Print approval, known in French printing terminology as bon à tirer or BAT, is the final validation given before a document is printed in quantity. In wedding stationery, print approval applies to invitations, save-the-date cards, menus, seating charts, ceremony booklets, place cards, signage, thank-you cards and other printed materials. The print approval confirms that the client accepts the proof and authorizes production.
Definition
A print approval proof is the last version submitted to the client before printing. It may be a digital PDF proof, a physical proof, a color proof or a production sample depending on the printer and the value of the order. Once print approval is given, the file is considered ready for production. This step is critical because wedding stationery often contains names, dates, addresses, schedules, table numbers and spelling details that must be exact.
What must be checked
Before giving print approval, the couple or planner should verify all textual and visual elements. This includes spelling of names, accents, venue address, ceremony time, RSVP date, phone numbers, email addresses, menu wording, table plan accuracy, color, paper choice, format, folding, bleed, margins, typography and logo placement. A print approval should not be rushed, because a small error can be multiplied across hundreds of copies.
Technical role
For the printer, print approval transfers the file from the design phase to the production phase. It confirms that the client has reviewed the proof and that the printer can proceed with plates, digital printing, cutting, foiling, embossing or finishing. In professional workflows, the print approval may be documented by email, signature, online validation or written confirmation. This creates a traceable decision point.
Limitations
A digital proof does not always represent final color perfectly because screens vary. Paper texture, ink absorption, finishing techniques and lighting conditions influence the printed result. For high-end wedding stationery, a physical proof may be recommended before final print approval. Even then, minor production tolerances can exist.
Importance in wedding planning
Print approval is both a technical and contractual checkpoint. It protects the printer by confirming client validation and protects the couple by forcing a final review before production. In wedding communication, where deadlines and personalization matter, print approval helps avoid costly reprints, delays and incorrect information being sent to guests.