Elegant Branches: Wedding Invites With A Natural Touch

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, from choosing the perfect dress to deciding on the menu. One of the most important aspects is the wedding invitation, which sets the tone for the entire event. When it comes to wedding invitations, couples have the option to personalise their invites with creative themes and designs. One such design element that has gained popularity is the use of branches and floral motifs. From elegant laser-cut tree designs to rustic woodland-themed invitations, incorporating branches can add a unique and whimsical touch to your wedding stationery. Whether you're opting for a classic or modern style, including branches on your wedding invites is a beautiful way to showcase your theme and impress your guests.

Invitation design: Choose a design that reflects your wedding theme and style, such as rustic, elegant, or playful

When it comes to wedding invitations, the design you choose should reflect your wedding theme and style. Whether you're going for a rustic, elegant, or playful vibe, here are some ideas to consider:

Rustic

Take inspiration from nature and opt for a wooden wedding invitation. You can go for a simple engraved design or include floral or greenery elements. If you want to add a touch of elegance to your rustic invitations, consider using silk ribbon or wax seals. Deckled-edge invitations and calligraphy envelopes will also create a rustic yet sophisticated look.

Elegant

For an elegant wedding invitation, focus on understated luxury. Linen invitations with letter-pressed printing and torn edges exude vintage romance. You can also incorporate natural elements, such as floral illustrations or motifs, to add a touch of elegance. If you want to make a statement, consider using transparent acrylic invitations with simple white lettering.

Playful

If you're looking for a more playful and fun approach, there are plenty of options to choose from. Circular invitations with holographic foil lettering will definitely make a statement. Or, if you want to add some sparkle, try acrylic invitations with glitter. Illustrated fold-out invitations are also a whimsical option and can be customized with caricatures or hand-drawn family crests.

Wording and etiquette: Ensure you include the necessary information, such as the host line, request line, and couple's names, while also considering the formality and tone of the wording

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are several elements that should be included. Here is a guide to help you with the wording and etiquette to ensure you include all the necessary information while also considering the tone and formality of your wedding.

Host Line and Request Line

The host line is the first line of the invitation and states who is hosting the event (usually the people paying for the wedding). This could be one set of parents, both sets of parents, the couple themselves, or the couple along with family members. Traditionally, it would be the bride's parents, but nowadays, it is more common for both sets of parents or the couple to host. The host line is followed by the request line, where you invite the guests to attend your wedding celebration. Here are some examples:

> Mr. and Mrs. Gutierrez

>

> request the pleasure of your company

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> at the marriage of their daughter

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> Mr. and Mrs. Kim together with Mr. and Mrs. Adjemian

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> request the honor of your presence

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> at the wedding of their children

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> Together with their families, Kendrick and Kayla

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> invite you to join them

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> for their wedding day

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> joyfully welcome you to attend

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> the celebration of their love

Couple's Names

The couple's names should be included prominently on the invitation, usually in larger text or a different typeface. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first, followed by the groom's name. However, you can choose the order that makes the most sense for you. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or in the order that sounds better. If the couple's names are not included in the host line, be sure to include them elsewhere on the invitation.

Wedding Date, Time, and Location

After the host and request lines and the couple's names, include the date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony. For formal invitations, spell out the date, time, and address in full. For example:

> Saturday, the fifteenth of September

>

> two thousand twenty-one

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> at half after four in the afternoon

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> Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

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> Nashville, Tennessee

If your wedding is in the same location as the reception, you can simply add "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If the reception is at a different location, include the full address on a separate line or a separate reception card.

Dress Code and RSVP Information

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional but can be helpful for guests. The formality of your invitation will also give guests an idea of the expected attire. You can include RSVP information on a separate response card or direct guests to your wedding website.

Remember, the wording of your wedding invitations should reflect the tone and style of your celebration. Feel free to add personal touches and use wording that feels right for you and your partner.

Response cards: Include RSVP cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for your guests' convenience

Response cards are an important part of your wedding stationery suite. They are a great way to prompt guests to respond to your invite in a timely manner and help you organise the seating chart, menu and even music playlist.

