How To Choose Wedding Invitations?

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    The number of options available can make choosing the perfect wedding invitations seem overwhelming.

    However, by breaking the process into manageable steps, you can ensure your invitations are both functional and stylish.

    Below are key considerations and steps to help you select the best invitations for your big day.

    Let’s get straight to the point

    Choosing the perfect wedding invitations involves several key steps to ensure they match your wedding’s theme, style, and budget.

    Start by selecting a design that reflects the tone of your event, whether formal or casual and incorporate your wedding colours for a cohesive look. 

    Decide on inserts like RSVP and direction cards, and choose printing methods that align with your budget.

    Avoid overcrowding the invitation with too much information, and use a wedding website for additional details like registry or accommodations. 

    Plan early, proofread carefully, and order extra invitations to avoid last-minute issues. Finally, consider professional addressing for a polished look, and always check postage requirements before mailing.

    how to choose wedding invitations

    1. Establish Your Wedding Look

    Your wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event. It is the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding style.

    To ensure consistency, the invitation should reflect your wedding’s overall theme, whether it’s formal, casual, modern, or traditional.

    • For a formal wedding, opt for classic, elegant designs with serif fonts and traditional colours like ivory or gold.
    • For a casual wedding, choose relaxed designs with playful fonts and lighter colours.
    • A themed wedding might have unique elements in the design that mirror the wedding’s aesthetic, like a rustic invitation for a barn wedding or tropical colours for a beach celebration.

    2. Understand Colours

    Your wedding colours are an essential part of your invitation design. Invitations should complement your overall colour scheme to create a cohesive look across all wedding materials, from the invitations to menus and escort cards.

    • Use colours that contrast well to maintain legibility. For example, light text on a dark background or dark text on a light background.
    • The colours on your invitation can be carried through to your wedding day signage, making everything feel unified.

    3. Consider The Price Point

    Wedding invitations come in a wide range of prices. Whether you’re working with a small or large budget, it’s important to establish your budget upfront.

    • Basic digital printing will cost less, but if you’re looking for extras like letterpress or custom designs, prices will increase.
    • Factor in postage costs, especially if you opt for heavier card stock or non-standard sizes, which may require additional postage.

    Tips

    • Establish a guest list early to determine how many invitations you’ll need.
    • Order extra invitations (typically 25 more) to accommodate any last-minute guests or errors.

    4. Experiment With Size And Shape

    Standard wedding invitations are typically rectangular and sized at 4.5 x 6.25 inches. However, you can opt for different shapes or sizes if you want something more unique.

    • Square or circular invitations are great for modern or fun weddings but may come with higher postage costs.
    • Keep the weight and dimensions of the invitation in mind to avoid excessive shipping fees.

    5. Figure Out The Inserts You’ll Need

    A full wedding invitation suite often includes multiple pieces in addition to the invitation itself. Think about what extra inserts you’ll need to provide your guests with all necessary information.

    Common Inserts Include

    • RSVP cards: Include a pre-stamped return envelope for guests to send back their attendance confirmation.
    • Direction cards: Provide clear instructions or a small map for guests who may need assistance finding the venue.
    • Accommodation cards: List nearby hotels and any reserved room blocks for out-of-town guests.
    • Dietary cards: If catering is involved, you may want to include an insert asking for dietary restrictions.

    6. Pick Your Words Carefully

    The wording on your invitation should match the tone of your event.

    Formal weddings typically use traditional wording, while casual weddings might take a more relaxed approach. Make sure the invitation provides all the essential information clearly.

    Essential Details To Include

    • Names of the couple: It’s customary for the bride’s name to be listed first, but this isn’t mandatory. In same-sex weddings, you can list names alphabetically.
    • Date and time: Clearly state when the ceremony will take place, using both the day of the week and the date.
    • Venue details: Include the full address of the venue, especially if the location is not well known.

    7. Avoid Crowding The Card

    While it’s tempting to include as much information as possible, an invitation packed with details can look cluttered and be difficult to read. Stick to the essential details, such as date, time, location, and RSVP information.

    • For extra information (like your wedding registry or accommodation options), use a wedding website or a separate insert card.

    8. Start Early

    Timing is key when it comes to wedding invitations. It’s recommended to start your invitation process at least ten months before the wedding day. This gives you time to design, proof, print, and mail everything without rushing.

    Timeline

    • Ten months before: Start designing and finalising your guest list.
    • Five months before: Place your invitation order.
    • Two to three months before: Mail your invitations to guests.

