Lyla Dejesus
Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding style, and they also convey important information about the event. When choosing wedding invitations, it is essential to consider your wedding theme, colour scheme, venue, and season. Ordering samples from different companies can help you decide on paper types, printing techniques, and formats. Budget is also a key factor, as the cost of invitations can add up quickly. It is recommended to order invitations 4-9 months in advance to allow time for any delays and to give each vendor ample time to work on them. When it comes to design, you can opt for classic and elegant, casual and relaxed, or glam and modern styles. The wording of the invitation is crucial, as it sets the tone and lets guests know what to expect. Finally, don't forget to add a personal touch to your invitations, such as using your names or initials to create a unique insignia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Save-the-dates should be sent 8-12 months before the wedding. Invitations should be sent 8-10 weeks before the wedding. |
| Size | A 4.5-inch-by-6.25-inch rectangular card is the traditional size. Circular, scalloped, and square invitations are also options. |
| Cost | The price per invite can vary from $1 to over $100. |
| Wording | Traditionally, whoever is hosting is listed first. Customarily, you should spell out the time of the ceremony. |
| Style | The invitation style should match the type of event (e.g. classic and elegant, casual and relaxed, or glam and modern). |
| Colour | You may want to incorporate your wedding colours and a motif into the invitations. Ivory, cream, or white card stock with black or gold font is a classic choice. |
| Legibility | Avoid light ink on light backgrounds and dark ink on dark backgrounds. Yellow and pastel colours should be used sparingly and with a contrasting background. |
| Content | Include key information only: time and location, hosts, full names of the couple, dress code (optional), and RSVP information. |
| Deadlines | Include an RSVP deadline of no more than three to four weeks after guests receive the invitations. |
| Envelopes | It is recommended to hire a calligrapher to address the envelopes. |
| Proofreading | Triple-check the proof for any errors before printing. |
| Quantity | Order one invitation per household, not per guest. Order extra invitations to account for mistakes and keepsakes. |
| Extras | Order menus, programs, and thank-you notes with the invitations for a cohesive look. |
What You'll Learn
Choosing a theme and colour scheme
Choosing a Theme
The theme you choose can be based on the style of your venue, or perhaps centred around your shared interests as a couple. You might be inspired by fairytales, or opt for a boho theme. If you're not sure where to start, try browsing wedding invitation designs online to get a sense of what type of invites suit your style and theme. Set up a Pinterest board to keep track of your ideas, and search for keywords related to your theme. You can also draw inspiration from other brides and grooms, building on their ideas to make them your own.
Picking a Colour Scheme
If you already have a colour scheme in mind, you can use this as a basis for your wedding invitation design. Many online catalogues offer colour filters to help you narrow down your options. If you can't find the exact shade you're looking for, don't be afraid to ask your stationery supplier if the colour can be adapted to suit your needs.
Venue Inspiration
If you're still unsure, you can also look to your venue for inspiration. Whether it's a clean-cut industrial space or a rustic countryside setting, you can embrace the defining features and colour scheme of your venue in your invitation design.
Seasonal Themes
The season in which you're getting married can also influence your theme and colour choices. Bright colours and floral designs are perfect for spring and summer, while cool colours and festive motifs suit a winter wedding.
Other Considerations
When deciding on a theme and colour scheme, it's important to keep in mind the overall style of your wedding. Are you going for classic and elegant, casual and relaxed, or glam and modern? Knowing the type of event you're throwing will help you choose an invitation style that matches the tone.
Remember, your wedding invitations should be a preview of what your guests can expect on your wedding day. By taking the time to choose a theme and colour scheme that reflects your style and personality, you'll be sure to make a great first impression.
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The type of paper and printing
Card and Cover Stock
Card and cover stock are recommended for all wedding invitations. Opting for thick, heavy paper will give your invitations a luxurious feel. The typical weight for cover stock is 120 pounds, and it can come in a variety of treatments, including unfinished, satin, silk, and glossy. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice, and you can add textures like linen, which gives the paper a woven texture and matte finish.
