Choosing The Perfect Wedding Invitation: A Guide To Card Selection

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day, so it's important to choose them carefully. There are many options available, from the type of paper and printing style to the design and wording. Whether you opt for a classic, rustic, or modern look, your wedding invitation should reflect your personality and the theme of your wedding. In this paragraph, we will discuss the key considerations for choosing your wedding invitation cards, ensuring they perfectly set the tone for your special day.

Design: Choose a design that reflects your wedding's theme, whether it's rustic, modern, floral, tropical, or something else

The design of your wedding invitation is a crucial aspect of the entire wedding planning process. It sets the tone and gives your guests a glimpse of what to expect on your big day. Here are some tips to help you choose a design that reflects your wedding theme:

• Rustic/Country Theme: If you're going for a rustic or country theme, look for invitation designs that incorporate wooden patterns, burlap, or barn accents. This theme is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, so choose designs that reflect that.
• Vintage/Elegant Theme: Vintage-style invitations often play with design elements from older eras, such as art deco. If you're going for an elegant theme, look for simple designs with a few special elements, such as foil stamping or vellum paper.
• Floral/Tropical Theme: Floral and tropical themes are perfect for nature-inspired weddings. Look for designs with plenty of flowers and greenery. For a tropical twist, include flowers from the tropics and palm trees, especially if you're having a destination wedding.
• Modern/Minimalist Theme: Modern wedding invitations often feature unique artistic elements and simple style typography. If you're going for a minimalist look, focus on clean lines and a simple design without too many extra elements.
• Seasonal/Colour-Themed: You can also design your invitations around a specific season or colour scheme. For example, if you're having a winter wedding, you might choose cool-toned colours and winter-themed illustrations. Or, if your wedding is in the spring, you might opt for pastel colours and floral designs.
• Cultural/Religious Weddings: If you're having a cultural or religious wedding, you can incorporate specific themes and designs that reflect your heritage or faith. This could include using traditional colours, symbols, or language in your invitations.

Remember, your wedding invitation is a keepsake that you and your guests will cherish for years to come. So, take the time to choose a design that truly reflects the theme and atmosphere of your special day.

Size and shape: The standard size is 5 x 7 inches, but you can also choose square, round, or ticket-shaped invites

When it comes to wedding invitation cards, size and shape matter. The standard size is 5 x 7 inches, but you can also opt for 4 x 8 inches or 6 x 8 inches for a touch of glamour. If you want to be unique, there are other shapes to consider, such as square, round, or ticket-shaped invites. Square invitations are a popular choice for modern designs with their basic ninety-degree angles. Round invitations are similar to square ones but with softer, rounded corners. Ticket-style invites, on the other hand, have inverted rounded corners, reminiscent of old-fashioned tickets. These shapes will add a touch of creativity and playfulness to your invitations.

If you're feeling extra creative, you could also consider other shapes like bracket, scalloped, or landscape/portrait orientations. The landscape format has the long edges at the top and bottom, while the portrait is the opposite.

Remember, the size and shape of your invitation will impact the overall look and feel of your wedding stationery. It will also affect postage costs, so keep that in mind when making your decision.

Paper type: Pick a paper type that suits your theme and budget, such as cotton fibre, matte, glossy, or recycled paper

The paper type you choose for your wedding invitations is important as it dictates the look and feel of the entire suite. It's also a key factor in determining the cost of your invitations. Here are some popular paper types to consider:

Cotton Fibre

Cotton fibre is a relatively expensive card material often chosen for its compatibility with letterpress printing. It has a luxurious texture and can add a touch of elegance to your invitations. If you're looking for a premium option that will impress your guests, cotton fibre is an excellent choice.

Matte

Matte paper has a clean and crisp appearance, making it a common standard for many online brands. It is often used for invitations as it provides a clear and legible surface for printing. Matte paper is versatile and can be paired with various design elements to create a stylish and elegant invitation suite.

Glossy

Glossy paper is similar to matte, but with the addition of a shiny finish. This type of paper can make your invitations stand out and is a popular choice for those who want a modern and sleek look. The glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

Recycled Paper

If you're environmentally conscious, recycled paper is a great option. It is similar to handmade paper but uses organic recycled materials and plants. This type of paper often has a natural and earthy tone, which can be perfect for rustic or eco-friendly-themed weddings.

Linen

Linen paper offers a balance between quality and cost. It has a slightly textured surface that gives your invitations a subtle elegance without breaking the bank. Linen paper is a good choice if you want a step up from standard paper without incurring high costs.

When choosing a paper type, consider your wedding theme, budget, and the overall impression you want to make. Ordering samples can be helpful in deciding which paper type best suits your needs and preferences. Remember to factor in the printing process, quantity, and any decorative extras when considering the cost of your invitations.

Font: Select a font that matches your invitation's style and is easy to read, like serif or sans serif

When it comes to selecting a font for your wedding invitations, it's important to remember that the font should match the style of your wedding and be easy to read. Two popular categories of fonts for wedding invitations are serif and sans serif.

Serif fonts are characterised by small lines attached to the ends of letters or symbols, such as Times New Roman. They are a popular choice for classic wedding invitations as they exude a sense of formality and elegance. Serif fonts are also favoured for their legibility, especially in print design, as the extra "feet" help create a visual bridge between each letter. When choosing a serif font, you can opt for a traditional style that evokes the feeling of old history books, or go for a modern serif style that blends classic elements with current design trends.

Sans serif fonts, on the other hand, lack these small strokes or flourishes. A well-known example is Helvetica. Sans serif fonts are highly legible, making them ideal for digital invitations. They offer a modern and elegant aesthetic and can be paired with different thicknesses to create contrast. If you're looking for a clean and contemporary look, sans serif fonts are a great choice.

When selecting a font, it's not just about serif or sans serif. You also want to consider how well the font matches the overall style and theme of your wedding. The font should give your guests a sneak peek into what they can expect on your big day, from the formality of the event to the attire they should choose. Additionally, remember that consistency is key. Ensure that the font you choose complements not only your invitations but also the other printed goods and accessories for your wedding, such as thank-you cards and gifts.

What to include: Ensure you include the key details, such as the request to come, the couple's names, and reception information

Wedding invitations should include all the essential details to ensure your guests have all the information they need to attend your special day. Here is a breakdown of the key details to include:

The Request to Come

Expressing the request to come to your wedding can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some examples of wording you can use:

• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Are getting hitched!"

The Couple's Names

The names of the couple getting married are, of course, essential. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically comes first, but you can order the names however you prefer. For LGBTQIA+ couples, consider ordering the names alphabetically, by age, or however, you see fit.

Reception Information

If your wedding reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can include a line like "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If the reception is at a different location, include a separate reception card with the start time and address.

You can also include other details about the reception, such as the dress code. If you are having a formal wedding, you may want to indicate this with "Black tie" or "Black-tie optional."

Frequently asked questions