The Perfect Wedding Invitation: Choosing The Right One

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding style, so it's important to get them right. They should reflect the formality of your wedding and give an idea of the type of event you're throwing. Whether you're planning a classic, elegant affair or a casual, relaxed get-together, your invitations should set the right tone.

There are many things to consider when choosing your wedding invitations, from the paper type and font to the theme and colour scheme. You'll also need to think about the different inserts you'll need, such as RSVP cards and direction cards.

It's a good idea to browse through different wedding invitation designs online to get a sense of what suits your style and theme. You can also order samples to get a feel for the different options available.

Remember to keep your budget in mind, as the cost of wedding invitations can add up quickly. And don't forget to allow enough time for printing and postage – aim to send out your invitations around three to four months before the big day.

Budgeting

To start budgeting for wedding invitations, it is recommended to allocate a percentage of the overall wedding budget to invitations and stationery. A common suggestion is to allocate around 2% to 5% of the total wedding budget for this category. For example, a $10,000 wedding budget would result in a $200 budget for invitations and stationery. This percentage-based approach allows for a realistic budget that can be adjusted according to the couple's priorities and preferences.

The cost of wedding invitations can vary significantly, ranging from a few cents to over $50 per invitation. The price depends on various factors, including the design, materials, and any additional inserts or customisations. Basic invitation sets typically include the invitation, response card, and an information card, with additional cards or enclosures incurring extra costs. It is important to consider the number of invitations required based on the number of guests and households invited, as this will directly impact the overall cost.

To save costs, couples can opt for digital invitations or choose simpler designs and materials. Some online retailers offer discounted prices, and it is worth comparing prices and looking for sales to stay within budget. Additionally, considering the shape and size of the invitations can also impact postage costs, with standard-sized invitations being the most cost-effective option.

When creating a budget for wedding invitations, it is advisable to include any extras or additional stationery that may be desired. This could include save-the-date cards, thank-you cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, wedding ceremony programs, or other enclosure cards with information for guests. These supplementary items can add to the overall cost, so allocating a portion of the budget specifically for these items is recommended.

Theme and colour scheme

Wedding invitations are the first hint of your special day's style and can set the tone for all the festivities to come. If you have a particular theme or colour scheme in mind for your wedding, you can select invitations that follow the same theme and colour scheme.

The theme and colour scheme of your wedding invitations should reflect the aesthetic of your nuptials and can be a fun way to give your guests a taste of what to expect.

If you're going for a chic, contemporary affair with understated floral arrangements, you might want to opt for a modern wedding invitation with clean, horizontal lines that draw the reader's eye to the important information. Black, white, and touches of gold are popular choices for this theme.

For a rustic or country-themed wedding, you can incorporate elements like wooden patterns, burlap, or barn accents into your invitations. A country wedding invitation might feature mason jars or string lights, while a rustic invitation could include wildflowers, leaves, or branches.

Vintage-themed invitations often play with design elements from a bygone era, such as art deco, and may feature washed-out colours or a combination of modern and vintage floral elements.

Elegant invitations typically focus on simplicity with a few special design elements, such as foil-stamped details or luxurious inner envelopes.

Floral invitations are perfect for garden or outdoor weddings and feature plenty of flowers and other nature-inspired design elements.

Tropical themes are ideal for destination weddings, with elements like tropical flowers, palm trees, and seashells.

If you're having a beach wedding, you can incorporate seaside-inspired colours and elements like seashells or starfish into your invitations.

For a black-tie soiree, you might want to opt for more formal invitation wording, high-end materials, and custom touches like handwritten calligraphy or wax seals.

When it comes to colour, pink is one of the most popular choices for wedding colour schemes as it easily creates a consistent look across various items. Pastel pink tones, in particular, are soothing to the eyes and easier to replicate.

Art Deco is another popular theme for wedding invitations, known for its elegant colour combinations of gold, black, blue, or white, paired with decorative elements.

Floral greenery is a versatile theme that works for both outdoor and indoor weddings, making it easy to find matching decorations.

Navy blue and gold is a colour combination that gives an elegant and modern look to your wedding invitations, especially if you're planning a wedding with a minimalist theme.

Watercolour gradients combined with a casual, modern wedding style can result in a unique and beautiful invitation suite with plenty of room for different shades and floral arrangements.

Green and ivory is a colour scheme that blends well with many different environments and can give a minimalist or DIY handcrafted feel to your invitations and decorations.

A white and gold colour scheme is perfect for creating an elegant, luxury vibe, and can be adapted for both modern-casual and high-end weddings.

