don't understand what any of this means, as this article will walk you through all of these terms, and make choosing your special suite that little bit easier.
Paper weight and cardstock
Gsm - GSM stands for 'grams per square metre' and refers to the weight of the paper. The heavier the paper, the higher the number of grams per square metre – and, generally, the higher the perceived quality of the stock. For a smaller item, such as an invitation, menu or place card, you can choose a lower gsm stock such as 300gsm, as the grams per square metre covers a small area, and ensures it is pretty sturdy. However for a larger item such as a wedding sign, you would want a higher gsm as it covers a larger area.
If you are wanting super thick invitations, that almost feel like thick cardboard, then you can opt for a gsm higher than 600. If you like the feel of traditional invitations, then a gsm of 280-350 is a great ballpark.
Deckled Edge - At Moonfairi, we hand tear for our deckled edges, which creates a beautiful feathered, worn, and handmade feel to the paper. It creates almost a fluffy outer edge, which is irregular in shape.
Linen - Linen paper is one of our most popular paper choices. The card has very thin lines, going both horizontally and vertically, to create a beautiful linen/cotton like pattern on the paper.
Hammered - Hammered paper has a slight texture on both sides, described as a 'bumpy hammered' effect.
Speckled - Our speckled paper is made using 80% recycled fibres, meaning no piece is the same. It is off white/beige in colour, and has dots of recycled fibres scattered throughout. We also have this composition for an envelope option.
Vellum - Almost like a thick tracing paper. It is semi transparent, meaning we can print onto the paper like our normal cardstock, however you have the ability to see whatever is behind the paper. We usually use Vellum for Belly Bands and Jackets/Wraps.
Handmade Paper - Our handmade paper is made locally, from recycled materials and/or cotton, to create a beautifully delicate and soft paper. Due to how they are made, they are each unique, uneven and very textured.
Glassine - Glassine has been used to replace plastic, and can be recycled. It has a shiny, waxy like texture, and can be seen being used for wedding confetti and treat bags.
Liner - Used within envelopes, this paper is usually patterned to compliment an invitation suite, and is placed inside an envelope to add an extra touch.
Matte - A non-reflective, non shiny surface.
Glossy - A sometimes reflective, shiny surface.
Tooth - A word used to describe the texture of paper. Paper with a heavy tooth will be heavily textured. Tooth increases the degree of friction between surface and drawing or painting material, causing more colour to the applied to the surface.
Typeface
Alignment - Text alignment is a paragraph formatting attribute that determines the appearance of the text in a whole paragraph. For example, in a paragraph that is left-aligned, text is aligned with the left margin. Traditionally, wedding invitations are centre aligned.
Calligraphy - Traditionally known as the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush. It has a handwritten cursive effect, and is often used when displaying smaller amounts of texts such as names.
Flourishes - Flourishes come in different shapes, from simple curves and loops to more complex flourishes where curves cross over each other to form more intricate designs.
Initial cap - An oversized, larger letter at the start of a line or paragraph is known as an initial cap.
Kerning - The spacing between individual letters or characters. Unlike tracking, which adjusts the amount of space between the letters of an entire word in equal increments.
Point size - Refers to the measurement used to indicate the size of typefaces or fonts in graphic design and typography. It represents the height of the characters in a font, measured in points, where one point is equal to 1/72 of an inch.
Typeface - A typeface (or font family) is a design of letters, numbers and other symbols, to be used in printing or for electronic display. Can also be referred to as 'Font'.
Tracking - The distance between all symbols in the font. Tracking allows designers to adjust this spacing evenly, making the intervals between letters larger or smaller.
Typography - The design, or selection, of letter forms to be organized into words and sentences to be disposed in blocks of type as printing upon a page.
Leading - The space between adjacent lines of text.
Printing Techniques
Digital - Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. It also allows for on-demand printing, short turnaround time and even a modification of the image. Your traditional, at home printer would be classed under digital.
Embossing - Embossing alters the surface of paper or other materials by creating a three-dimensional or raised effect on selected areas.
Screen Printing - Where a stencil, usually made from a mesh like material, is pressed against fabric or cardstock. A roller filled with ink is then spread over, leaving behind the pattern from the stencil. These can be layered with multiple colours and stencil designs to create the final product.
Foil Stamp - Where a metal plate stamp is attached to a hot heat press, and pushed into the paper to create an impression, leaving a shiny effect from the foil colour chosen.
Laser Cut - A technique where a laser is used to cut out design elements. A cutting machine such as a Cricut or Silhouette can create the same effect, without leaving burn marks.
DTF - Direct to Film. A process where prints/designs are directly transferred via a heat press.
Presentation
Bi-fold - 'Bi' referring to 'two', meaning that it has two sides. This fold can be seen on a traditional greetings card, as it is folded in half.
Tri-fold - 'Tri' referring as 'three', where the cardstock is folded into three panels.
Envelope - Envelopes are paper that have been folded in a certain way. to be able to carefully hold content. Invitations and cards use these to secure and protect the cards. Traditionally made from paper, but can also be created using vellum, silk and burlap.
Gatefold - An invitation that used two folds to meet in the middle, resembling opening a gate or double doors.
Designs and Products
Belly Band - A piece of card or vellum that wraps around the invitation like a belt. to hold multiple pieces of cards together.
Wrap/Jacket - A full sheet of paper or vellum, that is used to wrap around the whole suite like a jacket to secure its contents. Browse our collection of jackets.
Monogram - A combination of initials, designed into a beautiful motif to be used for decoration purposes. These can be embossed, printed and even stamped into wax.
Maps - A common feature requested in invitation suites, to allows guest to know the directions for the day. These can be digitally printed, or hand painted by us.
Perforations - These are small holes which are poked through card/paper to allow easy tear.
Wax seals - A traditional and popular way of sealing belly bands and envelopes, in an array of colours and designs. Browse our range of wax seals.
Edging - The process of painting the papers edges with a colour or foil.
Feel ready to begin your wedding invitation journey? Browse our range here.