Writing Mexican Wedding Invitations: Cultural Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding and want to add a Mexican twist to your invitations? From passport-style cards to colourful floral designs, there are many ways to incorporate Mexican-inspired features into your wedding invites. Whether you're looking for a simple and elegant design or something more playful and fun, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can even add a personal touch by incorporating foil or distinct paper trims. If you're unsure about the formatting or wording, there are many online resources and templates available to help you create the perfect Mexican-themed wedding invitation.

Wording and formatting

When it comes to the wording and formatting of your Mexican wedding invitations, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to set the tone for your wedding and include any necessary details, such as the date, time, and location. Here is a suggested structure for your invitations:

First Paragraph:

Start with a warm greeting and a formal announcement of your wedding. You can also include the names of the couple's parents or guardians, especially if they are hosting the wedding. For example:

"Mr. and Mrs. [Father and Mother of the Bride] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter [Bride's Name] to [Groom's Name], son of Mr. and Mrs. [Father and Mother of the Groom]."

Alternatively, for a less traditional approach, you could simply state:

"You are cordially invited to the wedding celebration of [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name]."

Second Paragraph:

In this section, include the date and time of the wedding. You can also mention the city and state where the wedding will take place. For example:

"On [Date], at [Time], we will unite as one in [City, State]."

Or, for a more casual tone:

"Join us on [Date] at [Time] to celebrate our love in [City, State]."

Third Paragraph:

Provide the specific location of the wedding ceremony and reception. You can also include additional details such as dress code, wedding theme, or any other relevant information. For instance:

"The ceremony will take place at [Ceremony Location], followed by a reception at [Reception Location]. We invite you to join us for an evening of fun, fiesta, and celebration!"

Or:

"Please join us for a night of dining, dancing, and merriment at [Reception Location]. Cocktails begin at [Time], followed by dinner and dancing."

Fourth Paragraph (Optional):

This section is where you can include any additional information or requests for your guests. For example, you may want to mention accommodation options, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town. You can also include RSVP details and a deadline for responses:

"A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for our guests at [Hotel Name]. Please RSVP by [Date] to [Contact Name and Phone Number]."

Or:

"Kindly respond by [Date] to [Contact Name and Phone Number] so we can ensure a seat at the table for you!"

Remember, the wording and formatting of your invitations should reflect the style and tone of your wedding. Feel free to be creative, incorporate Mexican traditions or cultural elements, and choose a design that represents your unique personality as a couple!

Design and style

When it comes to the design and style of Mexican wedding invitations, there are many vibrant and festive options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:

Colourful and Vibrant Designs:

Mexican wedding invitations often feature bright and bold colours such as pink, blue, yellow, orange, and green. These colours can be incorporated into the background, borders, or even in the form of colourful flowers and floral patterns. Consider using colours that complement each other and reflect the joy and happiness of the occasion.

Cultural and Traditional Elements:

You can incorporate traditional Mexican cultural elements such as papel picado, which are colourful tissue paper banners with intricate cut-out designs. These can be included as part of the invitation design or even used as inspiration for laser-cut invite card designs. Other traditional elements include Mexican tiles, embroidery, and Spanish Talavera pottery, which can be used as motifs or background patterns.

Fun and Themed Invitations:

For a more light-hearted approach, consider themed invitations such as taco-themed invites with phrases like "Taco 'Bout Love" or "Nacho Average Wedding." These invitations often feature fun and playful language, combining the theme of Mexican cuisine with the celebration of your special day.

Elegant and Stylish Options:

If you prefer a more elegant and sophisticated style, there are options such as gold foil invitations, magnetic save-the-date cards, and elegant papel picado designs. These invitations often feature a combination of bold colours and elegant fonts, creating a stylish and luxurious feel. You can also consider adding a unique paper trim, such as ticket trim or bracket trim, to make your invitations stand out.

Personalisation and Customisation:

Many Mexican wedding invitation designs offer personalisation options, allowing you to add your own touch. You can incorporate your choice of colours, favourite fonts, and even include text that reflects your personality and the theme of your wedding. This adds a genuine and unique feel to your invitations.

Remember, your wedding invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your special day, so choose a design and style that reflects your personality and sets the tone for your celebration!

Bilingual invites

Languages and Translation

Start by deciding on the languages you want to include. Spanish and English are the most common combination for bilingual Mexican wedding invitations. If you're translating the invitation yourself, be sure to proofread the text carefully. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional translator to ensure accuracy and fluency in both languages.

Design and Layout

There are a few ways to design bilingual invites. One option is to feature both languages on the same invitation, with one language on the front and the other on the back. This approach ensures that all guests receive the same invitation, regardless of their language. You could also create two versions of the invitation, one in each language, and send the appropriate version to each guest. This method may be more costly and time-consuming but ensures that each guest receives an invitation in their preferred language.

