Guide To Ordering Wedding Invitations: What You Need To Know

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and ordering wedding invitations is no exception. It's important to know when to order and send out your invitations to ensure your guests have all the information they need. The process can be complicated, but with the right tips, you can make it a smooth and stress-free experience. From timing to design, there are several factors to consider when ordering wedding invitations.

Timing: Order 4-9 months before the wedding and send to guests 4-8 weeks prior

The timing of your wedding invitations is crucial. It's important to get them ordered and sent out to your guests with plenty of time to spare. The last thing you want is to be paying extra fees for rushed orders and shipping!

Save-the-date cards should be sent out 6-10 months before the wedding. It's a good idea to start scouting stationers around this time, too. That way, you can take advantage of any sales or discounts they might offer. If you're ordering custom invitations, you may want to start your order a month earlier.

Ideally, you should order your invitations 4-9 months before the wedding. This gives you ample time to proofread and make any necessary changes. It also allows for any embellishments you might want to add, such as envelope liners. Remember, it can take up to six weeks just for the printing! So, the earlier you order, the more options you'll have.

You should aim to have your invitations ready to mail out 8-10 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of notice and allows you to avoid any last-minute stress. If you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to send out your invites even earlier—around 12 weeks in advance.

To stay organised, you might want to create a timeline or checklist for ordering your wedding invitations. This will ensure you don't miss a step and have your invitations sent out in plenty of time.

Design: Choose a style that hints at the formality of your wedding

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day, so it's important to choose a style that hints at the formality of your wedding.

If you're planning a classic and elegant wedding, consider opting for ivory, cream, or white card stock paired with a black or gold font. This combination is a classic choice for formal invitations. You can also add a touch of sophistication by incorporating sophisticated printing techniques, such as letterpress or engraving, and decorative extras like envelope liners.

For a casual and relaxed wedding, you might choose a more playful or modern style, such as circular or square invitations. You can also use colorful or metallic fonts, paper stock, envelopes, and liners to create a relaxed and fun vibe. If you're having a beach wedding, you might include illustrations of seashells or seaside-inspired color palettes.

If your wedding will be glam and modern, consider a black-and-white invitation suite with a retro print or a unique vertical envelope. You can also add a touch of glamour by using custom touches like hand-written calligraphy or wax seals.

No matter what style you choose, make sure your invitations are legible. Avoid light ink on light backgrounds and dark ink on dark backgrounds. Also, be wary of hard-to-read fonts, as you don't want to sacrifice readability for pretty letters.

Remember, your invitations should be a reflection of your wedding style and give your guests a hint of what to expect on your big day.

Budget: The price per invite can vary from $1 to over $100

When it comes to wedding invitations, the price per invite can vary significantly, ranging anywhere from $1 to over $100. The cost depends on several factors, including the design, ink, typeface, printing process, paper quality, quantity, and any decorative extras. Here are some essential things to keep in mind regarding your wedding invitation budget:

Printing and Design Costs

The method of printing you choose will have a significant impact on the cost. Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, allowing for a wide range of colours without the need for manual ink mixing. Offset printing and thermography are more expensive, starting at $800 for 100 invitations, while letterpress printing can cost upwards of $1,500 for 100 invitations. Engraving is the most costly option, with prices starting at $2,000 for 100 invitations, as it gives a formal, embossed look.

Paper Types and Envelopes

The type of paper you select will also affect the overall cost. Cotton fibre paper, which allows for customisation with a letterpress, is on the expensive side at $29 for 100 sheets. Felt cardstock, a thicker style of paper, costs around $22 for 100 sheets. Matte and glossy paper are more affordable options, with matte being a common standard for online brands. Parchment is the most affordable option, usually priced at $15 for 100 sheets, and can be easily layered with vellum, which typically costs $17 for 100 sheets.

Envelopes are another cost to consider. While some companies include the cost of envelopes in the card stock price, you may need to purchase them separately, which can cost around $15-$30 per 100 envelopes. Don't forget to double-check the size of your cards before ordering envelopes!

Design Elements and Additions

Design elements such as photography, engraved design, foil stamping, letterpress, glitter, and calligraphy can add to the overall cost. For example, hiring a calligrapher to add a custom element can cost $100-$300. Colour can also increase the price, depending on the palette you choose.

