Crafting Luxurious Wedding Invites: Elevating The Art Of Invitation

Wedding invitations are the first impression that guests will have of your wedding day, so it's important to make them stand out. There are many ways to elevate and personalise your wedding invitations, from adding a wax seal to including hand-painted edges. You can also add a venue sketch, use handmade paper, or even add a personal note to each guest. Another way to elevate your wedding invitations is to pay attention to the assembly, making sure that each element is placed face up and in size order, with the largest card on the bottom.

Include a sketch of the venue

Adding a sketch of the venue is a wonderful way to elevate your wedding invitations and create a lasting impression on your guests. It adds a unique and thoughtful touch that showcases your attention to detail and sets the tone for your special day. Here are some ideas to incorporate a sketch of your venue in the most effective way:

• Hand-drawn and Digitized Sketch: Work with an artist to create a hand-drawn sketch of your venue, capturing the bricks, stairs, trees, and all the little details that make the location special. Then, digitize the sketch to use it as artwork within your invitation design. This blend of traditional and modern techniques will surely impress your guests.
• Venue Sketch as the Focal Point: Make the venue sketch the highlight of your invitation design. Place it in the centre or as the background, allowing it to frame the text and other design elements. This way, your guests' eyes will be drawn to the sketch, giving them a sneak peek of the celebration to come.
• Add Personal Touches: Enhance the venue sketch by incorporating personal elements that reflect your style and theme. For example, if you have a particular flower or plant motif, integrate it into the sketch. Perhaps there's a special memory associated with a specific area of the venue; highlight that spot with a subtle illustration or a pop of colour.
• Cohesive Suite Design: Carry the venue sketch theme throughout your entire invitation suite. Use the sketch as the main design on the invitation card and then incorporate smaller details or elements from it on the RSVP cards, envelopes, or even belly bands. This creates a cohesive and well-thought-out look that will delight your guests as they unfold each layer of your invitation suite.
• Envelope Liners and Wax Seals: Use your venue sketch as an envelope liner, creating a beautiful surprise for your guests as they open the invitation. Alternatively, you can turn the sketch into a custom wax seal, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your invitations. A custom wax seal is a unique way to showcase the venue and create a sense of anticipation for the recipients.

Remember, the venue sketch is a wonderful way to give your guests a glimpse into your wedding day and create a cohesive theme throughout your invitation suite. It's all about personalising the experience and making it memorable for everyone involved.

Use handmade paper

Wedding invitations are the first physical connection that guests will have with your wedding, so it's important to make a good impression and set the right tone. Using handmade paper is a great way to elevate your wedding invites and add a unique, delicate, soft, and organic touch. Here are some reasons why using handmade paper can enhance your wedding invitations:

• Uniqueness and Rarety: Handmade paper has a unique texture and look that is unmatched. It is not commonly used, so it will create a lasting impression on your guests, who may have never seen or felt anything like it before.
• Customization: Handmade paper is available in a variety of colours and can be used in any invitation design. You can choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or go for something more neutral to let your invitation design shine.
• Environmental Friendliness: Many companies that offer handmade paper for wedding invitations use eco-friendly and tree-free materials. For example, some companies use fibres made from a waste product of the cotton seed oil industry, ensuring that your invitations are not only beautiful but also kind to the environment.
• Versatility: Handmade paper can be used for more than just the invitation itself. You can use it for reply cards, reception cards, direction cards, thank you notes, programs, and place cards. Creating a cohesive suite of wedding stationery using handmade paper will definitely elevate your wedding invitations to the next level.
• Timely Delivery: Companies that specialize in handmade paper wedding invitations often have quick turnaround times. Some companies even offer same-day shipping for stock items, ensuring that you will receive your invitations promptly and can stay on track with your wedding planning timeline.

By choosing handmade paper for your wedding invitations, you will not only create a unique and memorable experience for your guests but also support small businesses and eco-friendly practices.

Add a wax seal

Adding a wax seal to your wedding invites is a great way to elevate your stationery and add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create the perfect wax seal for your wedding invitations:

Choosing the Right Wax

When selecting the wax for your seals, it's important to choose a high-quality product. Look for wax that is specifically designed for wax sealing, as this will ensure that your seals are durable and can withstand the mailing process. You can find wax in a variety of colours, including traditional metallic gold and silver, as well as more modern options like eucalyptus and rosemary.

