The Royal Wedding: Getting An Invitation

Royal wedding invitations are steeped in tradition and steeped in luxury. From monogrammed gold leaf to letterpress printing, these invitations are a far cry from your standard wedding stationery. But how do you get your hands on one? Well, unless you're a member of the royal family or a close associate, your chances are slim. However, you can take inspiration from these opulent designs and add a touch of royalty to your own wedding invitations. With the right colour schemes, typefaces, and printing techniques, you can create invitations fit for a king or queen.

Royal wedding invitation templates

If you're looking to create a royal wedding invitation, you can find inspiration in the invitations used by royalty. For instance, the invitations to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were printed on a thick, eight-by-six-inch white card with the Queen's stamp in gold and the text in black. The use of white space and a restrained colour palette of black ink on an off-white card with gold embossing and trim added understated elegance to the design. Additionally, only one typeface was used to avoid a messy or chaotic look.

You can also find various royal wedding invitation templates online, such as on Canva, Etsy, and The Wedding Chicks. These templates are customisable and allow you to change colours, fonts, and illustrations to match your preferences. Here are some popular royal wedding invitation designs:

Navy Ornamental Invitation

This design features a dark navy background with Victorian-style scroll illustrations in cream, creating a sophisticated and elegant look. The fonts used are Pinyon Script and Libre Baskerville.

Gold Cameo Invitation

This invitation uses powder blue, gold, off-white, and taupe colours, along with silhouettes and white space to evoke a timeless and nostalgic feel. The fonts used are Playfair Display and Rosario.

Pink Royal Wedding Invitation

This design blends traditional and modern elements with a watercolour background and a decorative border in an art deco style. The use of millennial pink gives it a contemporary touch. The fonts used are Pinyon Script and Source Sans Pro.

Green Paisley Royal Wedding Invitation

This invitation has a playful yet classical look with a paisley-inspired background and a tasteful colour palette of olive green and sage green. The fonts used are Playlist Script and Glacial Indifference.

These are just a few examples, but there are many more royal wedding invitation templates and ideas available online to help you create your perfect invitation.

Royal invitation wording

The wording of royal wedding invitations is steeped in tradition and protocol. While the aesthetic of the invitation may be the couple's choice, the text is usually formal and follows certain rules. Here are some guidelines for royal invitation wording:

• Royal wedding invitations typically use formal and traditional language. The invitation may begin with an announcement of the upcoming wedding, such as "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of..." or "You are cordially invited to the wedding of...". This formal language sets the tone for the royal event.
• In royal wedding invitations, the royal participant's name will always be mentioned first, followed by the bride or groom. For example, "His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton" or "Prince Harry with Ms. Meghan Markle." This order of names is a royal protocol and differs from non-royal weddings, where the bride is usually named first.
• Royal invitations often use the word "with" between the names of the couple, instead of the more standard "to." This choice of preposition is traditional within the royal family and is sometimes adopted by modern couples who wish to convey a less hierarchical or patriarchal message.
• The royal family may also include specific dress codes for their guests. While traditional dress codes such as "Morning Coat or Lounge Suit" are common, royal couples might also include a women's dress code, such as "Day Dress with Hat," especially if they are expecting guests from overseas.
• Royal wedding invitations are usually issued by the monarch or a high-ranking member of the royal family. For example, the invitations for Prince William and Catherine Middleton's wedding were issued by the Queen, while the invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were issued by the Prince of Wales, bearing his three-feathered badge.
• The wording of royal invitations may also differ based on the bride's marital history. For a first marriage, the bride is traditionally addressed as "Miss [Name]." For a second marriage, she would be addressed as "Mrs." or "Ms." For example, Catherine Middleton was referred to as "Miss Catherine Middleton," while Meghan Markle, in recognition of her previous marriage, was addressed as "Ms. Meghan Markle."
• Royal invitations are often printed using bespoke techniques and high-quality materials. The paper is typically thick card stock, and the text is usually printed in a scripted black font with gold accents, such as the Queen's stamp or gilded edges.
• Finally, royal wedding invitations may include a dedicated email address or a request to respond to the Lord Chamberlain's office for RSVPs, showcasing the royal family's adoption of modern technology.

These guidelines offer a glimpse into the traditional and formal nature of royal invitation wording, where protocol and etiquette play a significant role.

Royal invitation design

A royal wedding invitation should be elegant and sophisticated, and there are several ways to achieve this look. Here are some tips and ideas to help you design your royal wedding invitations:

Colour Scheme

The colour scheme of a royal wedding invitation is typically restrained and elegant. Use neutral colours such as black ink on an off-white card, with gold or silver accents. You can also incorporate colours such as navy, blush pink, dusty blue, or royal purple. These colours can be used as accents or as the main colour palette for a more modern invitation.

Typography

It is best to use no more than two typefaces in your invitation design to maintain a sophisticated and elegant look. You can use calligraphy-inspired fonts that resemble hand lettering or chic sans-serif fonts for a modern touch. Play with sizing and colour to create a unique and trendy invitation while maintaining a minimalist and typographic design.

Illustrations and Motifs

Illustrations can add a whimsical and artsy flair to your invitations. Consider hiring an illustrator to create custom portraits or a hand-drawn family crest. You can also use motifs such as olive branches, florals, or monograms to tie your invitation suite together. A small and subtle symbol or a larger eye-catching illustration can be repeated throughout your wedding stationery, providing a theme that will remind guests of your special day.

