The Art Of Wedding Invites: What Are They Called?

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning, providing guests with essential details such as the couple's full names, the hosts, ceremony location, and reception venue. The invitations also set the tone for the wedding, giving guests a glimpse of what to expect on the big day. From formal and traditional to creative and whimsical, the wording and design of wedding invitations can vary greatly, reflecting the couple's personality and style.

Wedding Invitation Wording

Wedding invitations are a letter asking the recipient to attend a wedding. They are typically written in formal, third-person language and mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

Wording and Etiquette

The wording of a wedding invitation can be tricky, but there are some basic elements that should be included no matter what. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you craft the perfect wedding invitation wording:

• Host Line: Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts of the wedding and their names are listed at the top of the invitation. However, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is also acceptable and gracious. If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can use something like "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families."
• Request Line: This is where you extend the invitation to attend the wedding and set the tone for the celebration. Some options include "The honour of your presence" for a religious service or "The pleasure of your company" for a non-religious ceremony.
• Action Line: This line outlines what you are inviting guests to share in. For example, "at the marriage of their daughter" if the bride's parents are hosting or "at the celebration of their union" if the couple is hosting.
• Couple's Names: For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, you can list the names in alphabetical order or based on what looks best with the design.
• Date and Time: For formal weddings, the date and time should be spelled out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon."
• Venue: List the venue name and city, state. The street address is not usually included unless the venue is a private residence.
• Reception Information: If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, you can simply say "Reception to follow." If it is at a different location, include the venue on a separate line or on a separate reception card.
• Dress Code: Including the dress code on the invitation is optional but can be helpful for guests. If the wedding is black-tie, it must be included.
• Wedding Website: It is not recommended to print the wedding website on the main invitation card. Instead, include it on a separate reception or additional information card.

Examples

"Together with their families, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company at their wedding on Saturday, the fifth of May, two thousand seventeen, at one o'clock in the afternoon at The Reagan Library, Simi Valley, California. Dinner and dancing to follow. Black-tie required."

"With hearts full of love and joy, Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honour of your presence at their wedding on Saturday, the first of June, two thousand eighteen, at four o'clock in the afternoon at St. Michael's Church, San Francisco, California. Reception to follow at the Garden Club."

"The pleasure of your company is requested at the wedding of Gina Marie Johnson and Michael Francis Wilson on Saturday, the twentieth of October, two thousand twenty-two, at six o'clock in the evening at the Country Club, Seattle, Washington. Cocktails and dancing to follow. Black-tie optional."

Printing Styles

Wedding invitation printing styles have evolved over the years, from the invention of the printing press to the digital age. Here is a detailed overview of some popular printing styles for wedding invitations:

Engraving

A high-end technique that gives wedding invitations a luxurious feel. Engraving involves etching an image into a metal plate, filling it with ink, and then pressing paper onto the plate. This results in raised letters on the front and an indentation on the back of the invitation. Engraving works best with thick paper, such as cotton fibre, and is ideal for ultra-formal weddings. It is one of the most expensive printing methods and can take several weeks for completion.

Thermography

A more affordable alternative to engraving, thermography creates a similar raised letter effect. This heat-based process fuses ink and resinous powder, resulting in slightly shiny lettering. It works well with various types of paper but is not recommended for pearlescent or shimmery surfaces. Thermography is best suited for small graphics and has a faster turnaround time than engraving.

Letterpress

Letterpress printing is a labour-intensive method that creates a textural and sophisticated look. It involves etching text or an image in reverse on a raised surface, typically a plate, and then coating it with ink to produce an impression on the paper. Letterpress requires soft, bulky paper, such as cotton fibre or bamboo paper, and is recommended for white or light-coloured paper with dark ink. This printing style usually offers a lower-priced line but with fewer customisation options.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is ideal for casual or funky wedding styles and couples on a budget or tight timeline. It uses thousands of tiny ink dots to form letters and designs on thinner, flexible paper. While the ink may not be as dynamic as other processes, digital printing offers freedom in colour choices. It is the fastest and most cost-effective printing option.

