Your Wedding Invitation and the Die-Cut

Happy #WeddingWednesday! It is gorgeous in Chicago today by the way... As a "winter-tough" Chicagoan, I don't quite know what to do with myself inside this unseasonably warm weather. Just enjoying and marveling that we are having a real Spring for a change.
I got to thinking about more intricate wedding invitations and thought it would be fun to introduce you to the process of die-cutting. Die-cutting will add to your invitation cost, however the delicate, intricate shapes and unexpected touch will go far in distinguishing your stationery.
The tools of traditional die-cutting:
Steel rule die and a die-cutting machine or press...
What is a steel rule die?
A steel rule die is a board with sharp steel blades, flanked with a spongy material referred to as steel "rules."

It looks funny, but when this steel rule die is pressed into the
paper during the die-cutting process, it is only THEN that the
rules (spongy material) are pressed flat and the steel blades between
the rule get exposed and the shape is created 

What is "die-cutting"?
Die-cutting is the process of marrying a steel rule die with your selected paper or stock. Similar to the letterpress process, the die is pressed into the paper to make the desired shape and the excess paper falls away.
Should I consider this process?
Clients who elect to have their wedding stationery die-cut are typically those who are really fans of paper, are designers themselves or folks simply looking for the most unique invitation.
I think the results of die-cutting can be stunning. Take a look at some of the following die-cut materials:

ElizabethAnneDesigns.com

WeddingChicks.com

Bridalbarblog.com via LuxeFinds.com

Laser cutting is also a more modern form of achieving uniquely shaped paper. Laser cutting involves a high-powered laser, via computer, to be aimed directly at the paper to be shaped. More can be done with laser cutting as well, as the detail and intricacy using this method seems to be unending:

SevenSwans.co.za

Notes for designers:

• I recommend you be present for the die-cutting portion of the project just as you would for the printing portion. Sometimes, blades can be dull and your shape will have visible debris on the edges. Debris on the edges of your stock can only mean that the blades used were not sharp enough.
• If the steel rule die that you need is a standard shape (i.e. circular), ask around to see if one exists that you can use. You will be able to create some cost efficiencies by not having your client purchase a die that is pretty common.
• If possible, you should also look to create efficiencies by purchasing directly from the bindery/die-cutter. This eliminates a layer of management when you elect to have your printer outsources this function, and it will also cost less since you won't have to worry about your printer's markup.
• "Kiss-cutting" is also a term to familiarize yourself with. Kiss-cut just means that the paper is "kissed" with the blades, but not punched out all of the way. You can then offer up blank shapes for re-sale, especially for Etsy shop owners. Blank paper tags are one of the more popular shapes to sell in a kiss-cut form. You will also almost always see sticker sheets kiss-cut for easy removal.

Let me know if you've got any other tips and tidbits on achieving shapes for wedding invites!--ct