Cotton Paper
Cotton paper is the costliest option, but it is incredibly soft and durable, with no imperfections. It is also very responsive to ink, making it a good choice for techniques like letterpress. Cotton paper tends to age well and gives invitations a clean, modern look.
Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper
Kraft and wood-grain paper are more on-trend and rustic options. They convey an outdoorsy or DIY touch, adding a personalised and intimate feel to your invitations.
Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper
Glassine and clear vellum paper are classic non-opaque choices. They are flexible, thin, and translucent, and can be used to create borders or mute underlying stock or graphics. However, the glue will show, so the layers will need to be adhered to with a grommet or ribbon.
Acrylic Invitations
Acrylic invitations are clear, rigid, and thin. They are printed using a screen-printing technique and can also be etched or engraved. This option is costly and has its limitations—for example, standard foil stamping or thermography cannot be used.
Engraving and Embossing
Engraving and embossing are high-end techniques that add a hint of luxury to your invitations. Letters and images are raised on the front and indented on the back, thanks to a custom-made metal plate. Engraving uses ink, while embossing creates an inkless imprint.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is an expensive method that requires made-to-order metal dies. It gives a glamorous effect that cannot be duplicated, and it can be combined with other printing techniques.
Letterpress
Letterpress is a custom die format that uses a plastic die instead of metal, making it slightly more affordable than foil stamping. It gives invitations a soft, romantic feel with a distinctive vintage vibe.
UV and Thermographic Printing
UV and thermographic printing are heat-based methods that give a slight shine to raised lettering. Thermographic printing is great for all types of paper and is available in many colours, including metallic hues.
Flat Digital Printing
Flat digital printing is a budget-friendly option that offers freedom, flexibility, and affordability. It can also allow you to play with paper textures and finishes.
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RSVP and deadline
The RSVP deadline is an important detail to include on your wedding invitations. This is the date by which your guests should let you know if they will be attending your wedding. It is recommended that your RSVP deadline is set at least four weeks before the wedding, and no later than two weeks before. This gives you enough time to finalise the guest list and make the necessary arrangements with your caterer and venue, who will request a final headcount one to two weeks before the wedding.
If you send your invitations out six to eight weeks before the wedding, four or five weeks is plenty of time for people to decide if they can attend and make any necessary travel plans. You can also include an RSVP card with your invitations, or allow guests to RSVP through your wedding website.
It is likely that some guests will not respond by the deadline. You should start following up with these guests the day after the deadline passes. You can call or text them to ask if they received the invitation and politely remind them that you need their response to give a final number to the caterer. If they still don't respond within 24 hours, it is best to count them out of your final headcount.
It is also important to consider when to send your save-the-dates and official invitations. Save-the-dates should be sent out 8 to 10 months before the wedding, and the official invitations should be mailed 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan and you enough time to gather RSVPs before the deadline.
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Budgeting and postage costs
Budgeting:
The price per wedding invitation can vary widely, from as little as $1 to more than $100, depending on various factors. The design, ink, typeface, printing process, paper quality, and quantity of invitations will all impact the cost. If you're hiring a calligrapher, that will also add to your budget. It's important to research your options and decide on your priorities to stay within your budget.
Postage Costs:
The cost of postage will depend on the weight, shape, and embellishments of your wedding invitations. Basic wedding invitation suites (including the mailing envelope, a flat single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope) can typically be mailed with a regular First Class Stamp. However, if your invitations are heavier or include additional enclosure cards, you may need extra postage.
Square envelopes, for example, are considered irregular and will require additional postage. Invitations with ribbons, twine, or wax seals may also exceed the standard thickness allowance and incur extra costs. It's recommended to take a complete wedding invitation to your local post office to have them weigh it and advise you on the correct postage.
