Invite + RSVP combined on 1 sheet or not?

For those of you who print wedding invitations and the like: Do you prefer to print invitations and RSVP cards separately on two different sheets of paper, or together on one plate/sheet?

For an A7 & 4bar set, it’d be a bit tight on 8.5x11 paper but there would be some wiggle room, just not tons. (Helps that the design doesn’t have a bleed.) Would certainly save on paper and press runs to print both at once, but I’m wondering if there are downsides. (Issues with cutting once they’re done, perhaps? Trickier registration for a 2-color job?)

Anyone mind sharing their preferred process/setup? Thank you in advance!

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I’ll gang up projects, but depending on the number in the edition, it’s not always my preferred method. If the number is relatively low, say under 250, I usually don’t worry about ganging up. When the project is close as you describe, I try to ascertain if I can use the cut edge of the paper as an edge on the finished project. It’s either that or 1/8th extra as a bleed to work with on the cutter.

The biggest area of note seems to depend on how well you have your press dialed in. My rollers need to be replaced soon, and have a flat spot towards one side of the platen. I, therefore, do not try to gang-up designs that would necessitate dealing with that spot.

Try to get both cards on one plate if you’re using photopolymer.

Make sure to leave a gutter between the designs even though there is no bleed. The off-cut side of your cutting blade will leave a noticeably worse edge than the sharp edge and you will want to cut that edge off the remaining piece.

Thanks guys. I am using photopolymer and would definitely get one plate for both pieces. Would also definitely have some space in between pieces because I’m going to do a separate set of crop marks for each piece—not planning to have a common cut on them, just too tricky in my experience.

I only need to run about 80 of them but I’m pretty new to letterpress and the easier I can make it on myself (in terms of press runs, especially), I think the better. I’ll probably have them cut at a print shop so I guess I’ll let them worry about the multiple cuts on one sheet. :) Actually I’m assuming they may cut the paper in half and then trim each piece separately. They’ve done a great job cutting for me before (though not soft cotton stock) so it should be fine.