Choosing The Perfect Wedding Invitation: A Guide

Choosing a wedding invitation is an important part of wedding planning, as it gives guests a sneak peek into the style of the wedding and encourages them to attend. There are several factors to consider when selecting a wedding invitation, such as price, theme, colour scheme, inserts, and printing time. It is also crucial to proofread the invitation and ensure that all the necessary information is included, such as the names of the couple, reception information, and the request to attend. The invitation should reflect the overall theme and style of the wedding, whether it's a rustic barn wedding, a modern chic affair, or a vintage romantic celebration. Couples should also decide on the type of font, paper, and envelope that best represents their vision.

Budgeting: Be realistic about your budget and consider the price per invite

Budgeting for wedding invitations can be a tricky task, but it's important to be realistic about how much you can afford to spend. The price per invite can vary widely, from as little as $1 to over $100, so it's crucial to consider all the factors that can affect the cost.

Firstly, it's essential to determine your estimated number of guests. This will give you a concrete idea of how many invitations you need, which directly impacts the cost. Remember, you only need to send one invitation per household or couple, not per guest. So, if you're inviting 100 people, and they are all couples, you only need 50 invitations.

Next, consider what type of invitation you want to send. The design, ink, typeface, printing process, paper, and quantity will all influence the price. For instance, top-of-the-line papers, colour ink, formal printing techniques (like letterpress and engraving), and custom designs will add to your costs. Additionally, decorative extras like envelope liners and multiple enclosures can increase the price per invite. If you want to include extras like wax seals, belly bands, or calligraphy, these will also impact your budget.

Another factor to consider is whether you will hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes. This can add $2 to $8 per envelope, so it's important to factor this into your stationery budget if you're considering it.

To budget effectively, you can allocate a certain percentage of your total wedding budget for invitations and stationery. A common suggestion is to allocate 2% of your total wedding budget for this category. For example, if your total wedding budget is $10,000, you would allocate $200 for invitations and stationery.

It's also a good idea to order extra invitations to account for any last-minute additions to the guest list or lost invitations. Ordering a few extra will give you a safety net and ensure you don't run into issues later on.

Finally, don't forget to include the cost of postage in your budget. The cost of postage will depend on the weight and size of your invitations. Standard postage for a one-ounce First-Class mail stamp is $0.55, but this price can increase if your invitations are heavier or differently shaped.

By considering all these factors, you can create a realistic budget for your wedding invitations and avoid any unpleasant financial surprises.

Theme and colour scheme: Incorporate your wedding theme and colours into the invitation design

The wedding invitation is your guests' first impression of your wedding, so incorporating your wedding theme and colours into the design is a great way to give them a taste of what to expect.

If you're going for a particular aesthetic, such as rustic, vintage, elegant, tropical, or seasonal, choose an invitation that reflects that. For example, a rustic wedding invitation might feature wooden patterns, burlap, or barn accents, while a tropical invitation could include flowers and palm trees.

You can also consider the dominant colours of your wedding and select invitations in complementary shades. This creates a cohesive look that can be carried through the rest of your wedding paper, such as escort cards, menus, and programs.

If you're having a modern wedding, you might opt for simple typography and unique artistic elements. A classic or formal wedding might lean towards traditional wording and a simple yet thematic design.

Don't forget to consider legibility when choosing colours and patterns. Avoid light ink on light backgrounds and dark ink on dark backgrounds. Steer clear of yellow and pastel colours for the text, and ensure there's enough contrast between the background and the words.

• Black and white with touches of gold for a modern, chic vibe.
• Tropical pink and gold for a Palm Springs-inspired wedding.
• Gold geometric design with eucalyptus accents for a mid-century modern feel.
• Country-inspired with mason jars and burlap details.
• Shabby-chic with hand-drawn florals and striped invitation liners.
• Rustic with wildflowers, string lights, or barn wood details.
• Black-tie with formal invitation wording, luxe materials, and calligraphy.
• Classic and elegant with gold details and traditional colours like ivory, cream, or white.
• Beach wedding with seashells and seaside-inspired colours.
• Garden wedding with watercolour-inspired florals and greenery.

Inserts: Figure out what inserts you need, such as RSVP cards, direction cards, etc

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many elements to consider, such as the paper type, font, theme, sizing, inserts, and cost. Here are some tips to help you figure out what inserts you need for your wedding invitations:

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are essential to knowing how many guests will be attending your wedding. It is important to include an RSVP card in your wedding invitation or to host your RSVP system on your wedding website. When including an RSVP card, provide a stamped and addressed envelope to ensure guests can easily send back their responses. The deadline for RSVPs should be set for three to four weeks after guests receive the invitations. This allows enough time for guests to reply and for you to finalise the seating chart and other wedding arrangements.

