At Elle Bee we always aim to provide a simple, enjoyable and stress-free experience for your invitations and stationery, and this is no different when we're looking at our luxury foil press and letterpress designs.
This guide outlines the print methods we use, the papers that are available and what methods can be used for each, along with an array of colours and materials to make your stationery truly yours.
We do recognise that there are a lot of options available so if you have any questions or need help, please contact us. This guide is here to get you started, we'd recommend contacting us for a quote and / or booking in for a consultation.
When to order
Foil press and letterpress takes longer than our standard digital printing, with each piece individually crafted using traditional techniques on our presses, Flo and Lawrence.
We'd therefore always recommending starting the process as soon as is practical to ensure we have enough time to complete all stages in good time for you.
But whilst timings can differ from couple to couple we'd recommend the following as a general guide.
Save the Dates
Order 3-4 weeks before sending
We'd typically suggest save the dates are sent to your guests with around 12-18 months before the wedding day, allowing guests to make initial arrangements to attend.
Invitations
Order 8 weeks before sending
Whilst it can fluctuate, the average turnaround time for foil press or letterpress invitations end-to-end is around 6-8 weeks.
Unlike save the dates where information is minimal, invitations can be formed of a lot of pieces, handmade elements and information, so we'd always advise leaving enough time.
Day Stationery
Order 8-10 weeks before wedding day
It may be the case that you only need a piece or two of on-the-day stationery but whether it's a simple requirements or a full set of items, we'd suggest ordering no later than 8 weeks before the day when including foil press or letterpress stationery..
Order Process
Unlike our standard digitally-printed designs which can be ordered via this website, orders for our foil press or letterpress stationery requires us to create a quote for you based on your specific requirements and this is often the result of an email conversation or, more likely, a consultation with you.
Once your order has been placed the following process begins.
1. Proofing
We will request your information / wording within 24-48 hours of your order being placed (all materials will also be ordered from our suppliers at this stage).
Upon receipt of your details we will prepare an initial digital proof for you to review. This will be completed within 5 business days.
We include two revision rounds beyond the initial draft so we can be sure that we've corrected any errors or made stylistic adjustments. At the end of this process we will get you to sign off your proofs ready for production.
2. Production
Once proofs have been approved we will move your order into our production queue to be completed.
This part of the process starts with the commissioning of any plate(s) we need (magnesium for foil press, polymer for letterpress) from our suppliers.
The length of time taken can vary dependent on a number of factors, such as the printing method(s) used, how many handmade elements are included, quantities, and so on.
Additionally if you have opted for us to assemble your invitations then this will take a little longer.
3. Delivery
Upon completion of your order we will check and carefully pack for dispatch.
All orders are sent using a tracked and insured courier service with a 48 hour turnaround time.
If you're local to our Worcestershire studio then you have the option of collecting from us during studio hours.
Printing Methods & Papers
We're proud to keep all of our production work in-house including these specialist finishes. This ensures that we are truly connected to your wedding both in design and production, enabling us to keep a high level of quality control.
Digital Printing
Materials: 300-350gsm Cardstock Only
Digital printing is combined with foil press and letterpress, such as for the printing of individual inserts or, in the case of foil press, giving the option of combining the two in a single piece.
We'll also use digital printing for any paper envelopes, belly bands or envelope liners too.
Foil Press
Materials: 350gsm / 540gsm Cardstock - 300gsm Torn-Edge Handmade Paper
Exclusively for designs in our Artisan collection, foil pressed invitations and stationery require the engraving of a metal plate which is then heated and pressed into cardstock individually with foil.
Letterpress
Materials: 450gsm Cotton Cardstock - 300gsm Torn-Edge Handmade Paper
Similar to foil press, letterpress requires the making of bespoke plates which are then pressed into cardstock individually for a deep, luxurious impression using traditional ink.
Cardstock
We partner with some of the UK's premier manufacturers for our cardstock and paper. This is used for digital printing and foil press in a wide range of colours.
Cotton
We use cotton cardstock exclusively for letterpress, which ensures a luxurious deep impression whilst retaining a crisp, legible print. Cotton cardstock is in white only.
Handmade
Also made out of cotton but with a natural torn edge, handmade paper is a unique, delicate option for your stationery. We use white handmade paper for both foil press and letterpress.
Cardstock and Paper Colours
Quality materials are hugely important to us. Over the years we've refined our selection to ensure that no matter which colour(s) you choose, you'll be receiving stationery that uses the highest quality materials which we've extensively vetted and tested.
Without getting too technical, the higher the number GSM, the greater the weight. 60-80gsm would be standard copier paper, for example.
100-140gsm is paper; we use this for envelopes and envelope liners, plus belly bands.
300-350gsm is a cardstock weight which can be both foiled and digitally printed, so if you were looking for an invitation with foiled accents accompanying standard print, that will be the choice to make.
540gsm is a very thick cardstock which can only be foiled and can't be digitally printed.
You can find the colour selection below with the available weights noted.
For letterpress we use a thick 450gsm cotton cardstock; this material is suitable for letterpress only.
And as an additional option, we also offer unique torn-edge cotton paper which can be either foil pressed or letterpress. This is 300gsm in weight and cannot be digitally printed.
Foil & Letterpress Ink Colours
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Foil Colours - Other Shades Available Upon Request
Gold
Silver
Rose Gold
Copper
Letterpress Ink Colours - Custom Colours Can Be Mixed to Pantone Guide
Midnight
Storm
Feather
Fawn
Mocha
Terracotta
Petal
Mauve
Blossom
Rose
Burgundy
Rhubarb
Plum
Ocean
Thistle
Navy
Sage
Cypress
Rainforest
Peacock
Wax Seals
Handmade in our Worcestershire studio, we offer a variety of wax colours as shown below. You can choose from a decorative unpersonalised design, or a personalised engraved monogram in three different shapes (Circular, Oval or Square).
Whilst made by hand all wax seals are provided with a self-adhesive backing for easy use. They can be used traditionally on the back of your envelopes, or to seal a vellum jacket.
Crema
Antique Copper
Blush
Antique Gold
Prosecco
Champagne
White
Buttercream
Silver
Mulberry
Vintage Rose
Dusty Rose
Peony Pink
Lavender
Clay
Black
Carbon
Thyme
Linen
Sitka
Sequoia
Navy Blue
Dusty Blue
Baby Blue
Circle Shape
Oval Shape
Square Shape
House Designs
Baroque
Canopy
Daisy
Eucalyptus
Fern
Fleur-de-Lis
Foliage
Garden
Holly
Lily
Palm
Rose
Snowdrop
With Love
Wreath
Personalised Monogram Designs
Alice
Bond Street
Eloise
Finsbury
Freya
Hannah
Harriet
Henley
Newbury
Sophia
Vellum Jackets
Vellum jackets are used to wrap around a suite of invitation items to create an elegant package.
Whilst vellum jackets can be provided unprinted, the following beautiful fine art designs are also available.
Abigail
Alice
Charlotte
Elizabeth
Eloise
Freya
Hannah
Harriet
Heather
Lara
Riya
Sophia
Victoria
Violetta
Envelope Liners
Much like vellum jackets, we offer plain coloured envelope liners as an option to upgrade your envelopes.
But if you're looking for additional decoration, then the same fine art designs are available for your envelope liners too.
Abigail
Alice
Charlotte
Elizabeth
Eloise
Freya
Hannah
Harriet
Heather
Lara
Riya
Sophia
Victoria
