Creating Unique Wedding Invites With Message-In-A-Bottle

Message in a bottle wedding invitations are a unique and memorable way to invite your loved ones to your special day. These invitations are perfect for beach or seaside weddings, adding a touch of adventure and romance to your event. You can choose from different types of bottles, such as plastic or glass, and personalise them with your wedding theme, colours, and a custom label. Inside, a hand-rolled invitation and RSVP information will ensure your guests are both excited and informed. Creating a message in a bottle invitation is a fun and elegant way to announce your wedding and is sure to be a memorable keepsake for your guests.

Invitation bottle types: plastic or glass, in various sizes

When it comes to creating a message in a bottle wedding invitation, you have a choice between plastic or glass bottles in various sizes.

If you opt for plastic, you can choose the USPS-approved 8-inch-tall Destination Line bottles. These bottles are crystal clear, providing a perfect view of the invitation inside. This option is excellent if you want to showcase the elegance of your invitation and ensure it makes a statement even before your guests open it.

On the other hand, glass bottles offer a more premium and elegant feel. You can select from the 8-inch-tall Signature Line or go bigger with the 11-inch-tall Premiere Line. The Signature Line glass bottles are an excellent choice if you want to avoid the look of condiment bottles with hidden screw-cap threads. They have smooth necks and are polished to a perfect shine. The Premiere Line bottles, being taller, can accommodate larger invitations or allow you to include additional decorative elements inside.

Both plastic and glass bottles can be adorned with custom labels and finished with hand-rolled invitations inside. You can also choose to include decorative elements such as sand, seashells, or starfish to match your wedding theme, creating a truly unique and memorable invitation.

The size and material of the bottle you choose will depend on your personal preference, the overall theme of your wedding, and the impression you want to make on your guests. Remember, the invitation sets the tone for your special day, so choose a bottle that reflects the elegance and uniqueness of your celebration.

Filling the bottle: sand, shells, starfish, or lavender

Filling the bottle with sand, shells, starfish, or lavender is a great way to add a creative and personalised touch to your wedding invitations. Here are some ideas and instructions to get you started:

Sand

Using sand is a great way to create a beachy or coastal theme for your invitations. You can use coloured sand or dye your own using food colouring or liquid watercolours. First, remove any labels from your bottles and clean them thoroughly to ensure the sand will stick. Cover your work surface with newspaper for easy cleanup. Use a funnel to pour a small amount of sand into the bottle, creating a visible layer at the bottom. You can angle the bottle to create angled layers of different colours. Seal the bottle with glue when it is nearly full and let it dry completely.

Shells

Small seashells can be added to your bottle for a secret treasure effect. Embed them between layers of sand or glue them to the outside of the bottle as a decorative touch. You can also include a dried starfish by attaching it to the neck of the bottle.

Lavender

For a fragrant and unique invitation, fill your bottle with lavender potpourri seeds and dried roses. This option adds a romantic and whimsical touch to your wedding invitations.

Combination

You can also combine these elements to create a personalised bottle that reflects your wedding theme and style. For example, fill your bottle with sand and add a few shells and a starfish, or combine lavender with shells for a unique and memorable invitation.

Remember to include a hand-rolled invitation inside each bottle, and you're ready to wow your guests with your creative message in a bottle wedding invitations!

Writing the message: by hand or use a printing service

When it comes to writing the message for your message-in-a-bottle wedding invitation, you have two main options: writing it by hand or using a printing service. Here are some considerations for each option:

Writing it by Hand

Writing your message by hand can add a personal touch to your invitations. If you have beautiful handwriting or are confident in your calligraphy skills, this can be a great way to showcase your talent and make each invitation unique. You can choose your own ink colour and paper type to match the theme of your wedding. This option may be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list, so be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the task without feeling rushed.

Using a Printing Service

If you prefer a more uniform look to your invitations, or if your handwriting is not as legible as you would like, you may opt for a printing service. This can save you time and ensure that your invitations are easy to read. Many companies that offer message-in-a-bottle invitations provide custom printing services. You can send them your desired text, and they will print it on high-quality paper, often with the option to include decorative elements such as scrolls or ribbons.

Some printing services even offer design assistance, helping you create a unique layout for your message and ensuring that all the necessary information is included. This can be especially helpful if you're unsure about the wording or want a professional opinion on the overall design.

When deciding between writing the message by hand or using a printing service, consider your budget, time constraints, and the desired level of personalisation. Both options can result in beautiful invitations that set the tone for your special day.

The invitation scroll: ivory linen paper or coloured paper

For a message in a bottle wedding invitation, the invitation scroll is a key component. You can opt for ivory linen paper, as offered by HansonEllis, which allows you to write your own message or have them do it for you. Ivory, or ecru, is a popular colour for wedding invitations, especially in the Americas. Linen paper is also a favourite for wedding invitations due to its elegant cross-weave texture.

If you're looking for something a little different, you could consider coloured paper. HansonEllis offers a range of colours for their scroll invitations, allowing you to match your wedding theme or create a unique contrast. Coloured paper can add a fun and modern twist to your invitations.

When choosing coloured paper, consider the overall tone you want to set for your wedding. For a formal invitation, cotton paper in white or ivory is traditional, but you could also choose a coloured paper with a formal texture, such as moire or jacquard. These types of paper have subtle watermarks or a layered appearance, adding a touch of elegance to your invitations.

Alternatively, if you're having a beach wedding, you might want to choose colours that reflect the sea and sand, such as blues, greens, and neutrals. If you're having a rustic-themed wedding, earthy tones like browns and greens could be a perfect choice.

Don't be afraid to get creative and choose a colour that represents your personality and the style of your wedding. You can also add decorations to your scrolls, such as gold embellishment and tassels, to make them even more special.

Remember, the invitation scroll is what your guests will interact with, so choose a paper that is not only visually appealing but also easy to read and handle. The size of the scroll should be considered as well, ensuring it fits comfortably inside your chosen bottles.

Shipping: flat-rate or free over a certain amount

If you're looking for a unique and memorable way to invite your loved ones to your wedding, message-in-a-bottle invitations are a perfect choice. These invitations are not only creative and elegant but also offer flat-rate or free shipping options, making them a convenient and affordable choice.

MessageInABottle.com, the official site for Message In A Bottle invitations, offers a flat-rate shipping fee of $9.99 for orders shipped anywhere in the continental US via USPS Priority Mail. They also provide same-day processing for orders received before 1 pm PST. With their wide range of invitation designs, you can choose from their Destination Line, Signature Line, or Premiere Line bottles to match your wedding theme.

Etsy, a popular online marketplace, offers a variety of message-in-a-bottle wedding invitations from different sellers. Many of these sellers include free shipping within the US, making it convenient for buyers. Etsy also provides a range of customisation options, allowing you to create unique and personalised invitations.

HansonEllis.com offers a range of beach-themed message-in-a-bottle invitations, perfect for a seaside or destination wedding. While they do not explicitly mention flat-rate or free shipping, their industry-leading position suggests competitive shipping rates. Their invitations include scroll wedding invitations, allowing you to personalise your message and create a memorable impression on your guests.

When considering flat-rate or free shipping for message-in-a-bottle wedding invitations, it's important to compare the offerings from different websites. While some sites offer flat-rate shipping, others provide free shipping for orders within the US. It's also worth noting that customisation and the number of invitations ordered may impact the overall shipping cost.

By choosing message-in-a-bottle wedding invitations with flat-rate or free shipping, you can focus on creating unique and memorable invitations without worrying about unexpected shipping costs.

Frequently asked questions