Additional items like RSVP cards, directions, itineraries, and reception information will increase the weight of your envelope, resulting in higher postage costs. Wax seals, belly bands, and inner envelopes are other small additions that can set your invitations apart but will add to the overall cost.

Complete Wedding Invitation Packages

Purchasing a complete wedding invitation package can help create a cohesive look for your invitations, save-the-dates, and stationery. These packages are highly customisable and can range in price from $350 for a simple and elegant option to upwards of $10,000 for more detailed designs.

Shipping Costs

Don't forget to factor in shipping costs, which can add up, especially for heavier invitations or those sent internationally. The average wedding postage cost is around $0.49 per envelope for domestic shipping below one ounce.

Budgeting Tips

To manage your budget effectively, it is recommended to set aside 4% to 6% of your overall wedding budget for invitations. Ordering free wedding invitation samples can help you decide on the materials and styles you prefer and give you a better idea of the costs involved.

Wording: Include key details such as location, time, hosts, and full names

When it comes to the wording of your wedding invitations, there are some key details you'll want to include to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you craft the perfect wording for your special day:

Host Line

The host line is an important aspect of the invitation and traditionally includes the names of the bride's parents as hosts, even if both sets of parents are contributing financially. However, it has become increasingly common to include both sets of parents as hosts, especially if both families are involved in hosting and planning the wedding. Here are some examples:

• "Together with their parents, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company..."
• "Together with their families, [Couple's Names] invite you to share in their joy/celebration..."
• "Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Jones request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children, Jane and John..."

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can omit the host line or begin with a warm and welcoming introduction, such as:

• "Together with full hearts..."
• "With hearts full of love and joy..."

The Request to Attend

This is where you extend the invitation to your guests and request their presence at your wedding. Here are some options to consider:

• "Request the honour of your presence..." (traditionally used for religious ceremonies)
• "Request the pleasure of your company..." (often used for non-religious ceremonies)
• "Invite you to celebrate with them..."
• "Would love for you to join them..."

Names of the Couple

The names of the couple are, of course, essential. Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's name. However, for same-sex couples, you can choose the order based on alphabetical order or what sounds best. Here are some examples:

• "Emma Martinez and Jackson Brown request the pleasure of your company..."
• "Zara and Emily invite you to share in their joy..."

Date, Time, and Location

Be sure to include the wedding date, day of the week, time of day, and location. For formal invitations, spell out all the details in full. Here are some examples:

• "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at half past four in the afternoon..."
• "On the first day of June, two thousand twenty-four, at five o'clock in the evening..."

Include the venue name and city, state, or country if necessary. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply state, "Reception to follow." If it's at a different venue, include the location on a separate line or on a reception card.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional, but it can be helpful for your guests. If you're having a black-tie event, it's important to include this information. Otherwise, the formality of the invitation itself will give guests an idea of the expected attire.

RSVP Information

Include the RSVP deadline, which is typically three to four weeks before the wedding, and provide stamped and addressed envelopes for your guests to send back their responses. You can also include an RSVP card with checkboxes for accepting or declining the invitation and meal choices, if applicable.

Remember to proofread your invitations carefully and consider having someone else review them as well to catch any potential mistakes.

Extras: Order envelopes, menus, programs, and thank-you notes at the same time

When ordering your wedding invitations, it's a good idea to order envelopes, menus, programs, and thank-you notes at the same time. This will ensure that all your stationery has a cohesive look and feel, even if you vary the design slightly for each element. For example, you can switch up the dominant colour or alternate between two patterns. Ordering everything together may also save you money and time.

Envelopes are a must-have for your wedding invitations. You can choose from a variety of options, such as solid colour envelopes or envelopes with fun designs. If you want to add a special touch, consider hiring a calligrapher to address your envelopes. This can be more formal and personal, but it can also be expensive, so make sure to include this in your stationery budget.

Menus and programs are also important extras to include with your wedding invitations. Menus will give your guests an idea of what to expect during the wedding reception, while programs will help them follow along with the schedule of events for the ceremony and reception. These can be designed to match the overall style and theme of your wedding invitations.

Finally, don't forget to order thank-you notes. It's important to send thank-you cards to your guests for attending your wedding and for any gifts they may have given you. It's a good idea to start writing these notes as soon as gifts start coming in, so you don't fall behind. For presents received before the wedding, send a thank-you note within two weeks, and for those given on or after the big day, give yourself a month.

Frequently asked questions