Custom printed napkins add a unique touch to any event, whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or special celebration. They offer an excellent way to blend functionality with style, providing both a practical item and a canvas for creative expression. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors in designing the perfect custom napkin, from material to graphic design, to help you make the best choices for your needs.
Material
The right material is essential for custom napkins, influencing their look, feel, durability, and print quality. Here’s a breakdown of the three main options to help you choose the best for you.
2-Ply
Made of two layers of paper - a lightweight and economical option which we would only recommend for extremely high order quantities.
3-Ply
Made of three layers of paper - the most common and popular option for most napkins, offering enhanced durability, softness, and excellent print quality for detailed designs.
Airlaid
Made from air-dried fibers, this premium option offers a luxurious feel, exceptional softness, and absorbency, making it the ideal choice for high-end results.
Considerations
2 and 3-ply napkins, by virtue of having multiple layers of paper, are held together by an embossed area along two edges of the (folded) napkin. This embossed area is often difficult to print over without distorting the graphic, so if you're looking to print over this area and want to ensure a perfect result, airlaid is your best option.
Size & Shape
Napkin size and shape are important considerations that affect both their practical use and aesthetic appeal. The size should be appropriate for the event type—smaller napkins for casual gatherings or larger ones for formal settings—and should complement the table setting.
Cocktail
Cocktail napkins are the most common size for custom napkins. They’re versatile, ideal for everything from brand events to cocktail parties.
Luncheon
Luncheon napkins are larger than cocktail napkins, making them ideal for light snacks or finger food situations, offering more coverage without being too bulky.
Dinner
Dinner napkins are larger still, suitable for more formal settings or larger gatherings.
8-Fold Luncheon
8-fold luncheon napkins are perfect for luncheon parties, formal gatherings, or casual settings, offering a compact size ideal for finger foods and light meals.
8-Fold Dinner
8-fold dinner napkins are larger and ideal for formal dinners, weddings, and other elegant events, providing a sophisticated touch for any occasion.
Regarding Dimensions
You'll find that quite often, napkins are referred to by their unfolded dimensions (e.g. Dinner napkins as 40cm napkins). We try to stick to using the folded dimensions, as this is how you'd receive them.
Colour
Different size and material combinations come in various colors, with 3-ply cocktail napkins offering the widest range. A well-chosen color can improve presentation and leave a lasting impression.
Considerations
- Non-white napkins can alter ink colors due to their base color. We strongly recommend foil printing on non-white napkins.
- Less common colours might not be kept in stock and may need to be ordered in, leading to longer lead times. Be sure to factor this into your planning to avoid deadline issues.
Print Types
There are several print types available for napkins, each offering unique characteristics and applications. The choice of print type depends on your graphic design and the purpose you wish to achieve.
1-Colour Spot
A one-colour print with Pantone-accurate ink.
Spot printing also allows for the creation of different shades using halftones, adding some versatility to designs.
2-Colour Spot
A two-colour print with Pantone-accurate inks.
Keep in mind, each color requires a separate printer pass, which may cause slight misalignment between layers.
CMYK
A full-color print that isn't Pantone-accurate, ideal for graphics with a wide range of colors. However, this option is significantly more expensive than others.
Foil
A foil applied to the napkin through pressing and gluing, rather than using ink. The ideal choice for a napkin which isn't white, or just to make a bold impression.
Graphic Design
The graphic design is the heart of a custom printed napkin, turning a simple item into a statement piece. Whether you're incorporating a logo, a personal monogram, or an intricate pattern, the design should reflect the theme of the event or the branding of the business. Ensure that your design is balanced, legible, and properly positioned on the napkin, and remember that simplicity often translates better for smaller surfaces.
File Formats
Print media requires vector graphics - scalable designs that can be resized infinitely without losing quality. Most commonly, the file formats used for vector graphics are .ai, .eps, .svg, and .pdf. If your graphic isn't one of these formats, you might have some luck using online AI vector converters, but otherwise, you'll need someone to recreate your design in vector format.
Dimensions
All print methods have a maximum print size, and if you're working with a graphic which is very tall or wide, it may force you to scale everything down to fit within the bounding box. If necessary, try to reorganise your design in order to preserve legibility.
Pantones
If your logo uses specific Pantone colors, it's important to provide those values to ensure color consistency across different print methods. Pantone colors are standardized, which means your logo will appear the same regardless of the printer or media used.
DESIGN
Summary
Designing the perfect napkin involves considering a range of factors, from material and size to colour, print type, and graphic design. By carefully selecting each element, you can create napkins that not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the aesthetic and branding of your event. Keep in mind the overall atmosphere you wish to create, and choose wisely to ensure your custom printed napkins are a memorable touch to your gathering.