Designing Wedding Invitations: A Guide To Getting Started

Designing wedding invitations is a creative process that requires an understanding of the couple's preferences, wedding aesthetics, and purpose. Whether you're designing for yourself or others, there are several steps to creating beautiful and personalized wedding invitations. Firstly, consider the shape and dimensions, with traditional invitations being rectangular and measuring 4.5 by 6.25. Next, think about the wedding location and how it can inspire the overall theme and design, such as a romantic aesthetic for a church wedding or a rustic look for a country setting. Choosing romantic fonts, such as cursive or calligraphy, adds an elegant touch. Incorporating imagery, such as a photo of the couple, can make the invitation more personal and meaningful. It's also essential to include key information such as the couple's full names, the date, time, and venue of the ceremony and reception, RSVP details, and any dress code or catering information. Finally, decide on the delivery method, whether it's through physical mail or digital e-vites, considering the advantages of each option.

Choose a shape and size for your invitations

Deciding on a shape and size for your wedding invitations is an important step in the design process. Here are some things to consider when choosing the shape and size:

Tradition

If you want to give your wedding invitations a classic and traditional feel, then it is best to go for a rectangular shape with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This is the standard size for wedding invitations and can also help keep printing costs down.

Personal Preference

However, your wedding invitations do not have to be traditional if that is not your style. Feel free to choose a different shape such as a horizontal rectangle or a scalloped design. The shape and size of your invitations can be customized to reflect your personality and the style of your wedding.

Practicality

When choosing a shape and size, it is important to consider the practicality of your invitations. For example, larger invitations may be more expensive to print and post, and they may also be more difficult for your guests to store and display. Smaller invitations, on the other hand, may not have enough space for all the information you need to include.

Creativity

Your wedding invitations can be a creative expression of your unique relationship. If you want to add a personal touch, consider choosing a shape that reflects your theme or interests. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, you could choose invitations shaped like seashells or starfish.

Customization

Many online invitation websites offer customizable templates that allow you to choose the shape and size of your invitations. This means you can find a template that fits your vision and then edit the text, colors, and images to create a one-of-a-kind invitation.

Remember, the shape and size of your wedding invitations are important not only for aesthetics but also for practicality and cost. Choose a shape and size that reflects your style, fits your budget, and provides enough space for all the necessary information.

Consider the wedding location and theme

When designing a wedding invitation, it is important to consider the location and theme of the wedding. This will help guide the overall aesthetic of the invite and set the scene for the big day. For example, if the wedding is taking place in a church, a traditional and romantic design might be more appropriate. This could include elements such as calligraphy, deckled-edged paper, and wax seals. On the other hand, if the wedding is in a country or farm setting, a rustic and natural look might be a better fit. Wooden details, nature-inspired themes, and earthy color palettes will let the guests know that the couple loves adventure.

Incorporating the wedding location into the invitation design can also be a creative way to set the tone for the event. For instance, an illustrated map highlighting the area where the wedding will be held, paired with animal-themed motifs, can bring a sense of exploration to the invites. This works especially well for rustic weddings taking place in a barn, field, or forest setting. Alternatively, for a beach or destination wedding, a tropical-themed invitation with a laid-back yet elegant feel would be ideal.

The theme of the wedding can also be reflected in the invitation design. If the couple is going for a bold and modern look, the invitation might feature strong, minimalist typography with sharp, bold lines. This gives guests all the necessary information at a glance while still making a statement. For a classic or vintage-themed wedding, soft pastel colors, and delicate motifs like bows and ribbons can evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Adding contemporary details such as gold foil or monograms can also add a touch of sophistication.

Overall, considering the location and theme of the wedding is crucial when designing invitations. It helps create a cohesive experience for the guests and allows the couple's personality and style to shine through. By combining these elements with thoughtful design choices, you can create invitations that excite and delight the recipients.

Pick romantic fonts

When designing wedding invitations, choosing a romantic font that matches the style of the wedding is essential. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect font for a romantic and elegant look:

First and foremost, ensure the font is legible. While some highly-scripted or thin fonts may appear attractive, they can sometimes be challenging to read. Print out sample text in your chosen font to see how it looks on paper, as the weight and texture of the paper can impact the font's appearance.

Consider combining a cursive font with a sans serif. For instance, the classic combination of Great Vibes and Montserrat offers elegance and accessibility. Great Vibes, with its subtle slant and medium weight, is one of the most readable cursive fonts, while Montserrat's straight lines provide a stylish and functional contrast.

