Writing Wedding Invitation Cards: A Guide For Singapore Couples

Wedding invitation cards are an important part of wedding planning, offering guests a glimpse into what to expect on the big day. While there are endless creative wedding invitation designs to choose from, the process of creating one can be confusing and complicated. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to write wedding invitation cards in Singapore, covering everything from the time frame and wording to design and printing specifications. It will also include tips on addressing relatives and friends, and suggestions for vendors and studios offering bespoke and ready-made invitation cards.

Timing: Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding

When it comes to wedding invites, timing is everything. Send them too early, and your guests may not know their schedules or forget about the invite. Send them too late, and your guests may wonder if they were only invited to fill seats.

So, when is the best time to send wedding invitations? For local weddings in Singapore, it is recommended to send out invitations six to eight weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to arrange their plans and RSVP, and it gives you enough time to follow up with guests and plan your seating arrangements.

If you have guests who are flying in from overseas, it is a good idea to send Save the Dates about six months in advance so that they can make travel arrangements. For mailing invites to international guests, allow for more time for the post to reach them.

It is also worth noting that designing and printing custom wedding invitations can take time. Therefore, it is recommended to start the process approximately two months before you intend to mail out the invitations. This will give you enough time to work with a designer, go through mockups and revisions, select the paper, and finalise any custom envelope calligraphy.

To stay organised, here is a timeline to follow:

• Six months before your wedding: Send out Save the Dates, if necessary.
• Four months before your wedding: Hire your wedding invitation designer.
• Six to eight weeks before your wedding: Mail out your wedding invitations.
• Three to four weeks before your wedding: Set your RSVP deadline to give yourself enough time to follow up with guests and finalise your seating plans.

Wording: Include names, venues, and dress code

When it comes to the wording of your wedding invitation, there are a few key elements you should include, such as the names of the couple, the venues of the ceremony and reception, and the dress code. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect invitation for your Singapore wedding:

Names of the Couple:

The invitation should include the full names of both the bride and the groom. In more traditional or formal invitations, the names of the parents may also be included, especially if they are hosting the wedding. For example:

"Mr. & Mrs. John Lee and Doctor & Mrs. Anthony Tan request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children Belinda Lee & Aaron Tan"

However, if you prefer a more modern or casual approach, you can simply use the couple's names:

"Belinda Lee & Aaron Tan joyfully invite you to celebrate their marriage"

Venues of the Ceremony and Reception:

It is important to include the addresses of both the ceremony and reception venues, especially if they are held at separate locations. This provides clear information for your guests. For example:

"St. Andrews Cathedral, 11 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959. Reception to follow at Spice Island Point, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd, Sentosa, Singapore 099891"

Dress Code:

Including the dress code on the invitation ensures that your guests are well-informed and can dress appropriately for the occasion. The dress code is usually placed at the bottom right of the invitation card. For example, for a formal event, you may use "Black Tie" as the dress code.

"Mr. & Mrs. John Lee and Doctor & Mrs. Anthony Tan request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their children Belinda Lee & Aaron Tan on Saturday, the fifth of May, two thousand and twenty-two at five o'clock in the afternoon at St. Andrews Cathedral, 11 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959. Reception to follow at seven o'clock in the evening at Spice Island Point, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd, Sentosa, Singapore 099891. RSVP by the tenth of April to Anne Lee, 90123456. Black Tie."

Remember to include all the necessary information while also ensuring that the wording reflects your personal style and tone as a couple.

Design: Choose a vendor, get inspiration, and select fonts

The design of your wedding invitation card is a chance to showcase your personality and give your guests a glimpse of what your wedding will be like. Whether you're looking for quirky illustrations, romantic florals, or elegant typography, there are many vendors in Singapore that can bring your vision to life.

