Your wedding invitations are so unbelievably important, it’s asking those you care about to be a part of the day that will forever change your life. The invitation sets the tone, offers a hint of your wedding’s style, and builds excitement for the big day. But the process of choosing, designing, and sending invitations can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in!
Wedding Invitations 101 is here to demystify the entire process. Us at Trademark Venues will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the key components of an invitation to choosing the perfect design, all while keeping your budget and etiquette in mind.
Key Components of a Wedding Invitation
The invitation itself is the heart of your wedding invitation suite. The wording you choose sets the tone for your wedding. Traditional invitations often use formal language, sometimes including religious references.
Modern couples might opt for more casual wording that reflects their personalities. Whether you go classic or contemporary, ensure the wording includes the essential details: who’s hosting, who’s getting married, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception.
Other than wording some other important components are:
- Paper type and quality: The paper you choose can significantly impact the invitation’s overall feel. Thick, textured cardstock feels luxurious, while recycled paper can give a rustic vibe. Consider the theme and formality of your wedding when making your choice.
- Printing methods: There are several printing methods, each with its own charm and cost. Letterpress creates a beautiful, indented impression, while thermography mimics the look of letterpress at a lower price. Digital printing is versatile and cost-effective, and foil stamping adds a touch of shimmer and shine.
Enclosures are another very important part of the invitation. These additional cards provide essential information to your guests. These enclosures include:
- RSVP card: This card allows guests to let you know if they can attend. Be sure to include a clear deadline for responses to help with your planning.
- Details/Information Card: This card can include various details, such as travel information, accommodation options, directions to the venue, and your wedding website address.
- Reception Card: If your reception is at a different location from the ceremony, a separate reception card is needed.
Invitation Design and Themes
Your wedding invitations should be a sneak peek into the style and ambiance of your wedding day.
Your invitations should mirror your wedding theme. A rustic wedding might call for kraft paper, twine, and floral motifs. A modern wedding might embrace minimalist design, geometric shapes, and bold fonts.
Elegant weddings could feature script fonts, metallic accents, and watercolor washes. For a vintage affair, consider antique fonts, lace details, or art deco patterns.
Your invitations’ color palette should harmonize with your wedding colors. Choose legible fonts that complement your style. Consider graphics that enhance the overall aesthetic—think delicate floral illustrations, playful icons, or abstract patterns.
Design Tips:
- Customization: Personalize your invitations with unique touches like your monogram, custom illustrations, maps of the venue, or even photos. Monograms add a classic touch, while illustrations can inject whimsy or capture the location’s essence. Maps are helpful for guests unfamiliar with the area, and photos can add a personal feel. However, photos can be expensive and may not fit every style.
- DIY vs. Professional Design: DIY invitations can be a fun and cost-effective way to showcase your creativity. If you’re design-savvy, there are plenty of online templates and resources to guide you. However, professional designers have the expertise to create polished and unique designs that reflect your vision perfectly.
- Tips for DIY Designers: If you’re going the DIY route, start early and give yourself ample time for design, revisions, and printing. Research different design software and resources. Proofread meticulously to avoid any errors. And most importantly, have fun with the process!
Invitation Timeline and Etiquette
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding invitations. As a general rule, send your invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. For destination weddings, give your guests more time – aim for 8-12 weeks.
Save-the-Dates are a great way to give your guests a heads-up, especially if you’re planning a wedding during a busy season or if many guests will be traveling. Send them out 6-9 months before the wedding.
When finalizing your guest list, consider your budget and venue capacity. Decide on a policy for “plus ones” and whether children are invited. Be clear on your invitations to avoid confusion.
RSVP tracking can be a lifesaver. Create a spreadsheet or use online tools to keep track of who’s coming. On your invitation, set a clear RSVP deadline to ensure you have enough time to finalize your arrangements.
Budget and Ordering
Wedding invitations can range from budget-friendly to extravagant, so setting a realistic budget upfront is crucial.
Consider these costs:
- Invitations: The cost per invitation depends on the design, paper quality, printing method, and quantity.
- Envelopes: Inner and outer envelopes are necessary and will add to your total cost.
- Printing: Printing costs vary based on the chosen method and the number of colors used.
- Postage: Factor in the weight and size of your invitations to determine postage costs.
Ordering Tips:
- Proofread, proofread, proofread! Carefully review every detail on your invitations before finalizing the order. A small error can be costly to fix later.
- Order extras: Always order more invitations and envelopes than you think you’ll need. This allows for mistakes, last-minute additions to the guest list, and keepsakes.
- Assembly services: Some printers offer assembly services for an additional fee. This can save you time and ensure your invitations are put together perfectly.
Remember, your wedding invitations are an investment in setting the tone for your special day. With careful planning and budgeting, you can create beautiful invitations that fit your style and budget.
Your Invitations Are Sent!
From wording and paper choices to design themes and timelines, we’ve covered the essential elements of creating your dream wedding invitations. Remember, your invitations are more than just a formality – they’re a reflection of your unique love story. Embrace the process, infuse your personality, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Whether you choose a DIY approach or work with a professional designer, have fun and enjoy the journey. Your wedding invitations are the first chapter of your happily ever after, so make them unforgettable!