    For destination weddings or weddings during the holidays, consider sending invitations even earlier to give guests enough time to make travel arrangements.

    9. Examine The Costs

    When choosing your invitations, keep in mind that the cost can vary based on the design, paper quality, and printing method. Here’s how you can manage costs:

    • Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option.
    • Letterpress or foil stamping adds a luxurious touch but comes with a higher price.
    • Adding extra enclosures, such as direction cards or RSVP cards, will increase the overall price.

    Factor in not only the cost of printing, but also the cost of calligraphy, if you choose to have your envelopes hand-addressed, and postage, which can quickly add up, especially for heavier invitations.

    10. Have A Pro Address Your Envelopes

    A beautifully addressed envelope makes a strong first impression. If your handwriting isn’t ideal, consider hiring a professional calligrapher or using digital calligraphy.

    Professionally addressed envelopes show attention to detail and set the tone for a formal event.

    If hiring a professional isn’t within your budget, split the work into smaller tasks and handwrite the envelopes yourself.

    It’s better to take your time with a few envelopes each day than to rush through them all at once.

    11. Double-Check The Proof

    Before sending your invitations off to print, always check the proof. It’s easy to miss small details, so make sure to have a second set of eyes—like a friend or bridesmaid—review everything for spelling and grammar errors.

    Once printed, mistakes on an invitation can be costly to fix, so it’s essential to double-check all details.

    how to choose wedding invitations 1

    12. Purchase Extra Invitations

    It’s always a good idea to order more invitations than you think you’ll need. Last-minute guests or address mistakes can happen, and having extra invitations on hand ensures you don’t need to rush order more later.

    Plan for about 25 extra invitations in case of unexpected changes or errors. These can also serve as keepsakes for you and your family.

    13. Finish Your Suite

    Once you’ve ordered your invitations, it’s time to think about the rest of your wedding stationery. Items like menus, programs, escort cards, and thank-you notes should all match the style of your invitations.

    Ordering these together will help you save both time and money and will ensure a consistent look across all your wedding materials.

    14. Send Thank-You Notes

    Thank-you notes are an essential part of your wedding etiquette. After receiving gifts, aim to send thank-you notes as soon as possible.

    Ideally, you should send them within two weeks of receiving a gift, and no later than a month after the wedding.

    15. Check Postage And Weigh Your Invitations

    Before you mail your invitations, take one fully assembled set to the post office to have it weighed. Some invitation styles may be heavier than standard mail and may require additional postage.

    You might also want to ask about hand-cancelling, which ensures your invitations are processed by hand instead of going through a machine, reducing the risk of damage.

    16. Do You Put Registry Details On Wedding Invitations?

    Including registry information directly on your wedding invitation is considered poor etiquette.

    Instead, provide a separate card or direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find all the necessary details. Many websites allow you to link your registry directly, making it easier for guests to find.

    Conclusion

    Choosing the perfect wedding invitations is a vital step in setting the tone for your big day.

    By considering the overall style, colours, and wording, you can create invitations that reflect your unique celebration while providing essential information to your guests. 

    Keep your budget in mind, look for various printing options and factor in postage costs. Be sure to order extras and proofread carefully to avoid last-minute headaches.

    With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, your wedding invitations will beautifully complement your wedding day, offering a memorable preview of the celebration to come.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is an example of an invitation?

    The definition of an invitation is a request for a person’s attendance at an event. An example of an invitation is a printed card asking family and friends to come to the sender’s wedding.

    When should wedding invites be mailed?

    It’s best to send your wedding invitations around 4-5 months before your big day. It’s expected that not everyone will RSVP (especially not on time), and sending your invitations too early may cause people to misplace your invite or forget.

    What needs to be on a wedding invitation?

    • What to Include in Wedding Invitations
    • Names of the hosts.
    • The couple’s names.
    • Date and time of ceremony.
    • Ceremony and reception location.
    • Attire details.
    • Wedding Website address.
    • RSVP card.
    • Extra information about venue.

    Who’s name goes first on a wedding invitation?

    Name of the bride
    Traditionally the name of the bride always precedes the groom’s name. Formal invitations issued by the bride’s parents refer to her by her first and middle names, the groom by his full name and title; if the couple is hosting by themselves, their titles are optional.

    Do you put the menu in a wedding invitation?

    They’re essential if you’re allowing your guests to choose their meal – but even if you’re not, it’s still a good idea to let your guests know what they’ll be eating in advance.

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