Guide To Inviting Guests To A Themed Wedding

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They give guests a glimpse into the theme and style of the wedding, whether it's rustic, modern, whimsical, or elegant. When creating wedding invitations, it's essential to include key information such as the full names of the couple, the date, time, and venue of the ceremony and reception, as well as RSVP details. Couples can choose to design their own invitations or use templates offered by various online services, which can be customized with personal photos, colours, fonts, and other details. The cost of wedding invitations can vary, but on average, couples spend around $160 for 100 invitations. It's recommended to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, or earlier if it's a destination wedding.

Matching the invite to the wedding theme

Matching your wedding invitations to your wedding theme is a great way to elevate the guest experience and boost anticipation for your big day. While it's not necessary to have matching stationery, it can be a fun way to express your creativity and give your guests a sneak peek of what's to come. Here are some tips to help you match your invites to your wedding theme:

Choose a Theme That Reflects Your Personality

If you don't have a specific wedding theme in mind, consider selecting a theme that reflects your and your partner's personalities. For example, if you both love sailing, you could incorporate nautical elements into your invites, such as navy blue backgrounds and cute fish illustrations.

Incorporate Your Colour Palette

One of the easiest ways to match your invites to your wedding theme is by using your wedding colour palette. You can use the same colours across all your stationery, or mix and match different shades. For instance, if your wedding colours are blush pink and baby blue, you can use these colours for your invites, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards.

Add Themed Illustrations and Motifs

In addition to colours, you can also incorporate themed illustrations and motifs onto your invites. For example, if you're having a garden wedding, you can add watercolour florals to your invite design. Or, if you're tying the knot on a beach, include sunrays, blue skies, and sandy textures. These artistic elements will give your guests a taste of your wedding's setting and style.

Consider the Level of Formality

Your wedding invitations should also reflect the level of formality of your wedding. If you're having a black-tie wedding, opt for a more luxurious and elegant invitation design. On the other hand, if your wedding is more casual, feel free to embrace playful and creative elements, such as magnets or quirky fonts.

Don't Stress Over Exact Matches

Remember, you don't have to worry about exact matches. It's unlikely that your guests will notice if your save-the-dates and invitations are in slightly different shades of blue. As long as your invites capture the overall vibe and style of your wedding, you're good to go!

Matching your invites to your wedding theme is a fun way to express your creativity and give your guests a glimpse of what to expect on your special day. Whether you're going for a rustic charm, modern elegance, or playful quirkiness, there are endless ways to incorporate your wedding theme into your invitations.

Using online templates

Canva, for example, has a user-friendly interface that allows you to personalise your wedding invitations in just a few minutes. You can choose from hundreds of editable designs suitable for any wedding theme. You can also include a photo of you and your partner on the invite by simply dragging and dropping it onto the template. Once you're happy with your design, you can download and email the invitations or have them printed and delivered to your door.

Greetings Island also offers a large selection of free and premium invitation templates with custom options for fonts, colours, stickers, and photos. They have an international team of stationery designers who have created elegant, customisable designs with meticulously selected colour schemes and fonts. You can choose to download and print the invitations yourself, or use their printing service.

Template.net provides free, printable, and digital wedding invitation templates with customisable content, vectors, images, colours, layouts, and backgrounds. Their graphic editor tool allows you to personalise your invitations for wedding rehearsals, save-the-dates, or wedding showers. You can download the templates in PNG or PDF format and share them online via WhatsApp.

DIY invites

DIY wedding invitations can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create your own invitations:

Types of DIY Wedding Invitations:

• Editable Templates: The least labour-intensive option is to find an editable digital template online, which you can personalise and then order printed invitations to your door. Platforms like Papier offer beautiful wedding invitations that can be customised with your photos, text, and even a QR code.
• Printable Templates: If you want to print invitations yourself, you can find customisable templates on online marketplaces like Etsy. You can personalise these with your details, and then print them at home or use a printing shop. This option gives you more control over the paper and allows for DIY touches like a wedding stamp or hand-written signatures.
• From Scratch: If you're feeling creative, you can design your invitations completely from scratch using platforms like Canva, which offer free templates and design tools. You can then print or send your invitations digitally.

Ideas for DIY Wedding Invites:

• Gold Foil Details: Gold foil is an affordable way to add elegance and luxury to your invitations. You can add foil to the border or scatter it across the invitation for a unique, sparse look.
• Watercolour Backgrounds: Use a paintbrush to create a watercolour background for a whimsical, unique look.
• Textured Paper: Print or write your invitations on textured paper for an elevated, handmade feel.
• Pinned Invitations: If your invitation consists of multiple pages, pin them together with a gold, silver, or rose gold fastener. This adds a professional finish and makes it easier for guests to read all the information.
• Hand-Tied Invitations: Add a piece of string or ribbon, such as hessian string for a rustic touch.
• Real Flowers: Include dried flowers or fresh blooms to tease your colour scheme or the flowers you plan to use on your wedding day.
• Floral Wax Seals: Use dried flowers or leaves to adorn the wax seals on your envelopes for a unique, natural touch.
• Personalised Wax Seals: Order custom wax seals with your initials for a luxurious and elegant finish.
• Vellum Invitation Jackets: Wrap your invitations in vellum cases for a professional and expensive look.

