The Perfect Wedding Invitation: A Guide To Ordering

Wedding invitation cards are an important part of planning your big day. They give your guests a glimpse into what awaits and set the tone for your wedding. When ordering wedding invitations, it's essential to consider your budget, the style and theme of your wedding, and the information you want to include. Many websites offer customizable templates, making it easy to find invitations that reflect your personal style and meet your specific needs. You can also opt for digital invitations, which are eco-friendly, affordable, and convenient for tracking RSVPs. Whether you choose paper or digital invitations, it's recommended to send them out at least six to eight weeks before your wedding to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance.

Customisation options: colours, themes, fonts, and wording

When it comes to customising your wedding invitation cards, you have endless options to choose from to ensure your invites reflect your wedding theme and your personality as a couple. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Colours

The colours you choose for your invitations can be a great way to hint at your wedding's colour palette and overall aesthetic. For instance, soft pastel colours and delicate vintage motifs like bows and ribbons evoke a sense of timeless elegance, while bold, modern typography might call for a neutral colour palette.

If you're going for a rustic theme, consider simple invites printed on recycled brown paper. Or, if your wedding has a fun and playful vibe, opt for bold colours and whimsical fonts. You can also incorporate floral patterns, pressed botanicals, and lush greenery for a romantic, nature-inspired look.

Themes

Your wedding invitation is a great way to give guests a glimpse of what to expect on the day. If you're having a destination wedding, consider tailoring the design to reflect your wedding's location, such as a beach, desert, ranch, or mountain theme.

Other popular themes include vintage, rustic, super-modern, and chic. You can also mix and match colours and design elements from different themes for a playful and expressive look.

Fonts

When selecting a font for your invitations, consider your wedding theme and whether the font is legible. While some fonts may look appealing, they can sometimes be challenging to read, especially if they are highly scripted or thin.

You can also use accent fonts to highlight important information like names and dates. Some popular font choices include:

• Ballerina Script: Fun and whimsical
• Lato: Perfect for paragraphs and wedding programs
• Palatino Linotype: Elegant and timeless
• Stylish Calligraphy: Full of style and perfect for highlighting special text
• Wanderlust Letters: Matches a wedding theme

Wording

The wording of your wedding invitation should ultimately reflect you, your love, and the big day. Whether you opt for classic and traditional or creative and whimsical wording, there are some essential elements that should be included:

• A request to come to the wedding
• The names of the couple
• Reception information

Traditionally, the bride's parents are named at the top of the invitation, even for formal affairs. However, it has become more common to include both sets of parents or for the couple to host the wedding themselves.

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include all of them as hosts, list each parent on a separate line. If you're including a stepparent, keep them on the same line as their partner.

For same-sex couples, there is no traditional rule about whose name comes first. Feel free to go in alphabetical order or choose what sounds better.

Finally, don't forget to include the dress code, either on the invitation itself or in the lower right corner.

Timing: when to order and send out cards

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is often the first question couples ask. The general rule of thumb is that invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed.

However, there are a few things to consider. If you are sending your invitations during the summer months, it is advisable to add an extra two weeks, as guests may be on vacation. Therefore, mail your wedding invitations eight to ten weeks before the wedding.

For destination weddings, it is recommended to send out invitations three to six months before the wedding to allow guests enough time to make travel plans.

Save-the-date cards can be sent out earlier, usually four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if it is a destination wedding. This gives guests enough time to plan their travel and accommodations.

The RSVP deadline should be set at least two to four weeks before the wedding date. This allows enough time to get a final headcount for the caterers and finalize the seating chart.

When it comes to ordering your wedding invitations, it is best to do so four to six months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to pick out your design, check the turnaround time, and proofread the invitations.

Finally, assembling your invitations will take about two to four weeks. If you are using a calligrapher, it is recommended to give them four weeks.

Paper type: silk, glossy, matte, linen, etc

When it comes to paper type, you have several options for your wedding invitations. Here are some popular choices:

Silk

Silk paper is a type of cardstock that has a smooth surface and a beautiful finish. It is an excellent choice for invitations as it can enhance the colours and details of your design. This paper is usually made from cotton, which gives it a soft feel. It is also known for its strength and durability.

