Crafting Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning, offering guests a glimpse into the style and theme of the big day. The process of creating wedding invitations has evolved over the years, from town criers in the 1400s to modern methods such as digital invitations. Today, couples have a wide range of options to choose from, including custom designs, semi-custom designs, and bespoke invitations. The cost of wedding invitations can vary, with prices ranging from $1 to over $100 per invite, depending on various factors such as design, ink, typeface, printing process, paper, and quantity. When creating wedding invitations, it is important to consider the information included, such as the couple's names, wedding date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP details. Additionally, the use of a calligrapher to address the envelopes can add a beautiful and personal touch.

Choosing a design: Select a style, colour, and layout that reflects your wedding's theme and tone

Choosing a design for your wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but it's important to select a style, colour, and layout that reflects your wedding's theme and tone. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Consider your wedding colours: Your invitations are the perfect place to introduce your colour palette to your guests. Think about whether you want a classic, neutral colour scheme or something more bold and vibrant. You can also carry your wedding colours throughout the rest of your wedding paper, such as escort cards, menus, and ceremony programs, for a cohesive look.
• Set the tone: Your wedding invitations should reflect the style and formality of your wedding. If you're having a classic and elegant wedding, go for a traditional design with ivory, cream, or white card stock and black or gold font. For a casual and relaxed wedding, consider a more modern or playful design.
• Think about your venue: Your wedding venue can be a great source of inspiration for your invitation design. Consider incorporating colours or elements that reflect the location, whether it's a rustic barn, a beach, or a elegant ballroom.
• Play with colours and fonts: Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and fonts to create a unique and personalised invitation. You can order a sample pack to see how different colours and fonts look together, and remember that you don't have to stick to the traditional options.
• Keep it legible: While you want your invitations to be stylish, it's important that the text is easy to read. Avoid light ink on light backgrounds and dark ink on dark backgrounds, and stay away from hard-to-read fonts.
• Add embellishments: There are many ways to add a touch of elegance or playfulness to your invitations, such as belly bands, ribbons, envelope liners, pocket folds, or wax seals. These can be a great way to incorporate your wedding colours and add a bit of dimension to your invitations.
• Order samples: It can be difficult to choose the right design based on digital images alone. Ordering samples will allow you to see the colours, fonts, and materials in person and make a more informed decision.

Wording: Include the couple's names, date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP information

Wedding invitations should include the couple's names, the date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP information. Here is some more information on each of these components:

Couple's Names

The names of the couple getting married should be included in the invitation. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is usually listed first, but the order can be changed to whatever feels right. LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to list their names alphabetically, by age, or in any other way that feels right. Full names or just first and last names can be used, depending on the formality of the wedding.

Date, Time, and Venue

The date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception should be included. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, a simple line such as "Reception to Follow" can be included. If the reception is at a different location, a separate reception card with the start time and address should be included.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional. Most modern invites leave out attire details and instead use the wedding website to communicate this information. However, a line indicating the dress code expectation, such as "Casual Attire" or "Black Tie", can be included if desired.

RSVP Information

RSVP cards are important to confirm the final headcount for the venue and caterer. They can be included in the invitation or as a separate reply card, with a specific deadline for guests to respond, typically two to six weeks before the wedding date. The RSVP card should also include a place for guests to write their names and, if a plated dinner is offered, their entrée preference.

Printing: Choose a printing process, like letterpress or engraving, and consider decorative extras

Wedding invitations can be printed using a variety of methods, each with its own unique look and feel. Here are some popular printing processes to consider, along with decorative extras that will make your invitations stand out:

Letterpress

Letterpress printing creates a textural and sophisticated look, with letters that are indented on the front and slightly raised on the back of the invitation. This labour-intensive method involves etching text or an image in reverse on a raised surface, which is then coated with ink to produce a physical impression on the paper. Letterpress is typically done on thick card stock, such as cotton fibre or bamboo paper, and works best with white or light-coloured paper and dark ink.

Engraving

Engraving is ideal for an ultra-formal wedding and is one of the most expensive printing methods. It involves etching an image into a metal plate, filling it with ink, and then pressing paper onto the plate to receive the ink. This results in raised lettering on the front and an indentation on the back of the invitation. Engraving works best on thick paper, such as cotton fibre, and can be used with light-coloured ink on dark paper.

Thermography

Thermography is a heat-based process that fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering. It is similar to engraving but less expensive and is best suited for small graphics and patterns. Thermography works well with cotton fibre paper but should be avoided with pearlescent or shimmery paper.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a budget-friendly option that offers high quality and flexibility in terms of paper choices. It uses tiny ink dots to form letters and designs on the paper and can be done on thinner, more flexible paper. Digital printing allows for a wide range of colour choices and is typically completed within a few days.

Offset Printing (Lithography)

Offset printing is similar to digital printing but offers higher quality and is slightly more expensive. It uses a rubber stamp-like cylinder to press ink onto the paper and is suitable for more casual designs. Offset printing allows for more textured papers and offers vibrant colours and design options.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a dry printing process that uses a heated copper plate to press foil into the paper, leaving a metallic design behind. It is often used to complement a luxe or romantic wedding but can also be used for whimsical and casual invites. Foil stamping works well with lighter foils on darker papers and is the most expensive printing process.