Selecting a Stamp Design

The design of your wax seal stamp can be customized to reflect your personal style and wedding aesthetic. You can choose from a variety of options, including monograms, family crests, wedding dates, or floral motifs. Consider a design that is meaningful to you and your partner, or one that ties into your wedding theme.

Methods for Creating Wax Seals

There are several ways to create wax seals for your wedding invitations:

• The Old-Fashioned Way: Melt wax over a flame and pour it onto your surface before pressing the seal into it. This method can be messy and time-consuming, but it's great for mixing custom colours.
• The Glue Gun Way: Use a low-heat glue gun and specially-shaped glue gun wax to create your seals. This method is less messy and allows for more precise application.
• Pre-made Self-Adhesive Wax Seals: If you don't want to make your own seals, you can purchase pre-made self-adhesive wax seals in custom or standard designs. These are a great option for flat surfaces like envelopes or escort cards.

Mailing Wax Seals

When mailing wedding invitations with wax seals, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to add a "nonmachinable surcharge" to your postage, as the bump created by the seal can't go through the sorting machines at the post office. This charge is typically not significant and won't break the bank.

Additionally, consider using a protective outer envelope to ensure your wax seal doesn't get damaged during transit. You can also ask your local post office about hand-sorting or hand-cancelling your invitations, which will help prevent any potential damage to your seals.

Tips for a Successful Wax Sealing Experience

• Drying Space: Set up a designated area to lay out your pieces while the seals dry. A drying rack or an old CD stand can be useful for this purpose.
• The Ice Pack Trick: Keep your metal seal cool by placing it on an ice pack between uses. This will help create quick, defined wax seals.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is a great surface for making wax seals, as they can be easily removed once dry. It's also helpful for sealing string or ribbon without the wax sticking to the paper underneath.
• Don't Touch Before Drying: Resist the temptation to touch the seals before they are completely dry. Use only the handle of the seal to remove it from the paper.

Write addresses by hand

Writing addresses by hand is a great way to elevate your wedding invites. It adds a personal touch and shows your guests that you've put thought into it. Here are some tips to help you elevate your wedding invites with handwritten addresses:

Start by gathering all the necessary information, including full addresses, social and professional titles, and the correct spelling of your guests' names. This process can take some time, so don't leave it until the last minute. It's also a good idea to confirm addresses and spellings by contacting parents or friends.

When writing the addresses, use the appropriate social titles, such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or "Miss", depending on the age and marital status of your guests. For unmarried couples living at the same address, include both names on the same line. For married couples with the same last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by the husband's first and last name. If your guests have distinguished titles, such as "Doctor", "Judge", or "Captain", be sure to include them. Spell out all words in the address, including "Street", "Post Office Box", and "Apartment".

Consider hiring a professional calligrapher to inscribe your envelopes, especially if you want to add a touch of elegance and your handwriting isn't the best. Provide the calligrapher with a neatly printed guest list, including all the information mentioned above. This will ensure that your envelopes look neat and elegant.

Remember, the outer envelope should include all the information needed for postal delivery, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invited guests in the household, including children. Taking the time to handwrite your wedding invitation addresses will surely impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Include a personal note

Including a personal note with your wedding invites is a great way to elevate your stationery suite and give your guests a special keepsake. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• A heartfelt message: Take the opportunity to express your joy and gratitude for your guests' presence. Write a sincere note sharing your excitement for the big day and how much it means to you to have them there. This adds a personal touch and makes each guest feel valued.
• A brief story: Share a short anecdote or memory connected to the guest. It could be a reminder of a fun experience you've had together, a shared interest, or a meaningful moment that strengthens your bond. This approach adds a layer of intimacy and warmth to your invitation.
• A note about the venue: If you've chosen a venue that holds special meaning for you, include a brief description or story about why this place is significant. It could be the site of your first date, a family estate, or a location that represents your shared interests. This helps guests understand the significance of the venue and creates a sense of anticipation.
• A personalised illustration: Commission a custom illustration or sketch of your venue or a meaningful location connected to your relationship. This visual element adds a delightful surprise to your invitation and can be a beautiful keepsake for your guests. It also gives them a glimpse into the atmosphere and setting of your wedding.

Remember, the key to elevating your wedding invites with a personal note is to focus on what matters to you as a couple and what you want to share with your guests. Whether it's a heartfelt message, a fun anecdote, or a glimpse into your journey, your guests will surely appreciate the thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

Frequently asked questions