Selecting Wedding Invitations: A Guide To Choosing The Perfect Design

Wedding invitations are an important part of your special day. They are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding's style and they also convey important information. There are many options to choose from, so here are some tips to help you select the perfect wedding invitations.

First, consider your budget. The price of wedding invitations can vary, so decide how much you want to spend per invite. Next, think about your wedding's theme and colour scheme. You may want to choose an invitation that reflects your wedding's style, whether it's rustic, vintage, elegant, modern, tropical, or seasonal. Decide on the shape and size of your invitation – a standard invitation is flat and square, but you could also choose a unique shape like a ticket or bracket design. Pick a font that matches your wedding's theme – popular choices include serif, sans serif, script, and unique fonts. Select the type of paper you want, such as cotton fibre, felt cardstock, matte, or glossy. Finally, don't forget the optional extras like foil stamping, envelope liners, enclosure cards, RSVP cards, wax seals, address labels, and custom stamps.

Remember to include all the necessary information in your invitations, such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as your wedding website address. Give your guests plenty of notice by sending out your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Happy planning!

Budgeting for invitations

Budgeting for wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can stay within your financial limits. Here are some tips for allocating your budget and saving money on your wedding invitations:

Determine a Realistic Budget

It is recommended to set aside 2% to 6% of your total wedding budget for wedding stationery, which includes save-the-dates, invitations, postage, and other day-of pieces like menus, programs, and escort cards. For example, if your wedding budget is $10,000, allocate $200 to $600 for stationery. This percentage-based approach ensures you don't overspend on invitations and helps you stay within your means.

Consider the Quantity

The number of invitations you need will impact the cost. A smaller, intimate wedding will require fewer invitations, resulting in lower costs. However, keep in mind that you may need to order a few extra invitations for last-minute guest list additions and as keepsakes.

Choose Your Wedding Style

The style of your wedding will influence the design and cost of your invitations. A formal, black-tie event may call for luxurious details like gold foil, letterpress printing, or double-thick paper stock, which will increase the price. On the other hand, a more casual event may require less formal paper accessories, resulting in lower costs.

Prioritize Your Preferences

If you have your heart set on specific details, like patterned liners, gold foil, or specialty-colored envelopes, be prepared to allocate a larger portion of your budget to invitations. These extra costs can add up, but if they create a memorable invitation that aligns with your vision, it may be worth the splurge. Alternatively, you can opt for a basic invitation suite to keep costs down.

Look for Ways to Save

There are several strategies to reduce costs without compromising the overall aesthetic. Consider sending an RSVP postcard instead of a reply card with an envelope to save on printing and postage. You can also opt for double-sided printing or include additional information on your website instead of printing extra cards. Using a return address stamp instead of printed envelopes is another clever way to save money.

Compare Prices and Ask for Estimates

Prices can vary significantly among invitation makers, so it's essential to shop around and request detailed estimates. Basic Invite, for example, offers affordable options by leveraging technology and keeping overhead costs low. Online wedding invitation retailers often provide semi-custom templates, flash sales, and coupon codes that can help you stay within your budget.

Plan for Hidden Costs

Don't forget to factor in additional expenses, such as postage, return address stamps, and any last-minute guest list additions. It's a good idea to allocate a small buffer in your budget to accommodate unforeseen costs.

Choose Printing Methods Wisely

The printing method you choose will significantly impact the cost of your invitations. Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, as it involves setting up a file on a computer and printing, with costs ranging from $500 to $800 for a set of 100. Offset printing and thermography are more expensive, starting at $800 and going up to $1,800 for 100 stationery suites. Letterpress printing is even pricier, with costs starting at around $1,500 for 100 invitations. Engraving, the most expensive option, will cost at least $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Add Accents Strategically

Accents like foil stamping, blind debossing, embossing, edging, and wax seals can enhance the appearance of your invitations but will increase the cost. For example, foil stamping for a set of 100 invitations can add an extra $1,800 to your budget. Consider your budget and choose accents selectively to avoid overspending.

Explore Semi-Custom and DIY Options

If you're looking for more affordable options, consider semi-custom invitations from online retailers or opt for DIY invitations. While DIY invitations can be more economical, they require a significant time investment and may not always result in cost savings. Weigh the cost of your time and your design skills before choosing this route.

By following these guidelines and staying mindful of your budget, you can select wedding invitations that fit within your financial plan without sacrificing style and quality.

Selecting a theme and colour scheme

If you have a particular theme in mind, you can select an invitation that complements it. For example, if you're planning a country-inspired wedding, you could choose an invitation featuring mason jars and burlap. Or, if you're going for a minimalist vibe, a simple, understated design with clean lines might be more suitable.

The colour scheme of your wedding invitations is also key. You can choose invitations that reflect the dominant colours of your wedding or opt for a particular colour combination that suits your theme. For instance, a pink and gold colour scheme for a Palm Springs-inspired wedding, or black, white, and gold for a modern, chic affair.