Embossing

Embossing is a non-ink technique that creates a raised-relief surface for added dimension. It is typically done on thicker paper stock and can be used with or without coloured ink. Embossing adds a delicate touch to invitations and is perfect for monograms and bordering.

When choosing a printing process, consider the formality of your wedding, your budget, the desired paper type and design, and the turnaround time. Decorative extras such as foil stamping, embossing, and calligraphy can enhance the overall look and feel of your invitations.

Enclosures: Add RSVP, details, and direction cards, and stamps and envelopes for replies

Enclosures are an important part of your wedding invitation suite, providing guests with additional details about your big day. Here are some tips for assembling and including RSVP, details, and direction cards, along with stamps and envelopes for replies:

RSVP Cards:

It is customary to include a response or RSVP card with your wedding invitations. This allows guests to indicate their attendance and any preferences, such as food choices. Place the RSVP card under the flap of its envelope, with the printed side facing up. The envelope should be pre-printed with the mailing address and stamped to save your guests time and ensure a prompt response.

Details Cards:

Details cards, also known as enclosure cards, are a great way to include extra information that doesn't fit on the main invitation. This could be dress code information, your wedding website, or accommodation suggestions. It is considered improper etiquette to list your gift registry on the invitation suite, but you can include this on your wedding website. Order your details cards around six months before sending them out, and remember to proofread all the information for accuracy.

Direction Cards:

Depending on your wedding venue and style, you may want to include a separate direction or map card. This is especially useful for destination weddings or if your venue is in a remote location. Custom maps with fun details and tips can add a unique touch. As with details cards, order these around six months in advance and double-check all addresses and directions for accuracy.

Stamps and Envelopes:

Remember to add the correct postage to your RSVP envelopes. You can weigh the assembled invitation suite at the post office to determine the exact postage required. It is also proper etiquette to pre-stamp the RSVP envelopes to make it easier for your guests to respond. If you're using a calligrapher to address your envelopes, provide them with a neatly printed guest list, including full addresses and titles, at least two to three weeks in advance.

Assembling the Enclosures:

When assembling your wedding invitation suite, place the enclosures in the outer envelope in a specific order. The invitation goes on the bottom, print side up, followed by any other inserts, such as the details and direction cards. The RSVP card and its envelope go on top, with the envelope flap facing left. Finally, insert everything into the inner envelope, ensuring the print side is up, so guests can easily read the details when they open it.

Assembly and postage: Address envelopes by hand or use digital calligraphy, then weigh and post

When it comes to assembling and posting your wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider. You can choose to address the envelopes by hand, hire a professional calligrapher, use digital calligraphy, or let your printer do the job. Here are some instructions and tips for each of these methods:

Hand-Addressed Envelopes:

Addressing your wedding invitation envelopes by hand can be a time-consuming task, but it adds a personal touch to your invitations. If you decide to go with this option, here are some tips to consider:

• Practice addressing on paper first before writing on the envelopes to avoid mistakes.
• Use a ruler and pencil to draw lines on the envelopes as a guide, or use a light box with a template if you have one.
• Choose a writing utensil that you are comfortable with. You can use a calligraphy pen, paintbrush, brush pen, or waterbrush in a variety of colours.
• Give yourself plenty of time as addressing envelopes can be tedious and time-consuming.
• Have extra envelopes on hand in case of mistakes.

Hiring a Professional Calligrapher:

If you have the budget and want to add a luxurious touch to your invitations, consider hiring a professional calligrapher. Here are some tips for working with a calligrapher:

• Calligraphers typically charge based on factors such as experience, turnaround time, style, and materials used, with prices ranging from $1 to $7 per envelope.
• Book your calligrapher in advance to ensure availability, especially if you have a specific artist in mind.
• Provide your calligrapher with a final guest list and addresses in a formatted spreadsheet or table to make their job easier.
• Discuss the calligraphy style and any special materials or ink colours you may want with the calligrapher before finalising the order.

Digital Calligraphy:

If you want the look of calligraphy without the high cost, you can opt for digital calligraphy services. Here are some tips for this option:

• Choose an online stationer that offers guest-addressing services, such as Minted, which offers free guest addressing.
• Upload your guest list and select the recipients to have their addresses printed on the envelopes.
• Choose a calligraphy-inspired font that mimics the look of handwritten calligraphy.
• Consider return address printing and custom wedding stamps to complete the look.

Printer Addressing:

If you're on a tight budget or short on time, you can simply use your printer to address the envelopes. Here are some tips for this option:

• Choose a fancy script font instead of a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Print the addresses in a light grey colour directly on the envelopes and trace over them using a fountain pen.
• This option may take several hours to complete, so plan accordingly.

Regardless of the method you choose, remember to weigh your fully assembled invitation suite at the post office to determine the correct postage. It is also recommended to hand-cancel the invitations instead of dropping them in a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Frequently asked questions