For a timeless appeal, serif fonts are an excellent choice. The Playfair Display and Montserrat Light combination is a sophisticated option, with Playfair's classic-type serif and subtle transitions between thick and thin lines, complemented by the linearity of Montserrat Light.

If you want a bolder statement, opt for a combination like Bodoni and Josefin Sans, a vintage-contemporary pair with high contrast between thick and thin strokes.

For a whimsical and playful touch, consider fonts like Modesty Regular or the elegant and bold Carried Away (Ballerine Script).

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different font combinations to find the perfect match for your wedding invitation design.

Include photos and imagery

When it comes to wedding invitations, imagery and photos can make a huge difference in adding a personal touch and making them more memorable. Here are some tips and ideas to help you include photos and imagery in your wedding invitation designs:

Choose Romantic Fonts

The chosen font should complement the imagery and overall design of the invitation. While bold and blocky fonts may appear too harsh, cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invites, especially when paired with a serif font for the rest of the text. These fonts are soft, romantic, and elegant, perfectly capturing the mood of the occasion.

Think About Your Imagery

When it comes to photos and imagery, consider using a beautiful black-and-white photo of the couple or a romantic silhouette. Such images can be paired with watercolour textures or elegant gold paint to create a rustic or chic aesthetic. Additionally, pressed botanicals, floral patterns, and lush greenery can be incorporated for a natural and romantic look, especially for outdoor weddings.

Incorporate Unique Formats and Themes

Think outside the box by incorporating unique formats and themes that reflect the couple's interests and personalities. For instance, create a timeline of the couple's relationship, include illustrations or icons that represent their shared hobbies, or use a clever map design if they love to travel. These additions will inject extra personality and visual interest into the invitations.

Experiment with Colour Schemes

The colour scheme chosen for the invitations can greatly impact their overall look and feel. Experiment with different combinations such as green with rust or gold, pink with purple, blue with white, or gold with other colours. These combinations can enhance the imagery and create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.

Include Envelope Seals and Liners

In addition to the invitations themselves, consider adding embossed seals or using photos as envelope liners. These small details elevate the overall presentation of the wedding invites and make them even more special for the recipients.

Remember, the key is to be creative and authentic in your designs, reflecting the unique personalities and interests of the couple. By incorporating these ideas and utilising available tools and templates, you can craft wedding invitations that truly stand out and delight the recipients.

Add a personal touch

Adding a personal touch to your wedding invitations is a great way to showcase your unique relationship and give your invites a memorable feel. Here are some ideas to help you add that special touch:

Know Your Couple

The key to adding a personal touch is to incorporate elements that reflect the couple's personality and interests. Do they have a shared hobby or a favourite colour? Are there any inside jokes or a unique story of how they met? Injecting these personal details into the design will make the invitations feel truly special.

Location, Location, Location

The wedding location can be a great source of inspiration for your design. For example, if the couple is tying the knot in a church, consider a traditional and romantic aesthetic. Or, if they've opted for a rustic farm setting, reflect that with a natural, country-inspired look. The location sets the scene for the entire wedding, so it's a great way to give guests a taste of what to expect.

Font Choice

The right font choice can make a big difference in the overall feel of the invitation. Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent for wedding invites as they are soft, romantic, and elegant. Pairing these with a serif font for the body text can create a beautiful contrast. Avoid bold, blocky fonts, which can appear too harsh, and remember, you want the font to reflect the couple's style and the wedding's vibe.

Imagery and Illustrations

Using a photo of the couple is a wonderful way to add a personal touch and create a keepsake for loved ones. Watercolour textures, illustrations, or a unique colour palette can also bring the design to life. Play around with different imagery to find what suits the couple best.

Think Outside the Box

Encourage the couple to be creative and think beyond traditional invitation designs. For example, a timeline format that maps out their relationship or a unique format inspired by their shared interests. This adds extra personality to the invite and makes it more engaging for the guests.

DIY Details

If the couple is crafty, they might enjoy adding DIY elements to their invitations. This could include using rubber stamps, patterned paper for envelope liners, or even learning calligraphy to address the envelopes. These handmade touches will make the invitations extra special and are a great way to keep costs down.

Remember, the best wedding invitations are those that feel authentic to the couple. By incorporating personal details and being creative, you can design invitations that truly delight and dazzle the guests.

Frequently asked questions