Designing Your Wedding Invitation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the many things to consider is the wedding invitation design. Creating the perfect wedding invitation sets the tone for your special day and provides guests with a memorable keepsake. There are many ways to design and prepare a wedding invitation, from using AI design tools to printing them at home. The process can be made easier by using online templates, which allow you to customize the design, font, and colour scheme. It is important to include key information in the invitation, such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and RSVP details. The cost of printing and posting invitations can also be a consideration, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $20 per invitation.

Choosing a delivery method

There are several options to consider when it comes to delivering your wedding invitations. The most traditional method is to hand-deliver the invitations to your guests. This can be a more personal approach and can also save money on postage. However, it is important to ensure that you are able to deliver the invitations privately and discreetly, especially if not all coworkers or friends in the same social circle are invited.

If you choose to hand-deliver, it is recommended to schedule coffee or lunch with the invitee and give them the invitation then. This way, you can avoid any potential awkwardness and make it a more special moment.

Another option is to send your invitations by mail. This is a convenient choice, especially if your guests are spread out across different locations. When mailing invitations, it is important to consider the weight of the invitation and any enclosures, as this will determine the postage cost. Additionally, you may want to look into different stamp options, such as vintage stamps or customized stamps that match your wedding theme.

For those who are tech-savvy and environmentally conscious, electronic invitations are also an option. You can send your invitations via email or share them directly through social media platforms. This method is cost-effective and allows for quick and easy delivery to your guests.

No matter which delivery method you choose, always give yourself enough time to prepare and send out the invitations. It is recommended to send wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding to give your guests adequate time to respond.

Selecting a romantic font

• Script and calligraphy fonts are the most popular choice for wedding invitations as they exude style and romance. These fonts add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitations. Examples of script fonts include Yaquote Script, with its creative flourishes and uber-thin design, and Pinyon Script, which is often used at royal weddings.
• Serif fonts, with their "little tails" or "strokes" on the letters, are a timeless classic that conveys a sense of formality and sophistication. They are highly legible and work well with calligraphy or handwritten fonts. Examples of serif fonts include Playfair Display, with its subtle transitions between thick and thin lines, and Cormorant Garamond, a beautiful and ornate font.
• Sans serif fonts, on the other hand, have a more contemporary and less formal style without the tails on the letters. They are incredibly versatile and easy to read, making them suitable for both formal and informal weddings. Pairing a sans serif font with a calligraphy or handwritten font can create a stylish and modern design. Examples of sans serif fonts include Montserrat, which pairs well with script fonts, and Josefin Sans, a geometric vintage-inspired font.
• When selecting a romantic font, it is essential to consider the overall legibility of the font. While some fonts may look appealing, they might be challenging to read, especially in smaller sizes. Choose a font that is clear and legible, ensuring that your guests can easily understand all the essential details like names, dates, and venues.
• The font should also align with your wedding theme and style. If you're having a whimsical event, a font like Carried Away (Ballerina Script) would be perfect. For a timeless look, consider fonts like Darleston or Palatino Linotype.
• You can also mix and match fonts to create visual interest and sophistication. Pairing a decorative font with a simpler, more readable font will create contrast and guide your guests' eyes through the invitation. Play around with different combinations, such as pairing a script font with a sans serif font, to find the perfect balance.
• Finally, reflect your personal style and that of your partner. Choose a font that resonates with both of you and captures the essence of your unique love story. Whether it's romantic, modern, or vintage-inspired, there is a font that will embody the emotions you want to evoke.

Remember to test your selected font with sample text, including actual names, dates, and venues, to ensure it looks and feels just right for your wedding invitation card.

Adding a personal touch

Custom Illustrations and Photos

Incorporate custom illustrations that reflect your wedding theme or include personal photos, such as your engagement photo. This adds a sentimental touch and helps connect your guests to the event.

Handwritten Notes

Include a heartfelt, handwritten note to your guests, expressing your thoughts and appreciation. This adds a layer of authenticity and shows your guests that you've put thought and effort into inviting them.

Creative Folding and Interactive Elements

Surprise your guests with innovative folding designs, such as origami-inspired folds or interactive pop-ups. You can also incorporate interactive elements like pull-out tabs, sliding panels, or rotating wheels to make your invitations engaging and memorable.

Embellishments and Decorative Elements

Add embellishments like ribbons, wax seals, or dried flowers to your invitations for a touch of luxury and sophistication. These decorative elements create a sensory experience for your guests and elevate the overall presentation.

Custom Envelopes

The envelope is the first thing your guests will see, so make it stand out. Custom-design your envelopes with elegant patterns or a teaser of the invitation inside to create intrigue and excitement even before the envelope is opened.

Calligraphy and Typography

The choice of fonts and calligraphy can significantly impact the look of your invitations. Handwritten calligraphy exudes elegance and charm, while modern typography can bring a contemporary vibe. You can also try learning calligraphy yourself or hiring a local calligrapher to address your envelopes for a truly unique touch.