Tips for DIY Wedding Invitations:

• Know Your Vision: Before you start, be clear about your theme, colours, materials, and the final look you want to achieve. Take inspiration from professional designs, but be realistic about your skill set and the time you have available.
• Practice: Don't commit to a final design without practising first. Tweak your design as needed and leave yourself enough time to make any necessary changes.
• Consider Costs: DIY doesn't always mean cheaper. Factor in the cost of materials, tools, and your time. Compare these costs to the price of ordering from a professional to see if you're actually saving money.
• Set a Timeline: Give yourself enough time to create all the invitations and set a deadline. Work backwards from your sending-out date and allow for some buffer time in case of mistakes or the need for more supplies.
• Proofread: Enlist multiple people to proofread your invitations for any errors or spelling mistakes.
• Consider Postage: If you're posting your invitations, choose crafts that won't get squashed or damaged in the mail.

With these tips and ideas, you can create beautiful DIY wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day!

Mailing invites

When it comes to mailing out your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your guests have all the information they need and that your invitations arrive on time. Here are some detailed instructions for mailing your wedding invites:

Timing:

It is recommended that you send out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements, especially if they need to request time off work. If you're planning a destination wedding or have guests travelling from abroad, it is a good idea to send out your invitations three months in advance to give them ample time to plan. Don't forget to give your guests a "save the date" notice several months in advance, especially if your wedding falls on a busy holiday period.

Proofreading and Printing:

Before printing and mailing your invitations, it is important to proofread them carefully. Check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting. Pay close attention to dates, times, and locations to avoid any confusion. You can also create a free digital proof of your invitation to share with someone else for feedback. Once you're happy with the design, decide whether you want to print the invitations yourself or use a professional printing service.

Assembly:

When assembling your invitations, make sure to include all the necessary components. Typically, a wedding invitation set includes the invitation, an RSVP card, and an envelope. You may also want to include additional enclosures such as save-the-date cards, bridal shower information, or itinerary cards, especially if you're planning multiple events. Don't forget to add postage to your envelopes!

Mailing:

When addressing your envelopes, use a clear and legible font or handwriting. Be sure to include the full names of your guests, and specify whether children are invited to avoid any confusion. If you're using VistaPrint, you can add custom envelopes to your order and they will provide free recipient addressing. Finally, take your invitations to the post office and have them weighed to ensure you're applying the correct amount of postage.

RSVP Management:

To make it easy for your guests to respond, include a stamped and addressed envelope with your RSVP card. You can also include a QR code on your invitation to allow guests to respond digitally. Set your RSVP deadline date for three to four weeks before your wedding so that you have time to follow up on any missing responses and finalise numbers for your vendors.

Remember to keep a few extra invitations as keepsakes and enjoy this exciting part of the wedding planning process!

RSVP cards

RSVPs are a crucial part of wedding planning, helping you to organise everything from seating charts to catering. They are also a great way to continue your wedding theme and delight your guests. Here are some ideas for your RSVP cards:

Design and Wording

The design of your RSVP cards can reflect your wedding theme. For example, if you're planning a rustic wedding, opt for recycled brown paper, or choose one of the many minimalist designs available from online templates. You can also add personal touches, such as photos of you and your partner. Playful wording can also be used to match the theme, like "Yasss, let's party!" or "Ready to eat, drink and see you get married!".

Digital RSVPs

If you're environmentally conscious or prefer a modern approach, digital RSVPs are a great option. You can include a QR code on your invitations, allowing guests to respond quickly and easily. This method also helps you manage your guest list, with some services offering easy digital RSVP tracking.

Important Details

The first detail to include on your RSVP cards is a blank line for guests to write their names, with an "M" at the start to indicate their honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss). You can also include an attendance line, with checkboxes or fill-in-the-blank options for guests to accept or decline. It is also helpful to include a dietary restriction line, especially if you are serving dinner with options like vegetarian, chicken, or beef.

Special Requests

You can include a special request line on your RSVP cards, such as song requests or a favourite memory of the couple. This adds a fun element for your guests and makes receiving RSVPs more enjoyable for you.

Timing

The general rule of thumb is to send out your wedding invitations, including RSVP cards, six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to plan and respond. The RSVP deadline should be set for around four weeks before the wedding, giving you and your vendors enough time to finalise details.

Frequently asked questions