Types of Invitation Papers & Designs

Today there are so many ways to make your invitations unique starting with the paper they're printed on. You may not realize just how many different types of wedding invitation papers there really are.

Here are descriptions of a few of them to give you just a taste of what's available.

Textured papers cover a wide range of different designs. For instance, embossing is the process of creating a raised design on the invitation paper using a printing method that presses an image into the paper. As pictured on this design, color is used to accentuate the embossed design area.



Blind embossing uses the same process of creating a raised design with one big difference. The term 'blind' means the design is formed without ink or foil as in this example.



Pearlize is another choice when it comes to an embossed paper design. This process applies a luminous pearl-like finish usually to the embossed design on the invitation to add dimension.


This unique wedding invitation features a velvet-textured base card. The card printed with your verse is attached with a ribbon on top so some of the velvet from the base card surrounds it.




Parchment is a distinctive paper that is made to look like original parchment. Typically, this type of invitation has a deckle edge meaning it's feathery and uneven.


Translucent means the paper is see-through so it is usually layered over another paper that may contain your invitation verse or maybe even your photo. In some instances, the invitation itself is translucent with your verse printed directly on it.

Ecru is actually a specific color of invitation paper. It's a warm creamy biege. Other popular invitation paper colors include soft white and bright white.

You'll probaby encounter other types of wedding invitation papers since I've only covered the highlights here.