The Art Of Wedding Invites: Understanding Design Lines

Wedding invitations are one of the first things guests will see, and designing them offers couples a chance to express their style. The design lines in wedding invites refer to the different elements of the invitation's wording and formatting. These include the host line, request line, names of the couple, date and time, location, and reception information. The wording and format chosen can reflect the level of formality of the wedding, with traditional invitations featuring more formal language and spelling out dates and times in full, while modern invites often use numerical figures and a more casual tone.

Types of printing

When it comes to wedding invites, the printing method you choose can have a big impact on the final look and feel of the invite, as well as your budget and timeline. Here are some of the most common types of printing methods for wedding invites:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a cost-effective and simple printing method that uses tiny dots to form text and images. It is similar to what you would get from a laser printer but with higher quality. This method is usually done on thinner paper and is the fastest and most common way to produce invitations. Cards can cost as little as $1 per piece when ordering in bulk, and you can also upgrade to a variety of special digital-ink-friendly papers.

Letterpress

Letterpress printing uses metal plates to press ink onto thick, pliable paper, leaving a textured impression on the invite. Each metal plate is designed for one ink colour at a time, so the cards have to be printed once for each colour. This method adds character to the invite but can be costly, with each additional colour running around $1.50-2 extra per card.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a technique where a heated copper plate is used to press gold, silver, or coloured metallic foils into the paper, leaving a shiny design. It adds class and brightens up the invite. Foil stamping is usually more expensive than letterpress, with an up-charge of around $2-3 extra per piece.

Offset Printing (aka Lithography)

Offset printing is similar to digital printing but with a slightly higher quality and cost. It involves using a rubber stamp-like cylinder to press ink onto the paper, resulting in flat letters and designs. This method allows for more textured papers like cotton or bamboo and offers more freedom in colour choices.

Engraving and Embossing

Engraving and embossing are high-end techniques that add a hint of luxury to wedding invitations. They both use custom-made metal plates to raise letters and images on the paper's surface, with the main difference being that engraving includes ink, while embossing is inkless and better suited for monograms and borders. These techniques are more expensive due to the customised plates and can take several weeks to complete.

Thermography

Thermography is a heat-based process that fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering. It is similar to engraving but with a subtle shine and a smooth back, making it a more affordable alternative. Thermography offers a wide range of colours, including metallic hues, and is suitable for all types of paper.

Screen Printing

Screen printing involves using a mesh stencil that is pressed against material, usually fabric, and then ink is pressed through the porous mesh onto the material with a roller.

Each printing method has its own unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your budget, timeline, and desired look and feel of your wedding invites.

Host line

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation and names the hosts of the event. If multiple parties are hosting, you only need to include names if you're aiming for a formal feel. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, this line can be omitted.

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and are named at the top of the invitation, even for very formal affairs. However, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is a gracious option, no matter who foots the bill. It is also becoming more common for couples to host their own weddings or to do so together with their parents.

If it's a collaborative affair hosted and paid for by the couple and both sets of parents, you might write:

> Together with their parents, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company...

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include both as hosts, you can include them all, keeping each parent on a separate line. If you're going to include the name of a stepparent, keep it on the same line as their partner. Here's an example of how a bride with divorced (and remarried) parents worded the wedding invitation:

> Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory and Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children Amy Abner and Charles Hyland 01.06.18 | 4 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church Newport, California Reception immediately after

If the couple is hosting with their families, you could add a line such as "Together with their families".

Request line

The request line is a crucial element of a wedding invitation, conveying the purpose of the invitation and asking guests to attend the wedding ceremony. This line typically follows the host line, which names the hosts of the event, and precedes the names of the couple. The request line can be formal or informal, depending on the tone and style of the wedding. Here are some examples of request lines for different types of weddings:

Formal Wedding Request Lines:

• "Request the honour of your presence"
• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Cordially invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children"
• "Joyfully request the pleasure of your company as we exchange vows"

Informal/Casual Wedding Request Lines:

• "Invite you to share in their joy"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Invite you to their wedding"

The request line is an opportunity for the couple to set the tone for their wedding and invite their guests to share in their special day. Whether formal or informal, the request line is an essential part of the wedding invitation, conveying the joy and excitement of the upcoming celebration.

Couple's names

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text (and often in a fancy typeface) on wedding invites.

Traditionally, the bride's name always comes first, followed by the groom's full name. However, this tradition is not always followed, especially for same-sex couples. For couples that do not identify as a bride and groom, or if there are two brides, the names are typically listed in alphabetical order. Same-sex couples can also choose to list names based on what sounds better.

For formal weddings, the couple's full names, including middle names, are used. For less formal weddings, first and last names are acceptable.

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the host line can be omitted.

Post-ceremony details

The post-ceremony details are an important part of your wedding invitation, letting your guests know what to expect after the ceremony and ensuring they can share in your celebration. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect post-ceremony wording for your wedding invites.

Reception Information

It is essential to provide clear information about the reception venue, especially if it is at a different location from the ceremony. If the reception is at the same venue, you can simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If it is at a different location, include the full address and other pertinent details. You may include this information on a separate reception card tucked into the invitation suite or on the invitation itself if there is enough room.

Same-day reception at a different venue:

"Reception to follow at [venue name and address]"

Reception at a later date:

"Please join us for a reception celebrating their marriage on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]"

Informal reception at the same venue:

"Drinks, dinner, and dancing to follow"

Formal reception at a different venue:

"An evening of celebration will follow at [venue name and address]"

Timing

If there is a gap between the ceremony and the reception, or if the reception is on a different day, be sure to include the timing details. For example, "Reception at six o'clock in the evening" or "Reception to follow at two o'clock in the afternoon".

Dress Code

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for your guests. You may include it on the invitation itself, usually in the lower right corner, or on a separate details card. Some examples of how to word the dress code are:

• "Black-tie invited"
• "Cocktail attire suggested"
• "Beach casual"

RSVP Details

Provide clear instructions for your guests to RSVP, such as including an RSVP card with a reply-by date or directing them to your wedding website. This will help you get an accurate headcount for the reception and any other post-ceremony events.

Other Events

If there are multiple events during the wedding weekend, such as a rehearsal dinner or morning-after brunch, you can include this information on a separate activity card in the invitation suite. This ensures your guests are well-informed about all the festivities they are invited to.

Remember, the key to effective post-ceremony wording is clarity and conciseness. Provide all the essential details while keeping the wording simple and elegant.

Frequently asked questions