Wedding Invitations: To Picture Or Not To Picture?

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the wedding planning process, providing guests with essential information about the ceremony and reception. While the primary purpose of wedding invitations is to convey the necessary details, many couples also want their invitations to reflect their personal style and add a creative touch. One way to achieve this is by including a picture on the invitation.

Including a photo on a wedding invitation can be a great way to make the invitation more personal and visually appealing. It allows couples to share their favourite photos with their guests and can be especially meaningful for those who have eloped or had a small ceremony and are now planning a larger reception.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to include a picture. Some couples may prefer a more elegant and simplistic design, opting for motifs, themes, colour trends, and other design elements instead of a photo. Additionally, finding the right photo and ensuring it complements the overall design and layout of the invitation can be a challenge.

Pros and cons of including a photo on a wedding invitation

Wedding invitations with photos are becoming increasingly popular. However, there are still many couples who opt for traditional paper invitations without pictures. Here are some pros and cons of including a photo on a wedding invitation to help you decide which option is best for you:

Pros of Including a Photo on a Wedding Invitation:

• Adds a Personal Touch: A photo on your invite is a creative way to make your guests feel more connected to you and your partner, especially if they are not yet familiar with your soon-to-be spouse.
• Makes Your Invites Stand Out: A photo invitation will make your invites unique and memorable for your guests.
• Customization: With a photo invitation, you have the freedom to completely customise your invitation suite, from the design to the typography.
• Showcase Engagement Photos: If you've already taken engagement photos, a wedding invitation with a photo is a great way to showcase those special images.
• Alternative to a Motif or Theme: A photo can be a unique focal point for your invitation instead of a central motif, theme, or style.

Cons of Including a Photo on a Wedding Invitation:

• Takes Up Design Space: Some couples prefer to forego photos on their invites because they feel it takes up too much space.
• Less Elegant: Invitations with pictures of the couple can give off a more casual and personal feel, whereas invitations without photos can have a more elegant and formal aesthetic.
• Cost: Depending on the number of invitations and the printing method chosen, the cost of wedding invitations can add up quickly. Including photos may increase the overall cost, especially if you're working with a tight budget.

Ultimately, the decision to include a photo on your wedding invitation depends on your personal preference and the overall vision for your wedding stationery. Both options can be equally effective in conveying the important details of your special day to your loved ones.

How to find photo wedding invitations

There are many ways to find photo wedding invitations. A simple online search will yield several results. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect photo wedding invitation:

Etsy

Etsy is a great place to start your search for photo wedding invitations. It offers a wide range of options, from digital invitations to printable templates, and even animated video invitations. Many sellers on Etsy allow for personalisation and customisation, ensuring that your invitations are truly unique.

Basic Invite

Basic Invite is another excellent choice for photo wedding invitations. They offer a user-friendly online design tool that makes creating and customising invitations easy. You can upload your photos and customise the design to create a one-of-a-kind invitation. Basic Invite also provides matching stationery, such as save-the-date cards, wedding programs, place cards, and thank-you cards.

Ann's Bridal Bargains

Ann's Bridal Bargains offers affordable photo wedding invitations, with prices under $1 per piece. They have a variety of designs, including single photo invitations and photo collages. You can also add a fun touch by using a selfie instead of a formal photo. Their user-friendly interface makes it easy to upload your photos and customise your invitations.

Zazzle

Zazzle is currently having a sale, offering up to 50% off on selected items. They have a range of photo wedding invitations, including modern, elegant, and minimalist styles. You can find invitations with gold foil, rustic wood, and vellum overlays, as well as invitations featuring colourful wildflowers and tropical themes.

Minted

Minted offers photo wedding invitations designed by independent artists. You can request a free sample kit to see the quality of their printing and paper before placing your order. They also provide free guest addressing and easy digital address collection.

When choosing a photo wedding invitation, consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and select a photo that captures the essence of the couple. You can also get creative by using cut-out shapes, overlays, polaroid-style photos, or collages to make your invitations more personalised and memorable.

