Preserving Wedding Invites: The Art Of Shellacing

Wedding invitations are one of the first things your guests will see, touch, and feel when it comes to your wedding. They are an important piece of the planning puzzle and can be as simple or as grandiose as you want, as long as they convey critical information. This includes the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the ceremony, and reception details.

Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. It is processed and dissolved in ethanol to create a brush-on solution that can be applied to a surface as a protective coating. Shellac has been used for centuries to protect wood, metal, paper, and other materials, and it is often used in the finishing of furniture, musical instruments, and other wooden objects.

So, how do you shellac a wedding invite? Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather your materials. You will need shellac, a paintbrush, gloves, and a well-ventilated work area.

Step 2: Prepare the shellac. Mix the shellac with ethanol in a well-ventilated area, following the instructions on the package.

Step 3: Protect your work surface. Shellac can be messy, so cover your work area with newspaper or a drop cloth.

Step 4: Apply the shellac. Using your paintbrush, carefully apply the shellac to the invitation, working in thin, even strokes. Allow the shellac to dry completely.

Step 5: Add additional coats if needed. Depending on the desired level of protection, you may want to apply multiple coats of shellac, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.

Step 6: Clean up. Shellac can be difficult to remove once it dries, so be sure to clean your brush and work area immediately after use.

By following these steps, you can add a beautiful and protective finish to your wedding invitations, making them truly shine!

What to include in your wedding invite

Shellac is a resinous substance produced by the female lac bug, secreted to create a protective barrier on tree branches. It is often processed into a wax or varnish and used in woodworking and musical instrument-making. While I could not find specific information on how to shellac a wedding invitation, I was able to find some general information on what to include in your wedding invitation. Here are some ideas to consider:

What to Include in Your Wedding Invitation:

A wedding invitation is a crucial part of planning your big day. It sets the tone for the event and conveys important information to your guests. Here are some key elements to include:

• Critical Information: Include who is getting married, the wedding date, time, and location. This information should be easy to find and clearly stated.
• Hosts of the Wedding: Traditionally, the bride's parents host and pay for the wedding. However, it is also common for both sets of parents or even the couple themselves to host. Include their names on the invitation accordingly.
• Tone and Formality: The invitation's wording and design should give guests an idea of the wedding's tone and formality. This will help them understand the expected dress code and the overall atmosphere of the event.
• RSVP Information: Indicate how guests should RSVP and by when. You can include a separate RSVP card with a pre-addressed envelope, or direct guests to a wedding website or email address for responses.
• Reception Details: If the reception is at a different location or has a different time, include this information on a separate card or add it to the invitation itself if there is room.
• Directions and Maps: Consider including a custom map or directions to the venue, especially if the location is hard to find or if you have guests coming from out of town.
• Accommodation and Transportation: If you have guests travelling from out of town, provide them with accommodation options and transportation details. You can also reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel for their convenience.
• Details of Other Events: If you are hosting a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, brunch, or other activities before or after the wedding, include separate cards with this information. This will help your guests plan their schedules accordingly.
• Dress Code: While not always necessary, indicating the dress code on the invitation can be helpful for your guests. The formality of the wedding will give them a good idea, but you can also include specific attire suggestions if needed.
• Website Information: Many couples create a wedding website with additional details about the event, accommodations, gift registries, and more. Include the website URL on the invitation or on a separate card to direct guests to this resource.
• Contact Information: Provide an email address or phone number where guests can reach out with any questions or for further information.

Remember, the key to a successful wedding invitation is clear and concise communication. Your invitation should reflect the style and tone of your wedding while providing guests with all the essential information they need to attend and participate in your special day.

How to word the request to come to the wedding

The request line conveys the purpose of your wedding invitation: asking guests to attend your wedding ceremony. While the exact wording can vary depending on how formal or relaxed you want to be, the core message is the same: You’re invited to the marriage.

• "The pleasure of your company is requested"
• "The honour of your presence is requested" (the British spelling of "honour" indicates the ceremony will be held in a church or another house of worship)
• "We request the honour of your presence"
• "We request the pleasure of your company"
• "We would love for you to join us"
• "We invite you to celebrate with us"

If you're hosting the wedding yourselves, you can use wording such as:

• "We joyfully request the pleasure of your company"
• "We request your presence"
• "We cordially invite you"
• "We invite you to share in our joy"
• "We invite you to celebrate"

For a fun twist, you could say:

• "Come party with us"
• "Come eat cake with us"
• "Come for the vows, stay for the party!"

How to list the couple's names

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many ways to list the couple's names, and the "correct" approach will depend on the formality of the event and the couple's preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Traditional Approach:

• "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's First Name Last Name]": This is the traditional way to address a married couple. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith".
• "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]": You can also use the husband's full name, including middle name, if desired.