Cultural Elements

Add Mexican cultural elements to your invitations to make them more festive and visually appealing. Consider using vibrant colours, traditional patterns such as Talavera or Papel Picado, and images of Mexican flowers or tiles. You can also incorporate Mexican motifs, such as cacti, sombreros, or maracas, to add a playful touch.

Wording and Etiquette

The wording of Mexican wedding invitations can vary depending on personal preference and formality. Traditionally, the bride's name is written before the groom's, but you can choose the order that feels most comfortable for you. Be sure to include essential details such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any other relevant information for your guests, such as dress code or accommodation suggestions.

Online Templates

If you're looking for a convenient option, consider using online templates specifically designed for bilingual Mexican wedding invitations. These templates often allow you to customise colours, fonts, and wording to match your wedding theme. Some popular sources for bilingual invitation templates include Etsy, Basic Invite, and WeddingWire.

Remember to choose a design and wording that reflect your personal style and the tone of your wedding. Bilingual Mexican wedding invitations can be a wonderful way to include all your guests and celebrate your cultural heritage.

RSVP management

• Set a deadline: Establish an RSVP deadline that gives you enough time to finalise details with your vendors. Typically, this deadline is about two to three weeks before the wedding. Communicate this deadline clearly on your invitations.
• Online RSVPs: Consider using a wedding website or a dedicated RSVP website to make it convenient for your guests to respond. This method streamlines the process and makes it easier to keep track of responses.
• Response tracking: Create a system to track responses. You can use a spreadsheet or a guest list document to mark each guest's response. This will help you identify who has and hasn't responded, making it easier to send reminders when needed.
• Follow up on non-responses: After the RSVP deadline has passed, review your tracking system and identify guests who haven't responded. Send them a polite reminder, either by mail, email, or phone, to inquire about their attendance.
• Finalise numbers: Once you have collected most of the RSVPs and followed up on non-responses, it's time to finalise the attendance numbers. Communicate these numbers to your vendors, including caterers, venue managers, and rental companies, to ensure they have the necessary information for final preparations.
• Seating arrangements: Use the RSVP responses to create a seating plan, if desired. This step is especially helpful for larger weddings, as it ensures guests are comfortably seated and helps with the overall logistics of the reception.
• Welcome guests: On the day of the wedding, have a designated area for guests to check in, where you can confirm their attendance and direct them to their seats or the ceremony area. This ensures a smooth flow and helps prevent confusion.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your RSVPs and ensure a well-organised wedding celebration.

Choosing paper type

Choosing the right paper for your Mexican wedding invitations is an important decision. The paper type will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations, so it's worth considering a few options before making your final choice. Here are some detailed tips and suggestions for choosing the perfect paper type for your Mexican wedding invitations:

• Card and Cover Stock: Opting for thick and heavy card stock or cover stock will instantly give your invitations a luxurious and elegant feel. According to graphic designer and stationer Joy Scott Montgomery, the typical weight for cover stock is 120 pounds, and it can come in various treatments such as satin, silk, or glossy. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice among brides, who often add textures like linen or eggshell to give a subtle touch of sophistication.
• Cotton Fiber: If you're looking for the ultimate in luxury, cotton fiber paper is the costliest option. Made from 100% cotton, this paper is incredibly soft, durable, and free of any imperfections. It absorbs ink beautifully, making it ideal for techniques like letterpress printing. Cotton paper is also a great choice if you want your invitations to stand the test of time as it ages well.
• Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper: For a more rustic or outdoorsy feel, consider kraft or wood-grain paper. These options convey a DIY touch and add a sense of personalized intimacy to your invitations.
• Vellum: Vellum is a semi-transparent paper that may remind you of tracing paper. It's often used as a layer on top of opaque paper or for belly bands that hold all the elements of the invitation package together.
• Glassine: Glassine is another translucent paper option, similar to vellum. It's thin and flexible, often used for accents such as envelope liners or pouches. You can also print directly on glassine envelopes for a unique look.
• Pearlescent Paper: For a subtle shimmer and elegant glow, pearlescent paper adds a touch of sparkle to your invitations. It enhances any photographs included in your design by giving them a soft glow.
• Board Wedding Invitation: If you're looking for sturdy and durable paper, board wedding invitations are a great choice. Typically made with three layers of paper, these invitations have a cotton texture and won't bend easily in the mail.

When choosing the paper type for your Mexican wedding invitations, consider your desired look, feel, and durability. Don't be afraid to order samples or do test prints to ensure the paper suits your design and printing method.

Frequently asked questions