Choosing a vendor

Begin by deciding whether you want a bespoke or ready-made design. Bespoke designs allow you to create something unique and personalised, while ready-made options can be more cost-effective and faster to produce. Here are some popular vendors in Singapore for both options:

• Bespoke design vendors: Pearlyn and Paper, The Paper Bunny, Creativekad, Dora. Prints and Paper Goods, Gifts of Grace Design, Kalo Make Art, Nineteen Design Studio, and The Fingersmith Letterpress.
• Ready-made design vendors: Dreamweavers, WforWedding, and The Gentlemen's Press.

Getting inspiration

Once you've chosen a vendor, it's time to start thinking about the design elements you want to include. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Floral designs: This is a popular choice for wedding invitations, adding a romantic and whimsical touch. Consider using watercolour florals or botanical illustrations.
• Minimalist designs: For a modern and elegant look, go for clean lines and simple typography. You can also incorporate marble or geometric elements.
• Lettering and calligraphy: Add a personal touch with hand-lettering or calligraphy. You can use this for the entire invitation or just for highlighting important details.
• Illustrations: Include vintage-style or whimsical illustrations to reflect your personality and the theme of your wedding.
• Printing techniques: Techniques like letterpress, embossing, and foil stamping can enhance the design and give your invitations a luxurious feel.

Selecting fonts

The font you choose for your wedding invitation card will set the tone and style of your design. Here are some popular font combinations to consider:

• Cursive font with a sans serif: For example, Great Vibes with Montserrat. This combination is elegant and easy to read.
• Serif font with a sans serif: Try Playfair Display, a classic-type serif font, paired with Montserrat Light for a timeless look.
• Sans serif font with a serif font: Josefina, a sans serif font, can be paired with a serif font like Times New Roman for a harmonious look.
• Bold fonts: Fonts like Bodoni, a modern font with high contrast between thick and thin strokes, and Hammersmith One create a strong and attention-grabbing design.
• Vintage-inspired fonts: Josefin Sans is a geometric, vintage-inspired font that pairs well with a modern font like Bodoni.
• Script-type fonts: Pinyon Script is a classic choice for wedding invitations and can be offset with a contemporary font like Josefin Sans.

Printing: Pick card type, envelope, and printing specifications

When it comes to printing your wedding invitation cards, there are a few things to consider to ensure that they look exactly how you want them to. Firstly, it's important to choose a card type that reflects the style and theme of your wedding. Opting for a higher GSM paper will give your invitations a more luxurious feel, while choosing a coloured paper such as a soft off-white can add a subtle touch of elegance.

Next, you'll want to select an envelope that complements your card choice. For a classic and stylish look, a navy blue envelope is a great option, but you could also opt for something more playful or whimsical depending on your wedding theme. It's also worth considering the thickness of the envelope; a higher GSM will add a touch of quality to your invitations.

When it comes to the printing specifications, you'll have a few options to choose from. Glossy printing will give your invitations a shiny and vibrant look, while matte printing is more subdued and elegant. You can also choose from a variety of printing types, including embossing, hot stamping, and ink printing.

Embossing creates a raised effect for your font or pattern, adding a touch of dimension to your invitations. Hot stamping involves melting coloured foil at high heat and transferring it onto the paper, resulting in a luxurious and elegant finish. Ink printing is the most common and affordable option, using normal ink to transfer your design onto the paper.

It's worth noting that there is no "best" type of printing, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Take the time to consider which style suits your wedding theme and your personal taste.

Addressing: Write guests' names and use appropriate titles

When addressing your wedding invitation cards, it is important to use the correct titles and full names of your guests. This is considered the most formal and respectful approach. For example, you could write "Mr. and Mrs. [Surname]" or "Ms. [Full Name]".

If your guests are bringing their partners, you can address them as " [Guest Name] & Partner". Alternatively, if you know the partner's name, you can address them as "Mr. and Mrs. [Guest Surname]". This is a clear indication that their children are not invited. If you wish to invite children as well, you can write "Mr. and Mrs. [Guest Surname] and family".

In some cultures, such as Asian countries, there may be more specific rules for addressing relatives on invitation cards. It is advisable to seek guidance from your parents or elders in such cases.

Frequently asked questions