Modern Variations:

• "Mr. [Husband's First Name] and Mrs. [Wife's First Name] [Last Name]": This approach includes the first names of both partners, providing a more personalised touch. For instance, "Mr. John and Mrs. Emily Smith".
• "Mr. [Husband's First Name] [Last Name] and Mrs. [Wife's First Name] [Her Last Name]": If the couple has different last names, you can list both last names to clarify. For example, "Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Emily Johnson".
• "Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]": This approach simply uses the couple's shared last name without their first names. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith".

Informal Options:

• First Names Only: For a casual and friendly tone, you can use just the couple's first names. For instance, "John and Emily".
• "The [Last Name] Family": This approach invites the couple and their entire family without listing individual names. For example, "The Smith Family".

Remember, when addressing wedding invitations, it's essential to consider the couple's preferences and the level of formality they wish to convey. Feel free to adapt these examples to match the style and tone of your wedding invites!

How to include reception information

The reception information is a crucial part of your wedding invitation, ensuring your guests know what to expect and when. Here are some tips on how to include this information when creating your wedding invitations:

Location and Time Details:

If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply add "and afterward at the reception" or "reception immediately following" to your invitation. This concisely lets guests know about the reception plans without taking up too much space.

However, if the reception is at a different venue, include the address on a separate line. It is also good to specify the time if the reception is not immediately after the ceremony. For example:

> Friday, the eighteenth of August

> two thousand and seventeen

> at three in the afternoon

> Reception to follow at six in the evening

> [Reception Address]

Separate Insert Cards:

Another option is to include an insert card for the reception details. This can be a more elegant solution, especially if you have a lot of information to convey or want to avoid a crowded invitation. Insert cards are typically smaller than the invitation and can be designed to match your wedding stationery.

Digital Invitations:

If you are working with a tight timeline or prefer a more modern approach, consider digital invitations. You can include all the reception details in the main invitation text or as an additional insert, just as you would with a physical invitation. Digital invitations also allow you to include links to your wedding website or maps for easy reference.

Formality and Dress Code:

The reception information can also indicate the formality of the event. If you are having a formal wedding, consider including a separate card for the reception details. Conversely, if you are having a more casual celebration, you can include the reception information directly on the invitation. The invitation's style and wording will also give guests clues about the dress code.

Remember, your wedding invitations are an essential part of your wedding planning. They set the tone for your special day and convey critical information to your guests. Feel free to get creative and add personal touches while ensuring your invitations are clear and informative.

How to format the date and time

When formatting the date and time on a wedding invite, it's important to consider the formality of the event and the invitation style. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you format the date and time on your wedding invite:

Formatting the Date:

• Traditional Weddings: For formal invitations, it is customary to spell out the date completely rather than using numerals. For example, if your wedding is on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, you would write, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four." Here are some key points to remember:
• Capitalize the day of the week (unless your invitation font is all uppercase or lowercase) and separate it from the date with a comma.
• For dates from the 21st to the 31st, use a hyphen between the tens and ones (e.g., "twenty-sixth").
• Capitalize and write out the month in full without abbreviations.
• The year is usually on a separate line from the day and month, with no comma between the month and year.
• Use a hyphen between "two thousand" and a hyphen between the tens and ones in the year (e.g., "two thousand twenty-four").
• Including the day of the week and the year is recommended but not mandatory.
• Casual Weddings: If you're having a more casual celebration, you can write the date more informally. For a wedding on Sunday, May 17th, 2025, you could simply write, "Saturday, May 17th, 2025." Alternatively, you may use numerals for a more modern design, such as "Saturday, 8/15/2026."
• Maintain consistency in date formatting across your invitation suite, including response cards.

Formatting the Time:

• Traditional Weddings: For formal invitations, write out the time in full without using numerals. For example, if your wedding starts at 3:30 p.m., you would write, "at half after three o'clock." Here are some key points:
• For times on the hour, simply write, "three o'clock."
• Formal invitations traditionally use "half after" instead of "half past" for times on the half-hour.
• Write the time in lowercase letters.
• Avoid using "a.m." or "p.m." and instead, opt for phrases like "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening."
• You don't need to specify "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening" for times between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., as it may be confusing.
• For 12:00 p.m., just write "noon."
• Casual Weddings: When writing the date informally, you can also write the time numerically, such as "4pm" or "5:30pm." Ensure that the date and time match in formality. For example, if you write the date as "Saturday, June 21st, 2025," you can write the time as "4pm."

Remember to include separate start times for the ceremony and reception if they are significantly apart or held in different locations. While it's not traditional to include end times, you may include them on your wedding website if you wish. Additionally, consider writing an earlier start time on the invitations to ensure guests arrive on time.

Frequently asked questions