Wedding invitations are a crucial logistical element of your special day. It is important to get them right, and that's where wedding invitation etiquette comes in. A wedding invitation suite consists of all the paper goods sent with the wedding invitation. It should always include a response card, as well as important information like directions and accommodation. This paragraph will discuss the best ways to include directions in your wedding invitations.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Legibility | Use a legible font |
Format | Include directions on a separate card or on your wedding website |
Timing | Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
What You'll Learn
Include a map card
Including a map card in your wedding invitations is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests can easily find your celebration. Here are some tips to help you create effective map cards:
Choose Your Method
You can hire a designer to create a map for you, but this can be expensive. A more affordable and fun option is to make your own map using programs like Microsoft PowerPoint, Photoshop, or even MS Paint.
Get a Map Image
Use Google Maps or your preferred online map tool to find the area where your ceremony and reception will be held. Zoom in or out to get the desired level of detail, then use the "Get Directions" feature to get an accurate, close-up version of the area.
Trace and Simplify
Copy the map image and paste it into your chosen program. You can then trace over major roads and interstates with a drawing tool, simplifying the map to give an accurate representation of the general route. Use thicker lines for freeways and thinner lines for smaller streets. You can also play with line styles and colours to differentiate between different types of roads, rivers, etc.
Add Labels and Icons
Use text boxes to label important roads and locations. You can rotate the text to match street angles and add icons or graphics, such as a house, chapel, or wedding bells, to mark the ceremony and reception locations.
Include Close-Ups
Create callout bubbles to provide close-ups of the roads near the ceremony and reception locations. Resize the map to make it smaller, then trace the roads over the new image. Group the lines with the bubble and fill in the background to remove any unnecessary details.
Finalize and Export
Once you're happy with your map, delete the original Google Maps image. Export your map as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG, or use a program like CutePDF to print the map to a PDF.
Remember, your map doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to give your guests a general idea of the area and how to get to your wedding locations.
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Add a custom weekend map
Adding a custom map to your wedding invitations is a great way to provide your guests with extra information, especially if they are travelling from out of town. Here are some tips to help you create a custom weekend map:
Choose Your Tools
You don't need professional map-making software to create a custom map insert for your wedding invitations. Simple photo editing software or presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint can be used to create a map. If you want to add some creativity to your map, you can even use Microsoft Paint!
Get a Map of the Area
Use Google Maps or your preferred internet map website to find the area where the ceremony and reception will take place. Use the "Get Directions" feature to get an accurate, close-up view of the area. You can also use MapQuest or WeddingMapper.com for this purpose.
Copy and Paste the Map
Once you have the map of the area, press "Print Screen" or "PrtScn" on your keyboard to copy the image. Then, open your chosen software and paste the image into your work area. You may need to resize the image by dragging the corners to fit the dimensions of your invitation.
Trace the Major Routes
Using the drawing tools in your software, trace over the major roads, highways, and interstates. This will provide an accurate representation of the area and help your guests navigate in case they take a wrong turn. Use the curve tool for smoother lines, and don't worry if they aren't exact – your guests will just need a general idea of the area.
Differentiate the Routes
Play with the thickness, colour, and style of the lines to differentiate between interstates, rivers, and small roads. This will make your map visually appealing and easy to understand. You can also add labels to identify the roadways using the "Text Box" tool.
Add Close-up Details
To provide more detailed information, create callout bubbles for close-ups of the roads near the ceremony and reception locations. Go back to Google Maps and copy a zoomed-in image of the area using the same method as before. Resize it to fit the callout bubble and trace over the roads. You can also add graphics, such as "Free Chapel Clipart" and "Free Wedding Bells Clipart", to mark the ceremony and reception locations.
Finalize and Export
Once you're happy with your map, delete the original Google Maps image and fill in any remaining background with white. Export your map as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG file, or use a free program like CutePDF to print the map to PDF.
Creating a custom weekend map for your wedding invitations is a fun and creative way to provide your guests with useful information. With a few simple tools and some time, you can easily add this extra touch to your invitations.