Wedding invitation etiquette

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the wedding planning process, and there are several etiquette guidelines to consider when creating and sending them out. Here are some tips to ensure your wedding invitations are both elegant and informative:

Timing is Everything

It is recommended to send out your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. If you're planning a destination wedding or expecting many out-of-town guests, it's advisable to mail the invitations 12 weeks in advance. Don't delay ordering your invitations, as the entire process, from selection to printing and assembly, can take 4-6 months.

Provide Clear Details

Ensure your wedding invitations include all the essential information. Specify the date, time, and location of both the ceremony and reception. If the reception is at the same venue, indicate "reception to follow" to avoid confusion. Include any pre- and post-wedding events, hotel information, and a link to your wedding website. Don't forget to mention the dress code!

Be Mindful of Wording and Addressing

When addressing the invitations, be clear about who is invited. If you're inviting a couple without their children, address the envelope to "Mr. and Mrs." instead of using "The Family." If a guest is invited with a plus one, be sure to write "and Guest." It's also essential to get the start time right. Guests tend to arrive early for weddings, so indicating an earlier start time may result in guests waiting around.

Include an RSVP Card

Provide an RSVP card with a clear deadline, typically about a month before the wedding. Give your guests 3-4 weeks to respond, and ensure the RSVP date is at least two weeks before the wedding so you can provide a final headcount to your caterer. Include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

Consider the Design and Format

The design of your wedding invitation sets the tone for your wedding. Choose a style that reflects your personality and the theme of your wedding, whether it's contemporary or traditional. If you're including a photo, consider using an engagement photo or a favourite snapshot that adds a personal touch. You can also reserve the back of the invitation for multiple photos while using the front for event details.

Proofread and Seek Help

Before finalising your invitations, proofread them thoroughly and ask others to review them as well. Pay attention to layout, wording, and type style. If you're unsure about the wording, especially regarding family dynamics or nontraditional situations, don't hesitate to seek help from stationery vendors or professionals. They can guide you through the etiquette and provide examples of appropriate wording.

Cost of wedding invitations

The cost of wedding invitations varies depending on the design, materials, printing method, and vendor. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in sending wedding invitations:

The Cost of Wedding Invitations

The average cost of wedding invitations in the United States ranges from $500 to $600. However, the total expense can be influenced by several factors, including the number of invitations required, the complexity of the design, and the printing method chosen.

Number of Invitations

The number of invitations needed will depend on the size of your wedding guest list. It is recommended to have one invitation per household invited. For smaller weddings, you may only require around 100 invitations, while larger weddings could need over 1000.

Design and Materials

The design and materials chosen for your wedding invitations can significantly impact the cost. Simple designs printed on plain paper will be more affordable, while invitations with foil accents, letterpress printing, or luxury cardstock will be more expensive. The weight and thickness of the paper, as well as any embellishments like envelope liners or belly bands, will also affect the price.

Printing Methods

Different printing methods have different costs. Digital printing is usually the most budget-friendly option, followed by offset printing and thermography. Letterpress printing is more costly due to the manual labour involved, and engraving is the most expensive printing method, giving a formal, embossed look to the invitations.

Vendor and Location

The cost of wedding invitations can also vary depending on the vendor and your location. Sourcing custom invitations from a local designer or printer can sometimes save money, especially if they offer bulk discounts.

Additional Costs

Don't forget to factor in additional costs, such as postage stamps for mailing the invitations and RSVP cards. If you choose to include save-the-date cards, response cards, or other inserts, these will also add to the total expense.

Timing of sending wedding invitations

Wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to reply, book travel arrangements if necessary, and purchase a gift. It also allows the couple to request RSVPs sooner, get a final headcount, and complete their seating charts before the week of the wedding.

If a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, or if you are planning a destination wedding, it is best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send invitations around 12 weeks before the wedding date.

For couples with a shorter engagement, the timeline changes slightly. If you choose to skip save-the-dates, send invitations around six months in advance. For couples who are only engaged a few months before the wedding, aim for two to three months before the wedding.

It is important to send invitations at the right time so that the date will be secure in your guests' calendars. Sending them too late may not give guests enough time to take time off work, book accommodations, or make travel arrangements. Sending them too early may mean that your wedding isn't at the top of guests' minds as the day approaches.

Frequently asked questions