• Order your response cards when you order your invitations to keep things coordinated and ensure all the components are ready to mail together.
• Include a blank line for guests to write their names. On a formal RSVP card, you can write "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• Provide an attendance line for guests to accept or decline your invite. This could be formatted as checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before your wedding date and feature it prominently on the card.
• If you're serving dinner at your wedding reception, allow guests to select their entrees on their response cards.
• Include a special request line, such as song requests or drink preferences.
• Provide pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes with each RSVP card so your guests can easily send their responses back to you. The envelopes should have the name(s) and address of the person handling the RSVPs on the front.

Envelope and postage: Select appropriate envelopes and inner envelopes, and don't forget to use enough postage, especially for heavier invitation bundles

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors to consider to ensure that your invitations are delivered without any issues. Here are some guidelines to help you select the appropriate envelopes and postage for your wedding invitations:

Envelope Selection:

• Inner and Outer Envelopes: Consider using both inner and outer envelopes for your wedding invitations. The inner envelope holds the invitation and any inserts, while the outer envelope ensures safe delivery to your guests.
• Envelope Size: Opt for standard envelope sizes such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5". These sizes are considered standard by USPS and will not incur additional postage fees based on their dimensions.
• Square Envelopes: If you're considering square envelopes for a unique touch, be aware that they are considered irregular by USPS and will require additional postage. Square envelopes typically cost around $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.
• Envelope Thickness: Choose envelopes that are thick enough to protect your invitation suite during delivery. However, keep in mind that envelopes thicker than 1/4" may require additional postage.

Postage Considerations:

• Weight of Invitations: The weight of your invitation suite will determine the postage cost. Basic wedding invitation suites, including a mailing envelope, a single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope, typically require a regular First-Class Stamp.
• Heavier Invitations: If your invitation suite includes multiple enclosure cards, thick paper, pocket-folds, or embellishments like ribbons or wax seals, it may weigh more than one ounce. In such cases, you'll need additional postage. For invitations weighing between one and two ounces, opt for a 2-ounce stamp ($1.01).
• Non-Machinable and Hand-Cancelling: If your invitation suite includes elements like wax seals, thick envelopes, or custom sizes, they may be considered "non-machinable" and require hand-cancelling. This means the postmaster will stamp each envelope by hand, incurring an additional fee of $0.44 per envelope.
• International Postage: When mailing invitations internationally, omit postage on the RSVP envelopes. Most countries will not accept foreign postage, so your guests will need to purchase their own stamps.
• Testing and Weighing: It's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office for weighing and thickness testing. They can provide accurate estimates on the required postage and ensure your invitations meet postal guidelines.

Optional inserts: Consider including extra cards with details such as reception information, directions, weekend events, and accommodations, especially for destination weddings or out-of-town guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to incorporate branches into the design. From elegant laser-cut wooden invitations to rustic invitations featuring delicate branches and floral envelopes, the options are endless.

Now, let's focus on the optional inserts you can consider for your wedding invitations, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or have out-of-town guests attending. These extra cards can be incredibly helpful in providing your guests with all the information they need to fully participate in your special day.

Reception Information:

It is essential to include a separate card with reception details if your wedding reception is at a different venue or location from the ceremony. This card should include the reception venue name and address, along with the start time of the festivities. If there will be a cocktail hour or specific attire requirements, such as "black-tie" or "cocktail attire," be sure to mention those as well.

Directions:

Including a directions card or a custom weekend map is a thoughtful idea, especially if your wedding venue is hard to find or doesn't show up accurately on GPS. A hand-drawn map adds a whimsical touch to your invitation suite, while a text-based directions card is a more affordable option. Ensure that the font you choose for the directions is easy to read for all your guests.

Weekend Events:

If your wedding festivities span an entire weekend, with events like welcome drinks, an after-party, or a day-after brunch, it's helpful to include a weekend events card. This card should list the events that all guests are invited to, along with dates, times, and locations. You may also include dress codes for these events if specific attire is required. This card ensures that your guests are well-informed and can plan their weekend accordingly.

Accommodations:

For destination weddings or weddings with many out-of-town guests, an accommodations card is a thoughtful touch. Include the name of the hotel(s) with your room block(s), the address, and the reservation deadline. If a shuttle is provided from the hotel to the venue, be sure to mention that as well. You may also include the hotel's phone number and your wedding website for easy reference.

These optional inserts will ensure that your guests have all the information they need to celebrate with you on your special day, no matter the location.

Frequently asked questions