The Ultimate Guide To Shopping For Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the first impressions your guests will have of your big day. They set the tone and style of your wedding, and provide guests with important information. There are many options available, from classic and elegant to whimsical and bold, and you can choose to go digital or opt for traditional paper invitations. You can also decide to design your invitations yourself or enlist the help of a professional stationer.

Choosing a website to design your wedding invitations

There are many websites that offer custom wedding invitation designs, user-friendly experiences, and valuable features to make the design process smooth and fun. Here are some options to consider:

Minted

Minted has been a staple for brides-to-be for over a decade, with a wide range of invitation designs to choose from. The website offers a variety of styles, themes, colours, letter types, and more. In addition to invitations, Minted also offers full stationery suites, including table numbers, place cards, and goody bag tags. They provide additional services such as free consultations with specialists, digital monogram creation, and no-charge envelope addressing. Minted also has a quick production time of 6-9 business days for standard shipping.

Zola

Zola is a one-stop wedding shop with over 1,000 invitation designs to choose from, ranging from classic and formal to fun and whimsical. Zola offers unique designs for elopements and vow renewals, as well as free samples, envelopes, and addressing. If you create your wedding website through Zola, you can also collect and manage your RSVPs digitally. Their production time is slightly longer, ranging from 5-10 business days.

Artifact Uprising

Artifact Uprising offers a unique "try before you buy" sample kit with a selection of designs, themes, and paper goods. They have almost 20 different invitation designs to choose from and are eco-conscious, using thick, archival, and Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper. In addition to invitations, they also offer wedding photo book and album design services. Their production time is 12-15 business days for standard shipping.

Zazzle

Zazzle is a digital design site that offers a wide range of wedding invitation designs, as well as custom coffee mugs, leggings, and other personalized wedding favours. The website makes it easy to narrow down options by filtering according to themes, colours, and budgets. They also offer digital invitation options and unique add-ons, such as designed envelopes and return labels. Zazzle has a quick production time of 4-7 business days for standard shipping.

Shutterfly

Shutterfly is a website commonly used for printing wedding photos, but they also offer invitation design services. They have a variety of styles, including photo-featured designs, and unique formats such as flat, gate-fold, trifold, and magnet invitations. Shutterfly also offers frequent promos and discount codes. Their production time is 5-7 business days for standard shipping.

Etsy

Etsy is a go-to source for anything wedding-related, including invitation designs. You can find a wide range of styles, including floral, whimsical, and romantic designs, and many shops offer customizable templates. Etsy is a great option for those who want to support small businesses and independent creators. The production time varies depending on the seller, so be sure to check the individual shop's information.

When choosing a website to design your wedding invitations, consider your budget, the level of customization you desire, and the production and shipping times. Many of these websites offer free samples, so be sure to take advantage of that to ensure you're happy with the final product.

Selecting the right paper type

Card and Cover Stock

Cardstock is a medium to heavyweight paper made from tree pulp, with a smooth, matte finish. It's a popular choice for wedding invitations as it's relatively inexpensive and can be printed on a home printer. The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds, with 80# being ideal for most home printers, and 100# giving your invitations a more professional look.

Cotton Paper

Cotton paper is made from 100% cotton and has a soft feel. It's strong and durable, and its strong fibres mean it absorbs ink better, making colours appear richer. This paper is also incredibly durable and ages well.

Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper

Kraft paper has a rustic, on-trend look. It resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags but is thicker and more polished. Wood-grain paper has a subtle wood grain texture embossed into the paper and is often used for accents such as belly bands and tags.

Linen Finish Paper

Linen finish paper is a high-quality, cotton-blend paper with a textured, slightly crosshatched surface that feels like linen fabric. This paper provides an elegant look and is perfect for hiding imperfections or quality issues that may occur when printing at home.

Vellum

Vellum is made from a cotton and wood pulp blend and resembles tracing paper. It's sheer and frosted and is often used for invitation suite belly bands or layered over an opaque sheet of paper.

Pearlescent Paper

Pearlescent paper has a shimmer finish that adds elegance to your invitations. If you're using a photograph, it will add a soft glow to your image.

Board Paper

Board paper is a heavy cardstock, typically made with three layers of paper and a cotton texture. It's thick and sturdy and won't bend in the mail.

When selecting your paper type, it's important to consider the printing technique you plan to use, your budget, and the overall tone you want to set for your wedding. Thicker cardstock will give your invitations a more luxurious feel, while different finishes like linen or pearlescent can add texture and sparkle.

