Your wedding day is a celebration unlike any other, and your invitations are the very first glimpse your guests will have of the big day that lies ahead. Invitations not only convey the essential details of your wedding but also set the tone and start building anticipation for the event. Brides-to-be, let's embark on this creative journey to ensure your wedding invite is a flawless announcement of love and unity.
Image courtesy of Chris Keeley Photography / Invitations designed by Impress Me Designs
Step 1: Define Your Wedding Style
The invitation should be a reflection of the wedding you're planning. Whether it's classic, modern, rustic, or whimsical, choose a style that resonates with your vision. Consider elements like:
The Venue: A beach resort might suggest a relaxed, nautical invite while a grand ballroom calls for something more formal.
Color Scheme: Incorporate your wedding colors or opt for a neutral palette with a pop of color for emphasis.
Floral Arrangements: You can echo the florals from your event in the design of your invitations.
Step 2: Gather Inspiration
Sift through wedding magazines, Pinterest boards, and invitation galleries. Save designs that speak to you, noting what you love about each one. Is it the elegant typography, the paper texture, or the intricate lace details? Gathering inspiration will help you pinpoint your preferences.
Step 3: Decide on the Wording
Etiquette plays a key role in invitation wording. Here's a traditional structure to guide you:
Host Line: Indicate who is hosting the wedding, traditionally the parents of the bride.
Request Line: This is where you actually invite your guests, for example, "request the honor of your presence."
Action Line: Tell your guests what to expect, such as "at the marriage of their daughter."
Information Line: Spell out the who, when, and where — the names of the couple, the date and time, followed by the location.
Modern weddings may call for less traditional wording, but clarity should always be your priority.
Image courtesy of Jennifer Halla Photography
Step 4: Choose Quality Materials
Selecting the proper paper and printing techniques really makes the invite stand out. Options include:
Paper Type: From heavy cotton to shimmery pearlescent.
Printing Method: Letterpress, embossing, foil stamping, and digital printing are all options that add unique touches.
Envelopes and Liners: They can be color-coordinated or patterned to complement the invitation itself.
Step 5: Include Essential Details
Apart from the invitation, common enclosures include:
RSVP Card: Your guests can confirm their attendance.
Directions and Accommodations: Helpful for out-of-town guests.
Wedding Website: For additional details including registry information.
Step 6: Addressing and Sending
Address your invites properly, adhering to the titles and names of each guest. The general rule is to send out invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date, giving guests enough time to respond. As your planner, I recommend 8 - 10 weeks to allow for following up on any stragglers and to ensure meeting the catering/venue final guest list deadline.
Step 7: Proofread to Perfection
Before you sign off on the final design, proofread for any errors. It's wise to have a few different sets of eyes look over the text. Once they're ready to go, enlist the help of family or friends to stuff and seal the envelopes.
Image courtesy of Spring Smith Studio
Crafting the perfect wedding invitation is about blending tradition with personalization. Each detail, from paper selection to font choice, weaves together to tell your wedding's unique story. Remember, your invitations are more than mere paper—they're the prologue to the most romantic chapter of your life.
Enjoy the process and as you slip each invite into the mailbox, imagine the joy it will bring to each special guest invited to share in your joy.
We work with some pretty amazing local stationers and stationery companies that can help design your perfect invitation! Contact us to get started!