Other Considerations:
Don't forget to include postage for your RSVP cards. You should provide a stamped and addressed envelope for each guest to make it convenient for them to respond. Also, consider hand-canceling your invitations, which involves manually stamping each envelope to prevent the reuse of stamps. This adds a classic look and protects your envelopes from potential damage by avoiding the automated canceling process. However, hand-canceling may cost extra, so be sure to inquire about this when weighing your invitations.
In summary, budgeting and postage costs for wedding invitations can vary significantly depending on your choices. It's important to research your options, decide on your priorities, and consult with your local post office to ensure you have the correct postage.
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Wording and etiquette
The wording of your wedding invitation is extremely important as it conveys critical information about your wedding to your guests. The rules of wedding invitation etiquette are not that complicated and are there to serve as a helpful guide. The most important rule is that you create a beautiful wedding invitation that represents you, your love, and the big day to come.
What to Include
All wedding invitations should include the following:
- A request to come to the wedding
- The names of the couple
- Reception information
The following are also important and should be included if possible:
- The date, time, and location of the ceremony
- Dress code
- RSVP information
How to Word Your Wedding Invitation
The wording of your wedding invitation will depend on who is hosting the wedding. Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and are named at the top of the invitation. However, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is a gracious option, no matter who is paying. More and more couples are also hosting their own weddings or doing so together with their parents.
Hosted by one set of parents:
> Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Lively invite you to share in the joy of the marriage uniting their daughter Blake Ellender to Ryan Rodney Saturday, the ninth of September two thousand twelve at noon Boone Hall Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Dinner and merriment to follow.
Hosted by both sets of parents:
> Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children Olivia Rose and John Michael Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four in the afternoon at [venue name and address] Reception to follow.
Hosted by the couple:
> The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith to Mason Jacob Kim Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four at [venue name and address] Reception to follow.
Hosted by divorced parents:
> Mr. Angiolo Guiseppe and Ms. Elettra Rossellini invite you to share in the joy of the marriage uniting their son Roberto Rossellini to Ingrid Bergman Saturday, the twenty-fourth of May nineteen fifty at noon Hotel Boca Chica, Acapulco, Mexico Dinner and merriment to follow.
Hosted by the couple with their families:
> Olivia Rose Smith and John Michael Reyes together with their parents Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith and Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes request the honor of your presence at their wedding Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four in the afternoon at [venue name and address] Reception to follow.
Wedding Invitation Etiquette
- Be concise: Overloading your invites with text can result in guests missing important information.
- Consider the host: Include anyone contributing to your big day on your invites, either by name or with a short line like "together with their families."
- Consider formality: The wording you use can indicate the formality of your wedding. If you want a black-tie affair, opt for traditional wording.
- Include an insert card: Certain pieces of information don't belong on a wedding invitation, such as registry details. Provide guests with a link to your wedding website on a separate insert card instead.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to order your wedding invitations 4-9 months before your wedding date. This allows time for any delays and gives vendors ample time to work on them. It's also a good idea to send your save-the-dates 8-10 months before the wedding, and the invitations themselves 8-10 weeks before the wedding. If you're having a destination wedding, send out your invites 12 weeks in advance.
The standard size for wedding invitations is a 4.5-inch-by-6.25-inch rectangular card. However, you can also go for a more playful or modern look with circular, scalloped, or square invitations. Keep in mind that veering away from standard envelope sizes may increase postage costs.
The cost per invitation can vary widely, from $1 to over $100, depending on various factors such as design, ink, typeface, printing process, paper quality, and quantity. Top-of-the-line papers, colour ink, formal printing techniques (like letterpress and engraving), and custom designs will add to the cost. Don't forget to include postage costs in your calculations.
Traditionally, the host's name is listed first on the invitation, followed by the couple's names, wedding date, time, venue name, location, dress code (optional), and RSVP information. The invitation style should also hint at the formality of the wedding, whether it's classic and elegant, casual and relaxed, or glam and modern.