DIY Envelope Liners

If you want envelope liners but are on a budget, get creative! Find fun patterned wrapping paper or scrapbooking paper and make your own liners. It will take some extra time and effort, but it will give your invitations a custom, luxurious look without breaking the bank.

QR Codes

For a modern twist, incorporate QR codes into your invitations. This provides an innovative way for your tech-savvy guests to access additional event information or RSVP online.

Themed Designs

Choose a theme that reflects your wedding style, whether it's vintage elegance, rustic charm, or modern minimalism. The choice of colors, fonts, and imagery should align with your theme to effectively set the right mood for your guests from the outset.

These ideas will help you create wedding invitation cards that are not only informative but also exciting and engaging for your guests. So, get creative and add your unique personal touch!

Including all the necessary information

When preparing a wedding invitation card, it's important to include all the necessary information so that your guests have everything they need to know about the event. Here are some detailed instructions on what to include:

The Invitation Itself

The invitation card is the main event, and it's important to include the following:

• The full names of the couple: Traditionally, for heterosexual couples, the bride's name appears first. However, you can order the names however you prefer. For LGBTQIA+ couples, you can order the names alphabetically, by age, or however you see fit.
• Date and time of the ceremony: Be sure to include both the date and the time of day (a.m. vs. p.m.) to avoid any confusion.
• Ceremony and reception location: If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply add "Reception to Follow". If they are at different venues, include the name and address of each location.
• Dress code (optional): Most modern invitations don't include attire details, but you can include this information if desired.
• RSVP details: You can include an RSVP card with a specific deadline date, or direct guests to RSVP on your wedding website.
• Extra venue information (optional): If your venue is in an unusual location or your guests may be unfamiliar with the area, include an insert with extra information, such as parking instructions or a custom map.

The Envelope

Don't forget to pay attention to the envelope as well! Here are some tips:

• Guest's name and address: Ensure you have the correct spelling and address for each guest.
• Return address: Include your return address on the back flap of the outer envelope and on the front of the reply card envelope.
• Postage: Take a fully stuffed invitation to the post office to determine how much postage you'll need, as heavier invitations may require extra stamps.

Optional Extras

Depending on your specific needs, you may want to include some of these optional extras:

• Reception card: If your reception is at a different location than the ceremony, include a separate card with the reception details.
• Accommodations card: If you have guests coming from out of town, provide information on hotel options and transportation.
• Weekend events card: If your wedding spans multiple days and includes additional events, include an itinerary for guests.
• Directions card: While most people use smartphones for directions, including a directions card is a good idea for guests who may not have access to digital maps or if your venue is in an area with spotty cell service.
• Inner envelope: Slightly smaller than the outer envelope, the inner envelope indicates who specifically is invited to the wedding.

Selecting the right paper and printing style

Paper Type:

• Cardstock: This is the most common type of paper used for wedding invitations. It comes in different weights, colours, and textures, such as linen or felt. A weight between 80# to 120# is suitable for home printers, while 150# and above is best left to professional printers.
• Cotton Cardstock: This type of cardstock is smooth, highly absorbent, and gives invitations a modern and clean look. It is also considered "photo-safe", making it ideal for invitations with photographs.
• Recycled Paper: For eco-friendly or rustic-style weddings, this type of paper made from repurposed materials is a perfect choice. It comes in various shapes and sizes, such as kraft cardstock or handmade pulpy papers.
• Linen Finish Paper: This paper has a slightly crosshatched surface, giving it a textured, elegant look and feel.
• Vellum: This semi-transparent paper is usually used as an overlay or accent rather than for the invitation itself. It can be layered with thicker paper to add depth.
• Parchment: A thin, semi-translucent paper with a subtle marbled look, perfect for small or spring weddings that want a unique touch.
• Wood Grain Cardstock: Embossed with a subtle wood grain texture, this paper is perfect for accents like belly bands, tags, and enclosure cards.
• Specialty Paper: There are also specialty papers, such as those with a pearlised finish or imported from Europe and Japan, which can add a luxurious touch to your invitations.

Printing Style:

• Flat Printing: This is the most cost-effective and quickest option, producing a flat, 2D image. It offers a wide range of colours and designs and is ideal for imaginative and artistic invitations.
• Letterpress: This traditional printing technique creates an indented design on thick, high-quality paper. It conveys sophistication and opulence and is perfect for vintage-themed weddings. However, it is more costly and usually allows only one colour at a time.
• Foil Stamping: This method uses heat to transfer metallic colours onto the paper, creating a slight impression. It is ideal for adding a touch of luxury and elegance to your invitations but is more time-consuming and costly.
• Engraving and Embossing: These high-end techniques raise the text and images, creating a luxurious feel. They require custom metal plates and can be combined with other printing styles for a unique effect.
• UV and Thermographic Printing: These heat-based methods create a slight shine on raised lettering. They are flexible and come in various colours, including metallic hues, making them a great alternative to foil stamping.

Frequently asked questions