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Background art: A pattern or photo printed in a lighter color behind the invitation text to create dimension. Also known as screened art.
Motif: A signature symbol—it can be an initial or a meaningful image—that acts like a logo and unifies the elements of wedding stationery.
Border: An understated embellishment that keeps the focus on the words of the invitation. It may be printed, embossed or blind-embossed. An embossed thick or thin rule or line is the most classic, but colored lines, beading, gilding, scrolls and vines are also possibilities.
Wrap: Decorative paper holding an invitation ensemble together. A "jacket" encases the whole invitation; a "belly band," or strip, secures it around the middle. Vellum, a translucent, smooth specialty paper, is often used for these purposes.
Edge Treatments: Decorative effects on the outer edge of the paper, these can be tactile, such as a deckle or scalloped edge, or purely visual, such as gilding or colored or metallic ink that matches the envelope lining.
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Embellishments 101
From borders to background art, here are the most common invitation embellishments.
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