Glossy

Glossy paper is another option that can make your invitation colours appear more vibrant. This type of paper has a shiny, reflective surface. It is a good choice if you want your invitations to have a modern and sleek look.

Matte

Matte paper, on the other hand, has a more subdued and elegant appearance. It is often recommended for invitations without photos, as it provides a subtle backdrop that won't distract from the text or other design elements. Matte paper is also known for its excellent ink absorption, which can result in richer-looking colours.

Linen

Linen paper is a unique option that mimics the look and feel of linen fabric. It has a textured, slightly crosshatched surface. This type of paper is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitations. Linen paper is also great for hiding imperfections or quality issues that may occur during the printing process.

Design: photo-based, illustration-based, rustic, elegant, quirky, etc

When it comes to wedding invitation card designs, the options are endless. Here are some popular design styles to consider:

Photo-Based

Add a personal touch by featuring a photo of you and your partner on the invitation. This could be a pre-wedding shot, a warm embrace, or a fun candid moment. Photos evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression on your guests. They also give a glimpse into your personality and set the tone for your wedding. Whether a formal portrait or a casual snap, you can choose an image that reflects your relationship.

Illustration-Based

Illustrations offer a unique and whimsical approach to wedding invitations. From elegant floral designs to abstract patterns, you can select illustrations that match your wedding theme. Illustrations can range from simple line drawings to intricate, detailed artworks, creating a stylish and playful vibe.

Rustic

Rustic invitations are all about embracing a natural, organic feel. This style often features earthy tones, such as yellows, tans, and browns, and may include elements like sunflowers or pressed botanicals. Rustic invitations can be elegant and sophisticated, combining charm with modern simplicity. This theme is perfect for couples who want a more relaxed and intimate celebration.

Elegant

Elegant invitations exude sophistication and timeless style. They often feature soft pastel colours, delicate vintage motifs like bows and ribbons, and elegant scripts. The focus is on intricate details and a refined aesthetic that showcases your wedding's classic and luxurious vibe.

Quirky

If you're looking for something unique and playful, quirky invitations are the way to go. This style embraces unconventional layouts, whimsical fonts, and bold colours. It's perfect for couples who want to showcase their fun and eccentric personalities. From modern graphic designs to eclectic mixes of fonts and colours, quirky invitations are sure to surprise and delight your guests.

When choosing a design, consider your wedding theme, colour palette, and the overall vibe you want to create. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or work with a professional designer, these design styles will help you craft invitations that perfectly capture the essence of your special day.

Extras: envelopes, RSVP cards, save-the-date cards, etc

Extras are an important part of your wedding invitation suite. They can include RSVP cards, save-the-date cards, envelopes, and more. Here are some tips and suggestions for these extras:

Envelopes

Envelopes are essential for mailing your wedding invitations and creating a good first impression. Consider the size of your invitations when choosing envelopes, as veering away from standard sizes can increase postage costs. You can also opt for easy-seal envelopes for convenience. If you want to make a statement, choose envelopes with colourful liners or unique textures.

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are highly recommended, as they make it convenient for your guests to respond, and help you plan for the number of attendees. They also show your guests that you value and appreciate their responses. Include RSVP information on the bottom right corner of your invitation or on a separate RSVP card. Make the deadline for responses no more than three to four weeks after guests receive the invitations. Check with your caterer to find out when they will need the final headcount.

Save-the-Date Cards

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out 8-10 months before the wedding, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during busy holiday periods. These cards can be ordered from the same stationer as your invitations, which may save you money and make the process easier. You can choose to have your save-the-date cards match your invitations or opt for a different design.

Other Extras

Other extras you may want to consider include:

• Thank-you cards: Order these with your invitations to ensure a cohesive look and save on costs.
• Enclosure cards: These can include information such as directions to the wedding venue, details about post-wedding activities, and accommodation options for guests.
• Favour tags: Small tags that can be attached to wedding favours, adding a personalised touch.
• Welcome bag notes: Notes that can be included in welcome bags for out-of-town guests, providing them with helpful information about the wedding and the local area.
• Menu cards: Cards that display the food and drink options at your wedding reception.
• Place cards: Individual cards that indicate each guest's seat at the reception.

Frequently asked questions