Why are Couples Still Spending on Printed Wedding Invitations Today

In a world where everything seems to be going digital, you might be surprised to learn that couples are still choosing to invest in traditional printed wedding invitations, with prices for letterpressed pieces starting from SG$1,500 per 100 sets. So, why is that? We chatted with The Fine Press, a well-loved letterpress invitation and stationery crafter, to find out.

Canvas for Stories through Printed Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are so much more than just a way to share the details of your big day. They’re like a canvas for couples to express their unique love stories and wedding themes. Many couples opt for personalised touches, such as beautiful watercolour illustrations of meaningful places where they got engaged or their dream wedding venue. This kind of personalisation transforms a standard invitation into a heartfelt story, creating an emotional connection that resonates with anyone who receives an invite.

Imagine illustrating your wedding venue – a stunning clifftop, a cozy chapel, a charming vineyard, or a grand heritage hotel. Not only does this create lasting memories, but it also invites your guests to share in your journey, making the whole celebration feel even more special.

A Growing Appreciation for Artistry 

In our fast-paced digital world, something is refreshing about the artistry involved in creating wedding invitations. Couples are increasingly drawn to the meticulous process of letterpress printing, which feels almost like a labour of love. This technique has been around since the 15th century and involves using vintage machines – often 80 to 100 years old – that print each invitation one by one, colour by colour. It’s a beautiful symbolism of the couple’s commitment to their marriage and an elegant representation of their regard and care for their special day.

A Touch of Elegance

Let’s be honest: a beautifully crafted invitation adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any wedding. It reflects how much you value your guests and the celebration. This is especially important if you want your guests to dress a certain way; a well-designed invitation can communicate the wedding theme and dress code without being too directive.

For destination weddings, couples often include handy details like maps, schedules, and welcome booklets highlighting local attractions. This thoughtful approach ensures guests feel informed and engaged, making their experience more enjoyable.

Cherished Keepsake

Wedding invitations also mark the start of a couple’s journey together, and many people see them as treasured keepsakes. It’s common for couples to frame their invitations as a beautiful reminder of their special day. The Fine Press often witnesses tears of joy and heartfelt smiles when couples first receive their freshly printed wedding invitations, highlighting how meaningful they can be.

This appreciation for art and craftsmanship fuels our passion for perfecting each invitation. Our team operates under the motto: we want all recipients to touch, feel, gaze, and appreciate our creations. After a decade in this business, this commitment continues to bring us immense satisfaction, and we strive to uphold this ethos in every project we undertake.

The Fine Press

Just like vinyl records hold a special place for music lovers, traditional letterpress invitations will continue to be cherished, even as e-invites become the norm. There’s something special about having a beautifully made invitation in your hands, a tangible reminder of the love and celebration ahead.

Your Invitation Questions Answered

How long before my wedding should I start working on my wedding invitation?

We recommend starting the wedding invitation process about 6 months before the wedding date. 

Here’s a general timeline:

Design phase: Custom design takes 1–2 months to finalize. 
Printing phase: Typically takes 1 month.
Shipping: Usually takes 1 week.

For example, if your wedding is on November 1, we advise that you send out the printed invitations at least 1.5 months before (mid-September). This means starting the process by June 1, leaving a month of buffer time in case of delays.

Don’t worry if the details for your reception aren’t finalised six months in advance; you can always update the content later. The key is to start the design once you have a clear idea of the desired style and references. This ensures ample time for revisions and adjustments.

Is there any etiquette to follow when it comes to wedding invitations? 

Polite tone: Use courteous language for details such as adult-only events, gift lists, or dress codes. Guests are more receptive when the information is politely conveyed.

Check names carefully: Make sure the names of parents and in-laws are spelled correctly—mistakes here are major faux pas. We always create physical mock-ups for couples and their families to review, as parents will invite many guests.

Get family approval: Since parents often contribute to the guest list, ensure they review and approve the invitation content.

Do we write the bride’s or the groom’s name first?

This depends on culture and personal preference. There’s no strict rule, and either order is widely accepted.

How are prices for letterpress invitations usually quoted? 

Letterpress printing costs more due to the need for separate printing plates per color. For example, a three-color design requires three plates and is printed three times, increasing costs compared to digital printing done in one pass. The print results are vastly different too, between the two printing methods. 

Are there any types of designs that are not suitable for letterpress printing?

Designs with many colors or watercolor illustrations are not ideal for letterpress, as they get expensive. However, while we specialise in letterpress printing, we can incorporate other techniques like digital printing, foiling, blind embossing, and laser cutting to ensure the best visual effect.

What other printing forms can I consider if I don’t fancy letterpress?

If letterpress isn’t your style, consider:

• Foil stamping
• Embossing
• Digital printing

Do I need to print invitations for every single guest?

It’s up to you. For younger guests, e-invites may be sufficient. However, seniors and business professionals often prefer printed invitations, as they convey a greater sense of sincerity. If couples engage in our custom design services, e-invites are included, allowing them the flexibility to send either an e-invite, a physical invitation, or both to their guests.

Leave a comment or write to us at hello@thewedmag.com if you have any questions!