In addition to the design and colour, there are other elements to consider when selecting your invitations. These include the shape and size, font, inserts, and cost. You'll also want to think about the wording and etiquette, such as whether to include your registry or dress code information.

Remember, your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day, so take the time to choose a design that reflects your style and sets the right tone.

Choosing the inserts

Wedding invitation inserts are the separate cards that are presented inside the envelope, along with the wedding invitation. These inserts will include other necessary details, like your RSVP deadline, your wedding website address, and any extra information about the venue. Here are some tips for choosing your wedding invitation inserts:

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are essential, as you'll need to confirm a final headcount for your venue and caterer. You can either include this on the actual invite or on a separate reply card. If you're using reply cards, include a specific date by which you would like guests to respond—we recommend making this deadline three to four weeks before the wedding date. Be sure to include a place for your guests to write their names, and if you're offering a plated dinner, you can also include a place for them to check their entrée preference. Remember, it's proper etiquette to pre-stamp these response cards for your guests.

Map and/or Direction Information Cards

Depending on the type of venue or style of your wedding, maps and directions are often included as separate pieces of the wedding invitation suite. Many couples opt for custom maps to add fun details about their hometown or destination wedding, with tips on places to visit.

Enclosure or Details Cards

This is where all the other information can be placed, and it's entirely up to the specifics of your event. For example, if you didn't send out save-the-date cards, this is where you can put your wedding website information. It's also worth noting that it is never proper etiquette to list your registry on your wedding invitation suite. You can, however, add it to your wedding website. You can also put dress code information here if it didn't fit on the invitation.

Formatting the text

Hosts and Invitational Line

The invitational line lists the names of the hosts, usually the people paying for the event. If your parents are contributing financially or covering all the costs, their names should be included. The invitational line is followed by a request line, such as "Request the Pleasure of Your Company" or "Invite You to Celebrate the Marriage of".

Names of the Couple

For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically goes first, but you can order your names however you prefer. LGBTQIA+ couples can order their names alphabetically, by age, or in any other way that feels right. You can include your first and middle names, first and last names, or full legal names.

Date and Time of the Ceremony

It is essential to include both the date and time of your wedding. Avoid using numerals for the time; instead, write it out, such as "four o'clock in the afternoon".

Ceremony and Reception Location

Include the name and address of the ceremony and reception locations, especially if they are at different venues. If the ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can add a line like "Reception to Follow". If the reception is elsewhere, include a separate reception card with the start time and address.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional. Most couples nowadays use their wedding website to communicate this. However, you can include a line indicating the expected attire, such as "Casual Attire", "Black Tie", or "White Tie".

RSVP and Deadline

It is essential to include an RSVP card or a way for your guests to respond to your invitation. You can include it on the actual invite or provide a separate reply card. Set an RSVP deadline, usually about two to four weeks before the wedding, to give yourself enough time to finalise the seating chart and provide a headcount to the caterer.

Extra Information and Details

Consider including extra information about the venue, especially if it is unique or unfamiliar to your guests. You can include a custom map, parking instructions, or a list of nearby attractions. You may also want to include your wedding website address, where guests can find more details about accommodations, the registry, and other relevant information.

Envelope Information

On the envelope, ensure you have the correct spelling and preferred titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or the gender-neutral Mx.) of your guests. Ask for their last names, as not all married couples share a surname. Include your return address on the back flap of the outer envelope and the front of the reply card envelope. Don't forget to add appropriate postage, especially for heavier invitations and reply cards.

Finalising the envelope

Envelope Addressing

The address on a wedding invitation should be handwritten or printed by computer. Printed labels are not considered appropriate. If you want to add a personal touch, consider hiring a calligrapher to address the envelopes. Provide them with a neatly printed guest list, including full addresses, titles, and suffixes. Start gathering addresses early on to avoid any last-minute confusion. It is also a good idea to confirm spellings and ask about preferred titles to ensure your wedding is inclusive.

Outer and Inner Envelopes

Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent out in two envelopes: an outer envelope and an inner envelope. The outer envelope includes all the information needed by the postal service for delivery, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invited guests in the household, including children. The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap. This ensures that each guest receives a pristine envelope, even if the outer one gets damaged during delivery.

Envelope Assembly

When assembling the envelope, place the invitation at the bottom, print side up. You can also add a sheet of tissue paper over the invitation to protect it. Stack any other inserts, such as a map, reception card, or reply card, on top of the invitation, starting with the smallest. The reply card should be placed under the flap of its envelope, which should be pre-printed with the mailing address and stamped. Insert everything into the inner envelope with the print side up, so that when guests open it, they see the lettering.

Postage and Handling

Take a fully stuffed invitation to the post office to have it weighed, as heavier invitations may require extra postage. Ask about the different types of stamps available, including vintage stamps, custom designs, or monograms. You can also request hand-cancelling at the post office to prevent heavy machines from damaging your invitations.

Timing

It is recommended to send out wedding invitations about six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to respond and allows you to get a reliable headcount before the event.

Frequently asked questions