Rose gold is another popular choice as it pairs well with almost any other colour, making it a great option for a stylish summer wedding.

The classic black and white combination is ideal for minimalist wedding invitations and allows for a lot of creativity in terms of design and decoration.

When creating your wedding invitations, it's important to keep in mind that the colours and themes you choose should tie in with your wedding narrative and evoke the mood you want for your nuptials.

Inserts and enclosures

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are essential to include with your invitations. You can either include a separate card in your invitation or host your RSVP system on your wedding website. It is important to give your guests a deadline for their response, usually three to four weeks before the wedding date. This will give you enough time to put together the seating plan and finalise numbers with your caterer.

Direction Cards

Direction cards are a useful addition to your invitations, especially if your venue is in a remote location or is difficult to find. You can also include information about any transport options you are providing for your guests.

Reception Information

If you are hosting your reception in a different location to the ceremony, it is a good idea to include this information with your invitations. You can also include details about any post-wedding activities, although this information can also be placed on your wedding website.

Dietary Requirements

Some couples choose to include a card where guests can note any dietary requirements. This is particularly useful if you are planning a seated meal with a limited number of menu options.

Enclosure Cards

Enclosure cards can include a range of information such as directions, itineraries, and reception details. If you don't want to include these in your envelope, make sure the information is easily accessible on your wedding website.

Wax Seals and Belly Bands

For a classic and elegant touch, some couples choose to add a custom wax seal to their invitations. Belly bands are another way to add a finishing touch and hold your invitations together.

Inner Envelopes and Envelope Liners

Inner envelopes and envelope liners are a luxurious addition to your wedding invitations. They can be customised to match your wedding theme and colours.

Paper type and format

The paper type and format of your wedding invitations are important considerations as they dictate the look and feel of the entire suite. It is also crucial to choose a paper type that works with your wedding theme and budget.

Some popular wedding invitation paper types include:

• Cotton fiber: A relatively expensive card material often chosen for its compatibility with letterpress printing.
• Felt cardstock: A thicker option than average cardstock.
• Matte: A clean and crisp paper type that is a common standard for online brands.
• Glossy: Similar to matte paper but with a glossy shine, this is also a popular choice.
• Parchment: A very common and affordable pick for wedding invitations.
• Vellum: A see-through additional material that can be layered on top of the invitation for a luxurious result.
• Handmade paper: An environmentally friendly and relatively affordable option.
• Recycled paper: Similar to handmade paper but made from organic recycled materials and plants.
• Linen: A quality paper type that won't break the bank.

In addition to the paper type, you should also consider the format of your wedding invitations. The standard size for wedding invitations is typically a rectangular card measuring 4.5 by 6.25 inches. However, you can also choose from various other shapes and sizes, such as tri-fold, gatefold, flat, square, bracket, round, ticket, and scalloped. Keep in mind that veering away from standard sizes and shapes can increase postage costs.

Wording and etiquette

The wording and design of your wedding invitation subtly shape guests' perceptions of your wedding. If you're planning a casual beach wedding, for instance, the invitation should convey this. Conversely, if you envision guests in tuxedos and floor-length gowns, the invitation should be formal in tone and style.

There are no strict rules, but some guidelines can help you navigate the options:

• For a formal wedding, traditional, classic fonts like Georgia, Times New Roman, and Book Antiqua are timeless choices that set a dignified, restrained tone. A soft cream, ivory, or white paper will enhance this effect.
• For a more informal event, choose a contemporary typeface like Comic Sans, Courier New, or Symbol. Pair it with non-traditional paper colours.
• Ensure legibility, especially with a lot of text. Decorative fonts become harder to read at small sizes.
• Two complementary fonts may add impact. Try a script for the couple's names and a regular serif or sans-serif for the rest.
• If your wedding has a signature colour or theme, look for invitations that use these. This palette or theme can continue throughout, from programs to place cards.
• While coloured paper is fine, black-bordered paper is usually reserved for death announcements.

The invitation is the most important card in the envelope. It tells guests the who, what, when, and where of the wedding. Include:

• The couple's names
• Location name and address
• Other details and post-ceremony plans

Supplemental materials include response cards, reception cards, directions, and other information.

Only list key points on the invitation:

• Ceremony time and location
• The hosts
• The couple's full names
• Dress code (optional)
• RSVP information

Avoid crowding the card with too much information. Leave things like directions to your wedding venue and details about post-wedding activities for your website and/or print them on separate enclosure cards.

The only place to list registry information is on your wedding website.

Frequently asked questions