accessory card	A 4 inch by 5 inch, 18 point card. Used for reception information, maps, and announcements.
asymmetrical alignment	Staggering lines of text from left to right in order to break lines of text into thoughts. This technique works well with sayings, prayers, and quotes.
asymmetry	A way to organize text in order to create visual tension.
bold face	A heavy type, frequently used in contrast with types of ordinary weight or color. Many typefaces have their own bold face, i.e., type of the same design, but in a heavier version.
camera-ready art	A precise black image on white paper in the actual size desired. Also known as custom art.
capital	Letter(s) set in all upper case. It is difficult to read a body of text in all capital letters because the letters are all the same size. Use for emphasis within a line of text.
card announcement	A 6.25 inch by 4.5 inch, 18 point card used for wedding invitations, rehearsal dinners, open houses, or corporate events.
card invitation	A 5-7/8 inch by 7-7/8 inch, 18 point card stock used for wedding invitations, rehearsal dinners, open houses, or corporate events.
center alignment	When lines of text are lined are centered.
copy	Any matter to be set in type. Also known as image.
die-cut	The process of using sharp metal rules to cut special shapes and designs into paper.
direction card	Often included in all types of invitations, giving specific directions to where the event will take place.
double-run	Printing on both sides of a card or foldover.
embossing	A printing process using no ink. Metal dies are used to stamp paper so what is left behind is the imprint of the design. Embossing is popular on the borders of many invitations, accessory cards, and informals.
engraving	A printing process where the invitation copy is etched on a copper plate.
envelope lining	A coordinating or contrasting sheet inserted in an envelope to add a finishing touch to the presentation of the invitation.
flush left text alignment	When text lines up vertically to the left.
flush right text alignment	When text lines up vertically to the right.
foil stamping	A specialized production technique involving thin metallic foil pressed onto paper.
foldover announcement	A 6.25 inch by 4.5 inch, 7.2 point foldover used for wedding invitations, rehearsal dinners, open houses, or corporate events. The foldover contains a score which allows the foldover to be folded in half.
foldover invitation	A 5-7/8 inch by 7-7/8 inch, 18 point card stock used for wedding invitations, rehearsal dinners, open houses, or corporate events. The foldover contains a score which allows the foldover to be folded in half.
font	A complete set of characters, numbers and symbols in any one design, size, or type style.
footnotes	Notes at the foot of the page, but still contained within the type area, and set in a size smaller than the main text size. A line of white usually separates the text from the footnotes. Other terms for footnotes would be corner copy or corner cut.
gripper edge	The edge that a press uses to pull paper into the machine.
gum	Synthetic product placed on the front of the envelope flap called the flap gum. Also placed on both sides of the envelope keeping the product together called the side gum.
image area	The specified amount of space on a page to be filled with type. Also known as copy.
indent	To begin a line with a blank space, thus setting the line back a little. The first line of a new paragraph is usually indented.
informal note	A 4 inch by 5 inch, top folded, 7.2 point note, used as a thank-you note or for brief correspondences.
inner envelope	Holds the essential parts of the invitation and its accessories. The inner envelope is lined with a decorative lining. The inner envelope does not contain gum on the flap for sealing. An outer envelope is required for proper mailing.
ivory	Color also known as cream, ecru, or eggshell.
justification of text	Aligning text to the left, right, centered, or both left and right.
kerning	Adjusting the space between two letters.
landscape	Orientation of an invitation referring to a horizontal layout, i.e., 7 inches long by 5 inches high.
leading	The amount of white space between the lines of text.
letter spacing	The amount of space between letters.
lined envelopes	Glossy, colored or patterned designs which line either an inner envelope or an outer envelope.
lithography	A dry, printing process where ink and water repel each other. A flat printing image is produced.
lower-case	Text with a variety of letter shapes.
margins	The white space surrounding a page of printed type.
offset printing	A process of printing in which the image is transferred from a lithographic plate to a rubber roller which is pressed on to the printing paper. This method now so generally used that offset has become a synonym for lithography.
outer envelope	Encompasses the inner envelope and all of its contents. The outer envelope will have the mailing address and postage. If the inner envelope is lined then the outer envelope cannot be lined.
pearlize	This process applies a luminous pearl-like finish to an invitation, usually to an embossed design or border.
place card	A 3 -1/2 inch by 2 inch, 7.2 point, top folded note. Place cards help guests find their proper table and are usually numbered, blank, or printed with the guest's name.
point	Used in measuring the thickness of paper. A point is approximately equal to 18/1000th of an inch thick.
point size	The standard of typographical measurement in use today in England and America, and 72 points measure 0.9962", approximately 1 inch.
portrait	Orientation of an invitation referring to a vertical layout.
program	A foldover invitation used for printing a schedule of events.
R.s.v.p.	Derived from the French phrase "repondez s'il vous plait." Translated in English, meaning "please reply." R.s.v.p. and R.S.V.P. are the only two acceptable ways to list this phrase.
rain card	An accessory card used for outdoor weddings. It informs guests where to go in case of bad weather.
reception card	An accessory card usually mailed with invitations, announcing where the reception will take place.
response set	Refers to an accessory card and its corresponding envelope. The response card usually has the RSVP information and the envelopes would be self-addressed and stamped.
ruled line	Creating a line. Ruled lines can be solid, dotted, or elaborate with dots and dashes, depending on the type of occasion.
san serif	A class of types which is characterized by the absence of serifs and the construction of the letters from strokes of equal thickness.
save-the-date card	An accessory card that is sent out months prior to a big event. This allows guests to plan ahead, and for out-of-town guests to make any flight or accommodation arrangements.
score	Impression made into a piece of paper. A line where paper is going to be folded or creased.
script	A decorative lettering style used to resemble handwriting.
serif	The finishing strokes at the top and bottom of a letter.
setting type	Composing type. Also known as typesetting.
shank	The rectangular main body of the type. Also known as the stem.
symbol	An assortment of ornaments designed for a lettering style. Used for decoration purposes, or to separate lines or paragraphs of text. Also known as dingbats.
symmetry	A way to organize text so it is visually pleasing and easy to read.
thank-you note	A 4 inch by 5 inch, top folded, 7.2 point note, used to express gratitude for gifts received.
thermography	A printing process where powder is melted over ink. This gives the illusion that the printed ink is raised.
type families	Classifying families within the type style by their letter weight and width (i.e. regular, bold, and italics.)
type size	A measurement system used to determine the size of type. Also known as point size.
typeface	Characteristics of letters unified by consistent visual properties.
upper case	When all letters are capitalized.
vignette	A small illustration or decoration which is not squared up or enclosed by a border.
weight	The thickness of the strokes in letters. This determines how heavy or light a type style will appear.
width	Refers to how condensed or expanded a typeface appears.
word spacing	The spaces between words in a line of text.