Glossary of Terms

Applique

A decoration or ornament applied to a larger surface.

Bavarian Flap Envelopes

A Checkerboard brand exclusive, these beautiful envelopes are custom-made for Checkerboard's slender, vertical invitations. They feature a squared flap on the narrow end of the tall envelope and are available only as Single Envelopes.

Beveled

Used to indicate an edge is slanted (not at a right angle).

Blind Embossing

Same as "embossing" defined below, only blind embossing uses no color of any kind other than the color of the paper itself.

Calligraphy

Literally this simply means "beautiful writing" but today is used to mean wording created by hand, not with typesetting machinery. Many of our elegant invitations utilize calligraphy as part of the design.

Double Envelopes

The traditional set of two envelopes used with formal invitations and announcements. The Outer Envelope is addressed to the guest and has the senders return address printed on the back. The inner envelope, with the invitation and accessories, is placed inside the outer envelope so that it arrives in pristine condition. The inner envelope carries only the guests' names. Since the Inner Envelope is thought of as the primary envelope because it holds the invitation directly, this is the one that will be lined if you choose a liner. The Inner Envelope is not gummed, therefore is not sealed shut.

Embossing

Raising in relief from a surface. In printing, to press paper into the cavities in a metal die leaving three-dimensional words or designs on the paper. Embossing can be combined with Foil-Stamping or printing methods using ink.

Envelopes

• Bavarian Flap Envelopes
• Double Envelopes
• French Flap Envelopes
• Inner Envelopes
• Liners
• Outer Envelopes
• Single Envelopes
• Square Envelopes
• Wallet Flap Envelopes

Faux

A fashionable term from French to indicate something made to look like it is something else. Literally this means "false."

Foil Stamping

Colored foil heat-stamped into the paper. Foils usually have a metallic finish in either matte or high gloss.

Folded

Used to indicate paper that is folded either at the top or along the left side. On a traditional, side-fold invitation, the wording is printed on the outside cover with the inside right and left panels entirely blank. If decoration is on the cover, the wording is printed on the inside right panel of a side-fold paper and the bottom panel of a top-fold. One item, "Under the Chuppah" is tri-fold with a fold on the right and left sides allowing three panels of printing when fully opened. Another, "L'Amour", is folded twice from the bottom, then opens from below to reveal vertical printing along the entire inside.

Font

The font refers to the style of lettering, also called "typestyle", or "lettering style."

French Flap Envelopes

Custom-made for the Checkerboard brand's slender, vertical invitations, these uniquely beautiful envelopes feature a stunning, long, pointed flap on the narrow end of the tall envelope. French Flap Envelopes are available only as Single Envelopes.

Inner Envelopes

See Double Envelopes.

Layers

Generally used to indicate layers of paper tied or glued together. If the top layer is translucent parchment and the lower layer is decorative, you see a muted version of the lower layer through the parchment.

Liners

Decorative papers used to line the inside of an Inner Envelope or a Single Envelope. Some brands honor the age-old craft of lining envelopes by hand and line the full length of the envelope.

Line Spacing

Also called "leading", this refers to the space between the text lines. During the customization process, you can increase or decrease the space between the lines by clicking on the line spacing link on the customization pages.

Lithography

Technical term for what many people call flat printing. Lithography creates watercolor effects and pale background designs. The ink is literally flat with a matte finish.

Monograms

A decoration using the initials of a name. When the middle letter of a person's monogram is larger than the side two, the sequence of initials is first name on the left, surname in the middle, then middle name on the right. When all letters are the same size, the sequence of initials from left to right is first name, middle name, then surname. If you are combining the bride's name with the groom's, you must use the format with the middle letter larger. In this case, the sequence of initials is the bride's first name on the left, mutual surname in the middle, and the groom's first name on the right.

Outer Envelopes

See Double Envelopes.

Panel

A raised section of the paper created by pressing the middle section where the words will be printed down leaving the raised area looking like a frame or matt. Alternately, the term is used to indicate pages facing each other such as on a tri-fold invitation which, when opened fully, has a left panel, middle panel, and right panel.

Parchment

A translucent paper made to look like the original parchment. This lovely paper adds a softening effect to any invitation and can be used either singly or as a layer. Other companies may call this paper "vellum."

Single Envelopes

A single envelope with a gummed flap into which the invitation is slipped directly and then sealed shut. Single Envelopes may be printed on the back flap for social correspondence and lined for added elegance.

Single-Layer

used to indicate a single card without a fold.

Snow

Term used by the Checkerboard brand for a handsome, textured, white and sturdy paper covered with tiny, bluish-gray flecks. The paper was designed to simulate hand-made paper.

Square Envelopes

Any envelope sized to fit a square invitation. Square Envelopes are available only as Single Envelopes.

Thermography

A contemporary printing method using heat and a fine resin to create a rich, raised effect with the ink. A clear powder is dusted onto the flat ink of lithography just after it is printed, then heated to give the raised effect. eInvite uses the highest quality thermography to print your wording on many of the designs.

Trapunto

A decorative design in high relief.

Trompe l'Oeil

A French term meaning "trick/deceive the eye" used to describe a visual effect that looks like something it is not.

Vellum

An opaque, smooth-finish, sumptuous paper. Other companies may use this term to refer to parchment paper (see above).

Wallet Flap Envelopes

A standard rectangular envelope, with the opening along the long side, and a squared flap. Wallet Flap Envelopes for invitations are available as either Double Envelope sets or Single Envelopes.