Offset Printing (Lithography)

Offset printing is similar to digital printing but with slightly higher quality and a more expensive price tag. It uses a rubber stamp-like cylinder to press ink onto the paper and is often used for save-the-date cards due to its less formal appearance. Offset printing offers more paper options, including textured papers like cotton or bamboo, and allows for vibrant designs and lettering.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping creates a luxe effect by pressing metallic foil onto the paper using a heated copper plate. It is a "dry printing" process as it doesn't use ink. Lighter foils, such as silver and white, on darker papers create a dramatic effect. Foil stamping is versatile, complementing both luxe and whimsical invites, but it is the most expensive printing process with a long turnaround time.

Embossing

Embossing is similar to engraving but without the use of ink. It creates a raised-relief surface, adding dimension to the invitation. This technique is typically done on thicker paper stock, like cotton fibre, and is perfect for monograms and bordering. Embossing can be done with or without ink and usually takes around three to five weeks for completion.

The choice of printing style depends on the desired aesthetic, budget, and timeline. Couples should also consider the type of paper and design when selecting a printing style to ensure the best results.

Types of Paper

Wedding invitations are a chance for couples to showcase their personality and give guests a glimpse of what to expect on the big day. The type of paper chosen for wedding invitations can range from high-end to cost-effective, with each option offering a unique look and feel. Here are some popular types of paper used for wedding invitations:

Card and Cover Stock

Graphic designer and stationer Joy Scott Montgomery recommends that all wedding invitations be printed on card stock, which gives a luxurious and couture feel to the invite. The weight of the card stock can vary, with the commonly used Mohawk cover stock weighing in at 120 pounds. This type of paper comes in different finishes, including unfinished, satin, silk, and glossy. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice among brides, who often add textures like linen to enhance the invitation's look and feel. Card stock is also available in metallic finishes, adding a touch of sparkle and shine to the invitation.

Cotton Fiber

Cotton fiber paper is the costliest option, made from 100% cotton, giving it a super soft feel and a durable structure. This type of paper is free from imperfections and particles, making it ideal for printing techniques like letterpress as it absorbs ink exceptionally well. Cotton fiber paper is a popular choice for couples seeking a timeless and elegant look for their wedding invitations.

Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper

For couples opting for a rustic or outdoorsy theme, kraft and wood-grain paper are perfect choices. These papers offer a DIY touch, conveying a sense of personalized intimacy. Kraft paper, also known as recycled cardstock, resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags but with a smoother and more polished finish. Wood-grain paper, on the other hand, has a subtle embossed wood grain texture, adding a natural and decorative element to the invitation.

Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper

Glassine and clear vellum paper are non-opaque options that provide depth and interest to wedding invitations. These papers are flexible, translucent, and thin, allowing for creative layering with other types of paper. However, the glue used in assembling these invitations may be visible, requiring additional assembly techniques such as grommets or ribbons. Glassine and clear vellum paper are often used as accents, such as belly bands, that hold all the elements of the invitation package together.

Acrylic Invitations

Acrylic invitations are the go-to choice for couples seeking crystal clear and dramatic invites. These invitations are made from rigid, thin sheets of clear material and can be printed using various methods such as digital printing, etching, or engraving. Acrylic invitations offer a modern and unique look but come with limitations, as certain printing techniques like foil stamping or thermography may warp the material.

RSVP Cards

Wedding invitations are a letter asking the recipient to attend a wedding. They are typically formal and are sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. RSVP cards, also known as respond cards, are an important part of the invitation suite. They are usually included with the wedding invitation, making it easy for guests to respond.

Timing

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding, with slightly more time given for out-of-town or destination weddings. This means that you should aim to order your wedding invitations 4-5 months in advance.

If you are hosting a destination wedding or are getting married over a holiday weekend, you will need to send out your invitations even earlier – around three months in advance. This gives guests more time to make travel arrangements.

It's also important to consider how long it will take for your invitations to arrive at their destination. If you are sending them internationally, for example, you may need to add a little extra time to the above guidelines.

You should ask your guests to RSVP 2-4 weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to finalise numbers with your caterer and create your seating plan.

Frequently asked questions