Direction Cards

If your wedding venue is in a remote location or difficult to find, consider including direction cards in your invitation suite. Direction cards provide your guests with clear instructions on how to get to the wedding venue. This is especially useful if your wedding is a destination wedding or if there is limited phone signal at the venue.

Reception Information Cards

If you are inviting guests to both the wedding ceremony and reception, you may want to include a reception information card. This card provides details about the reception venue and timing. It is also useful if the ceremony and reception are held in different locations. You may include information such as the reception venue address, timing, and any other relevant details.

Dietary Restriction Cards

Some couples choose to include cards where guests can indicate any special dietary needs or restrictions. This is particularly useful if you are serving a set menu at your wedding and want to ensure that all your guests' needs are accommodated.

Other Inserts

Other inserts you may want to consider are enclosure cards, wax seals, address labels, custom stamps, belly bands, and response or RSVP envelopes. Enclosure cards can include additional information such as directions, itineraries, or reception details. Belly bands are used to hold the invitation and all the inserts together, adding a cute and classic finishing touch. Wax seals and custom stamps can enhance the elegance and personalisation of your invitations.

Timing: Get all your information together and give yourself enough time to proofread

Timing is everything when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. You'll want to give yourself enough time to proofread and make any necessary changes, so it's important to start the process early. Here are some tips to help you with the timing of your wedding invitations:

• Get all your information together before ordering your invitations. This includes knowing the timings and arrangements for the day, as well as any gift requests you may have. It's also a good idea to decide on the theme, colour scheme, and inserts you'll need so that you can include them in your invitation suite.
• Give yourself plenty of time to proofread the invitations. Ask a few friends who are good at spelling and grammar to help you with this task. Remember to double and triple-check everything, as you don't want any typos or incorrect information on your invitations.
• Consider print times and factor them into your timings. Get print times from your stationer early on so you can set a realistic RSVP deadline.
• Remember to include the time it takes for your guests to receive the invitations. Wedding invitations are typically sent out between six and eight weeks before the wedding date, but save-the-dates should be sent out months earlier, especially for destination weddings.
• Don't forget to account for the time it takes to assemble the invitations. If you're including multiple inserts, enclosure cards, or belly bands, give yourself enough time to put everything together.
• Plan ahead for any last-minute changes. Unexpected things can come up, so it's always a good idea to have a buffer in your timeline.

Design: Choose the layout, font pairing, and overall design of the invite

When it comes to wedding invitations, the font and design you choose are crucial, as they set the tone for your event and give your guests an idea of what to expect. Here are some tips to help you choose the layout, font pairing, and overall design of your wedding invitation:

Layout:

Consider the amount of text you need to include and how it will be arranged on the invitation. The layout should be clear and easy to read, with a logical flow that guides your guests through the information. You may want to use different font sizes or weights to highlight important details such as the names of the couple, the date, and the location.

Font Pairing:

It is recommended to use no more than two or three font types on your wedding invitation. You can pair a decorative font with a simpler, more readable one to create contrast and guide the reader's eye. Here are some classic and modern font pairing ideas:

• La Bohemia (modern calligraphy) + Libre Baskerville (serif): La Bohemia will add elegance and poise to your design, while Libre Baskerville, the same serif font used by Tiffany's, will give it a classic feel.
• Argentina Script (romantic calligraphy) + Alize (16th-century chancery italics): This combination provides a timeless wedding font design. You can use a mix of italics, capitals, and tracking (distance between letters) in Alize to create variety.
• Best One Love (playful brushstroke swashes) + Trajan (ancient Roman text-inspired): The sweet love heart shapes and cursive arches of Best One Love complement the minimal yet well-balanced Trajan.
• Silver South (modern handwritten) + Minerva Modern (san serif with width variations): This combination makes for an impactful, bold, and contemporary wedding font pairing.
• Cantoni Pro (hand-lettered cursive with swashes) + Mr Eaves (minimalist sans serif): The whimsical personality of Cantoni Pro is balanced by the simplicity of Mr Eaves.

Overall Design:

The overall design of your wedding invitation should reflect your personality and style as a couple. It should also align with your wedding theme and accessories. Here are some additional tips:

• Reflect your personal style: Choose a font that resonates with you and evokes the desired emotions. Whether it's romantic, modern, or vintage-inspired, find a font that captures the essence of your unique love story.
• Legibility: While aesthetics are important, prioritize readability. Select fonts that are clear and easy to read, especially for the main details like names, dates, and venues. Avoid overly ornate or intricate fonts, especially in smaller sizes.
• Accent fonts: Consider using accent fonts to highlight names or important dates. A fun and playful calligraphy-styled font can be perfect for this.
• Mix and match: Contrasting fonts create interest and lead to good design. Pair a strong calligraphy script with a delicate serif or sans serif font, for example.
• Font family: Many fonts come with weight options, italics, and alternative characters. Choosing a font from a larger family will give you more design flexibility and create interest.

Frequently asked questions