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Make sure the font is easy to read
When it comes to wedding invitations, the font is an important consideration. It's essential to choose a font that is easy to read and aligns with your wedding theme. Here are some tips to ensure your font choice is legible and visually appealing:
Firstly, consider the legibility of the font. Avoid highly-scripted or thin fonts that may be difficult to read, especially for older guests. Opt for fonts with good contrast and clear letterforms. Fonts like Great Vibes, Playfair Display, and Montserrat are known for their readability and elegant appearance. You can also pair a script font with a sans serif font to improve legibility while maintaining a stylish look.
Secondly, think about using accent fonts to highlight important information. Accent fonts can be used to emphasise the names of the couple or the wedding date, making them stand out from the rest of the text. This adds visual interest and helps guide your guests' attention to key details.
Additionally, consider the tone and formality of your wedding. Different fonts convey different moods and levels of formality. For instance, script fonts like Yaquote Script or Exmouth are often associated with formality and elegance. On the other hand, fonts like Bodoni or Lemon Milk are excellent choices for modern or non-traditional weddings, offering a sleek and contemporary feel.
Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match fonts. Combining two or more fonts can create a unique and captivating design. Play around with different font pairings to see what works best together. You can pair a serif font with a sans serif font or mix a script font with a clean, modern typeface. Just ensure that the fonts complement each other and don't compete for attention.
Remember, the font you choose should not only be easy to read but also reflect the style and atmosphere of your wedding. By selecting a legible and appropriate font, you'll make a great first impression on your guests and ensure they have all the information they need for your special day.
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Provide written directions to your venue on your wedding website
It is important to provide written directions to your wedding venue on your wedding website. This is especially helpful for guests who are travelling from out of town and may not be familiar with the area. Clear and concise directions will ensure that your guests can arrive at the venue on time and without any hassle.
When including written directions on your wedding website, it is crucial to use a legible font that is easy for all your guests to read. You can also include a custom map or weekend itinerary to give your guests a better idea of the wedding location and surrounding area. This added touch can be both informative and a unique keepsake for your guests.
In addition to written directions, it is a good idea to provide the address of the venue and any relevant transportation information. This will allow your guests to use navigation tools or applications on their smartphones to further assist them in reaching the venue.
For destination weddings or weddings with a large number of out-of-town guests, it is helpful to provide recommended travel information and online resources. This can include information on flights, transportation options, and any other relevant details to make their travel arrangements easier.
By providing written directions and relevant information on your wedding website, you can ensure that your guests have all the tools they need to arrive at your special day without any complications.
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Include hotel recommendations
When it comes to including hotel recommendations as part of your wedding invitation directions, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, reserving a block of hotel rooms for your out-of-town wedding guests is a thoughtful gesture. This ensures they have convenient and affordable accommodation options. It's a good idea to book these rooms as early as possible, ideally soon after you've confirmed your wedding venue. This is especially important if your wedding is at a popular time of year or if there are other events happening in the same city.
Once you've made the reservations, be sure to include this information on your "Save the Date" cards, if possible. This gives your guests ample time to plan their trip and make their bookings. If you don't have this information before sending out your "Save the Dates", you can always include it on the wedding invitations themselves or on your wedding website. It's recommended to provide a separate insert or card with your invitation, dedicated to accommodations. This ensures the information stands out and is easily accessible for your guests.
The wording for this section should be clear and concise. Here's an example:
> "For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at [name of hotel] in [city]. To make a reservation, please call [hotel's phone number] and mention the [your last names] wedding to receive a discounted rate. Be sure to book by [date]."
It's also a good idea to include your wedding website link, where guests can find more information about travel and accommodations. Keep your website updated with any changes or deadlines to ensure your guests have the most current information.
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Frequently asked questions
To include directions, it is recommended to add a separate direction card with the rest of the invitation suite. This ensures guests have all the information they need, even if they don't have access to a smartphone. The direction card should be legible, with a font that is easy to read for all guests.
Including a direction card ensures that guests can find the venue and arrive on time. It also serves as a keepsake for guests and adds a personal touch. Additionally, it is useful for elderly guests or those without smartphones who may not be able to access digital directions.
Besides the invitation and direction card, you can include a response card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope, a reception card (if the reception is at a different location), an accommodations card (especially if you have guests coming from out of town), and a weekend events card if your wedding includes multiple events.