What even is white ink printing? Why you should consider it for your wedding invitations

Planning a wedding comes with endless choices, especially when it comes to stationery and invitations (believe us, we know). One printing feature that’s become a favourite for bold, sophisticated designs is white ink printing—perfect for those wanting to add a touch of elegance to darker-coloured invitations.

What is white ink printing?

In most types of printing, the colour white is achieved by leaving certain parts of the design blank, letting the paper or cardstock shine through. But when you’re using coloured cardstock (as we do) — especially dark shades like black, navy, forest green, or deep plum—that technique just doesn’t work. Enter white ink printing, where actual white pigment is printed on dark paper, creating a striking contrast that pops and holds its own, even against the richest backgrounds.

Unlike standard printing, which typically layers colours to create different shades, white ink printing uses a single layer of white pigment, achieving a vibrant, opaque result.

How does white ink printing work?

Printing white ink requires specific equipment and careful technique to make sure it looks crisp, clean, and opaque. Our premium cardstock has been tested and selected to those that make white ink stand out best.

Here’s the reason: white ink can only really pop on darker-coloured cardstock. Printing it on lighter-coloured cardstock can dilute the effect, so it’s reserved for dark, saturated backgrounds where it really shines.

Why consider white ink for your wedding stationery?

White ink on dark cardstock can make your invitations unique, sophisticated, and, absolutely unforgettable. Here are a few reasons to consider it:

1. Adds Elegance and Sophistication: White ink against a rich background looks classy and elegant, making it perfect for wedding invitations where you want something that’s both timeless and different. Think about a deep navy invitation with crisp, white ink – it’s understated but unforgettable.
2. Perfect for Modern, Minimalist Designs: If you’re aiming for a minimalistic look, white ink on a darker cardstock is the ultimate way to keep things simple yet striking. Without the need for multiple colours, your invitation can look polished and modern while still packing a visual punch.
3. Great Contrast for Readability: One major perk is how easy white ink is to read on dark cardstocks. Our premium cardstock has been tested to ensure that the contrast is just right. So, not only does it look beautiful, but your guests will have no trouble reading the details of your special day.
4. Unique, Unexpected Appeal: While traditional black or coloured ink can look lovely on light paper, white ink offers something unique and less common. It gives your wedding stationery an exclusive look, especially appealing if you’re after something memorable and unexpected.

How to decide if white ink is right for you

Consider your wedding’s theme and colour palette. White ink works especially well for themes that lean toward the elegant, modern, or even slightly moody. If you’ve chosen rich colours like jewel tones or deep, earthy hues, white ink can complement those tones beautifully. And while white ink can work with many styles, it’s best suited for designs where a clean, crisp look is essential.

White ink printing can be a beautiful way to create stationery that stands out while staying true to your style. By pairing it with a premium cardstock, you’re not just choosing an invitation – you’re setting the tone for your wedding. Want white ink in your invitation suite? Fill out an enquiry and we’ll get some pricing through to you asap!