Deciding on a colour palette

• Consider your wedding theme and overall aesthetic: If you're having a rustic barn wedding, consider inviting wildflowers and distressed wood textures. For a city loft wedding, modern fonts and a minimal design might be more appropriate.
• Think about the season: If you're getting married in the fall, consider incorporating autumnal colours like burgundy, orange, and gold into your invitations. For a winter wedding, you might want to use cool tones like blue and silver.
• Look for inspiration: Take a look at colour palettes online or in magazines to get some ideas. You can also draw inspiration from your wedding venue or colour schemes that you personally find appealing.
• Keep it cohesive: Try to choose colours that complement each other and create a cohesive look. You can use different shades of the same colour or opt for colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: If you want to add a pop of colour or try something unique, go for it! Your wedding invitations should reflect your personality and style.
• Consider the paper type: The type of paper you choose can also impact the overall look of your invitations. Different paper types, such as matte, pearl, or linen, can enhance certain colours and design elements.
• Don't forget the details: Remember that the colour palette you choose will also be used for other wedding stationery, such as RSVP cards, envelopes, and thank-you notes. Make sure the colours you select can be easily incorporated into these other elements.

By following these tips, you can create a colour palette that is both stylish and representative of your special day. Remember to have fun with the process and choose colours that you and your partner love!

Adding personal touches

Custom Monogram or Crest

A custom monogram or crest is a beautiful way to reflect your identities as a couple. It can be more than just a decorative element and can tell the story of your relationship and your interests. This can also be used as an heirloom, used long after your wedding day.

Venue Illustration

If you have a special connection to your wedding venue, consider incorporating it into your invitation design. Whether it's the church where your parents were married or a venue you spent months searching for, a watercolour or pen-and-ink illustration can be a unique and classic addition to your invitations.

Envelope Liner

The inside of the envelope is an often-underutilised space that can be used to elevate your invitations. Consider adding a pattern, venue illustration, map, or even a solid colour to surprise your guests when they open the envelope.

Wax Seals

Wax seals are a classic way to add a touch of elegance and personalisation to your invitations. You can vary the colour, design, and placement to make them unique. You can also incorporate the artwork from your monogram or wedding crest into the wax seal for a cohesive look across your paper goods.

Translucent Vellum Overlays

Translucent vellum overlays and wrap-arounds have become a popular choice for wedding invitations. They can be plain or printed and add a layer of dimension to your invitations. You can also incorporate unique patterns or artwork to complement the overall design of your invitation suite.

Custom Stamp

Create a custom stamp with your monogram or a unique design to use on your wedding invitations and other wedding stationery. This adds a creative and personalised touch to your envelopes.

Unique Hashtag

Create a unique hashtag just for your wedding day, and include it on your invitations. This will encourage your guests to share their photos and experiences on social media, allowing you to easily follow all the special moments from your big day.

Custom Colour Scheme

Choose a colour scheme that reflects your style and wedding theme. You can incorporate these colours into your invitations, envelopes, and other wedding stationery for a cohesive and personalised look.

Handwritten Elements

Nothing is more personal than something handwritten. Consider incorporating handwritten elements, such as your vows or a special message, into your invitation design. This can add a heartfelt touch to your invitations.

Custom Illustration

If you're looking for a fun and creative way to represent you as a couple, consider a custom illustration. This could be a portrait of you both or a fun illustration representing your hobbies and interests.

Map and Direction Cards

If you're having a destination wedding or your venue is a bit off the beaten path, consider including custom map and direction cards with your invitations. You can add fun details and illustrations to these cards, making them both practical and visually appealing.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a preview of your special day, so have fun and get creative with your personal touches!

Knowing when to send them out

Knowing when to send out your wedding invitations is crucial to ensuring your guests have all the information they need to plan for and attend your big day. Here are some tips to help you with the timing:

Timing Considerations:

• Save-the-Dates: While not mandatory, sending save-the-date cards is a fun way to give your guests a heads-up, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near your wedding venue are limited. Send these out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding.
• Destination Weddings: If you're having a destination wedding, it's advisable to send out invitations earlier, around nine to ten weeks in advance, or even up to a year ahead. This gives international guests ample time to plan their travel and accommodations.
• Holidays: If your wedding date is near a major holiday, such as Christmas, consider sending invitations earlier than usual. This ensures that your guests have time to plan their attendance during a busy time of year.
• RSVPs: Request RSVPs at least two to three weeks before the wedding. This allows you to get a final headcount for the caterer and finalize your seating chart.
• B-List Guests: If you have a B-list of guests you'd like to invite, send their invitations at least six weeks before the wedding. This gives them enough notice and avoids making them feel like they're on a B-list.

Recommended Timeline:

The recommended timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. Sending invitations within this timeframe also allows you to request RSVPs sooner while adhering to proper wedding invitation etiquette.

Early or Late Invitations:

In certain circumstances, sending invitations earlier or later than the recommended timeline may be necessary:

• Earlier: If you choose to skip save-the-dates, especially for a standard-length engagement, sending invitations around six months in advance is appropriate. For shorter engagements, aim for two to three months before the wedding.
• Later: As a last resort, guests should receive formal invitations no later than one and a half months in advance. This shortened timeline may not give your guests enough notice, so it's best to avoid if possible.

In summary, the key to knowing when to send out wedding invitations is finding the right balance between giving your guests enough notice and not sending the invitations too early that they forget about your big day. The six to eight-week timeline before the wedding is generally the sweet spot, but adjustments can be made based on the specific circumstances of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions