Designing Your Dream Wedding Invitation Suite

Designing a custom wedding invitation suite is an exciting part of wedding planning. It is the first impression you give your guests of your wedding and a chance to showcase your personality and style as a couple. Whether you opt for a vintage, rustic, modern, or whimsical theme, there are many ways to customise your wedding invitations to align with your vision. From the paper type and colour scheme to the text and images, you can create a unique and sophisticated invitation suite that excites your guests and builds anticipation for your celebration.

RSVP cards

When designing your RSVP cards, it is essential to include clear instructions for your guests. First, you will want to know if they are attending or declining the invitation. If they are attending, it is helpful to have a line where they can indicate who is coming and the number of guests. This information is crucial for planning seating arrangements and catering. Finally, if you need your guests to select their meal choices, this can also be included on the RSVP card.

To create a stylish and cohesive look for your wedding invitation suite, consider choosing an RSVP card design that matches your wedding invitation colours, fonts, and design motifs. You can also mix and match different designs to create a unique and personalised suite. Select RSVP card designs that complement your wedding invitation and reflect your wedding theme and aesthetic.

• Include a clear request for guests to fill out and return the card, such as "RSVP", "Reply", "Kindly respond", or "Please respond".
• Traditional RSVP cards include an "M" followed by a line for the guest's name. However, for a more modern approach, you can simply write "Name(s)".
• Set a deadline for responses, typically 2-3 weeks before your wedding date, and include this date prominently on the RSVP card.
• Include an "Accepts/Regrets" line for guests to indicate whether they will attend or not. You can have fun with the wording, such as "will be there to celebrate" or "will be toasting from afar".
• If you need an exact guest count, consider adding a line for guests to specify the number of adults and children attending.
• If you are offering multiple entrée options, include a section for guests to select their meal choices.
• Take advantage of personalisation options, such as custom colours, fonts, and paper types, to create a one-of-a-kind design that reflects your style.

Insert cards

RSVP Card and Envelope

The RSVP card and envelope are staples in any invitation suite. You can include cards with blanks for guests to fill in the names of those attending, or include the number of seats reserved and ask them to confirm the number of attendees. Be sure to include a self-addressed envelope with a stamp and a deadline for responses. Alternatively, you can use postcard RSVPs to save on postage.

Wedding Website Card

Include the URL for your wedding website on an "Info" or "Details" insert card. This is where guests can find more information about your wedding, such as the dress code and registry.

Reception Card

If your reception is at a different location from the ceremony, include the time and location on a separate reception card. If the ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can skip this card and include "reception to follow" on the main invitation.

Pre-Wedding and Post-Wedding Events Card

For any events that won't have their own separate invitations, include the date, time, and dress code on an insert card. This is especially useful for destination weddings, where you can include an overview of travel options and recommendations for guests.

Direction Card

Include a direction card with written-out directions or a beautifully illustrated map to guide your guests to your wedding venue. This is especially helpful for guests who may not have access to smartphones or maps.

Attire Card

If you have a specific dress code for your wedding or wedding-related events, include an attire card specifying the requested attire. You can also include a preferred colour palette or a note about appropriate footwear if you'll be having outdoor activities.

Belly bands

The standard size for a belly band is 1-2 inches wide, and for a 5 x 7-inch invitation, your belly band should measure 11 x 2 inches. However, belly bands can come in a variety of sizes, so you can experiment with different widths to achieve the look you desire. If you are creating a custom card size, simply double the width of your card and add an extra inch for the overlap.

You can purchase belly bands from stationery suppliers, or you can make them yourself. If making your own, print your design on thinner paper, roughly 60-70# text weight (90-100 gsm), which can be purchased online or at your local office supply store. You can then cut out the individual bands using a paper cutter or an X-acto knife. Many suppliers also offer editable templates that you can customise and print yourself.

When deciding whether to print your belly bands at home or at a print shop, consider the heaviness of your design and the quantity you need to print. Ink-heavy designs can be costly to print at home, and printing a large quantity may be more budget-friendly at a local print shop.

Choosing a paper type

When it comes to choosing a paper type for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the weight and thickness of the paper are important factors. The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds or grams per square metre (gsm). A higher weight generally indicates a thicker cardstock, which can give your invitations a more luxurious feel. However, it's important to note that thicker cardstock may not be compatible with all printers, so it's best to check your printer's specifications before making a decision.

Another factor to consider is the finish of the paper. There are several options available, including matte, uncoated, linen, metallic, and glossy finishes. Matte and uncoated finishes give a more natural look and feel to the invitations, while linen adds a subtle texture. If you want to add a touch of sparkle, pearlescent or metallic paper can be a great choice. These papers have a subtle shimmer that can enhance the overall elegance of your invitations. However, if you plan to use a lot of dark colours in your design, avoid pearlescent paper as it may diminish the desired effect.

In addition to weight and finish, the material of the paper is also worth considering. Common options include card stock, cotton fibre, kraft, wood grain, vellum, and glassine. Card stock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it is thick and heavy, giving a luxurious feel. Cotton fibre paper is the most expensive option, known for its softness and durability. It absorbs ink well and is ideal for techniques like letterpress. Kraft and wood-grain paper are perfect for rustic or eco-friendly weddings, offering a more casual and intimate feel. Vellum and glassine, on the other hand, are translucent materials often used in layered invitations to create depth and interest.

Lastly, if you want to incorporate special printing techniques such as foil stamping, embossing, or engraving, make sure to choose a paper type that is compatible with these methods. Some papers may not be suitable for certain printing techniques, so it's important to do your research beforehand.

Customising fonts, colours and images

When it comes to customising fonts, colours and images for your wedding invitation suite, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, choose a font that reflects the style and theme of your wedding. You can select from a variety of font styles, including modern, rustic, whimsical, and elegant scripts. Play around with different font sizes and placements to create a unique look. If you want to add a touch of glamour, consider adding foil text to highlight the wedding date or the couple's names.

The colour scheme of your invitation suite is also important. Select colours that complement your wedding theme and personal taste. Most companies offer a range of colour options, and you can even request specific colour matches to your wedding colours. Don't forget to consider the envelope colours as well to complete the look.

Images and illustrations can also be customised to reflect your personality and wedding venue. Some companies offer hand-drawn or painted artwork, while others provide venue illustrations or line art. You can include portraits, floral monograms, pets, or any other details that represent your style. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and design elements from different pieces to create a playful and expressive suite.

Remember to utilise the preview feature before finalising your order. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure that your design, colours, and images look perfect. Take advantage of the customisation options to create a suite that truly reflects your vision and excites your guests.

Frequently asked questions