Printing Options

To add a luxurious touch to your invitations, consider using premium printing options such as gold, silver, or rose gold foil stamping. Letterpress printing is another elegant choice, leaving an imprint on the paper that adds depth to the design. Combining foil stamping and letterpress printing can create an even more luxurious effect.

Shape and Format

The shape and format of your invitations can also contribute to the royal aesthetic. Consider using unique shapes such as circles or transparent acrylic invitations for a contemporary feel. Fold-out invitations or invitations with perforated RSVP postcards are also unique options that add a playful twist to your invitation suite.

Remember, the key to designing royal wedding invitations is to combine traditional elements of royalty with your personal style. By incorporating these design ideas and adding your unique touches, you can create elegant and sophisticated invitations fit for a royal wedding.

Royal invitation printing techniques

The invitations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding were produced by Barnard & Westwood, a company that has held a Royal Warrant for Printing & Bookbinding by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen since 1985. The invitations were printed on thick, eight-by-six-inch white card and featured the Queen's stamp in gold with the text printed in black.

If you're looking to create your own royal-inspired invitations, here are some printing techniques to consider:

• Letterpress: Letterpress is the oldest traditional printing technique, dating back to the 15th century. It creates an indented design on the paper, achieved by etching a design onto a raised surface, inking it, and stamping it onto soft, thick card stock like cotton fibre or bamboo paper. Letterpress is ideal for vintage-themed weddings, evoking formality, elegance, and simplicity. While it is a specialised and costly technique, it exudes timelessness and quality.
• Foil stamping: Foil stamping is a unique process that uses solid metallic colours to create a slight impression on the paper. It is considered 'dry printing' as it doesn't use any ink. The invitation design is sent as a PDF and reproduced onto a magnesium artwork plate, which is then heated and pressed onto the desired colour foil. Foil stamping is perfect for creating luxurious, elegant, and romantic invitations. It is well-suited for Art Deco-themed weddings, adding a touch of glamour and extravagance.
• Digital printing: Digital printing, also known as flat printing, produces a flat image using a high-quality laser printer and thousands of tiny ink dots. It offers a wide range of colours and designs and is ideal for imaginative and artistic invitations. This method is typically done on thinner paper and is the most cost-effective and quickest option.
• Laser-cut: Laser-cut invitations feature intricate motifs cut into the paper without the use of ink. This technique is often applied to other materials like wood, creating a dramatic and natural style. Laser-cut invitations are delicate and intricate, showcasing the talents of designers and the precision of technology. However, they can be costly and time-consuming, making them more suitable for smaller weddings.
• Engraving and embossing: These high-end techniques add a hint of luxury to invitations. Engraving involves etching an image into a metal plate, filling it with ink, and pressing it onto thick paper. Embossing creates a similar effect without the use of ink, resulting in an inkless imprint. Both techniques produce raised designs on the front and indented marks on the back of the invitation.
• Thermography: Thermography is a heat-based process that fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering. It is similar to engraving but less expensive and faster. This method is ideal for small graphics and patterns but not suitable for full-colour images.

Royal invitation stationery

Creating royal invitation stationery is an art. It requires a careful blend of elegance, sophistication, and attention to detail. Here are some tips and ideas to help you design invitations fit for royalty:

Design Elements:

• Colours: Opt for a restrained colour palette, such as black ink on an off-white or ivory card, with gold accents. You can also explore darker hues like navy or powder blue for a sophisticated backdrop.
• Typeface: Choose one or, at most, two typefaces for a cohesive look. Script typefaces, such as Gee Serlio and Shelley Andante, add a touch of elegance and make the names stand out.
• White Space: Utilise white space effectively to create an understated and elegant design. Avoid cluttering the invitation with too much text or imagery.
• Illustrations: Consider incorporating illustrations that reflect the theme of your wedding. This could be a scenic landscape, a custom portrait, or a whimsical floral border.
• Embellishments: Add a touch of luxury with gold embossing, trim, or foil. You can also explore die-stamping techniques to create a truly bespoke invitation.

Customisation Options:

• Paper Type: Select high-quality paper, such as handmade paper, linen, or luxurious card stock. You can also choose from different weights and textures, such as 600gsm or higher for a more substantial feel.
• Printing Techniques: Explore custom letterpress printing or thermographic printing for a raised, tactile effect.
• Envelopes: Enhance the invitation suite with elegant envelopes. Consider coloured envelopes or those with deckle edges for a unique touch.
• Wax Seals: Add a unique vintage touch with wax seals. This unexpected element will make your invitations truly memorable.
• Ribbons and Accents: Tie your invitation suite together with a silk ribbon or add acrylic or metallic accents for a modern twist.

Inspiration and Templates:

If you're looking for inspiration, there are numerous royal wedding invitation templates available online. You can find elegant designs featuring calligraphy, monograms, and crest motifs. These templates are customisable, allowing you to change colours, fonts, and illustrations to match your wedding theme.

Remember, royal invitation stationery should reflect sophistication and attention to detail. By combining elegant design elements with customisation options, you can create invitations that truly embody royalty.

Frequently asked questions