Wedding Invites: Choosing The Perfect Color Scheme

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, from choosing the right venue to selecting the perfect cake. But one important aspect that should not be overlooked is the wedding invitations. While it is not necessary for the invitations to perfectly match the wedding colours, they should at least complement the overall theme and tone of the event. The invitations give guests a sneak peek into what they can expect on the big day, so it is important to choose colours and designs that reflect the style and formality of the wedding. Whether it's traditional and elegant or modern and playful, the right combination of colours and designs will set the right atmosphere for the special day.

Traditional colours for wedding invitations

While there are no rules dictating what colours you can use for wedding invitations, certain colours are considered traditional. These colours are tried-and-true neutrals that have stood the test of time.

Traditional Paper Colours for Wedding Invitations

• Beige: Relaxing and warmer than stark white.
• Light grey: Conservative; beautiful with dark grey or silver ink.
• Ivory: An understated, pleasing classic; softer and more nuanced than plain white.
• White: Symbolises innocence; crisp and spring-like when used with light or pastel inks.

Traditional Ink Colours

• Black: Goes with almost any colour; elegant; available in many shades; excellent legibility.
• Dark grey: Softer than black; conservative and sophisticated.
• Brown: Conveys warmth, honesty, wholesomeness, and earthiness; use with warm beige paper for a less formal, friendly look.
• Gold: Evokes warmth and richness; use gold ribbons or braids on formal invitations.
• Silver: Glamorous and distinguished; add silver foil embossing as an accent.

Matching the wedding theme

While there is no rule that your wedding invitations must match your wedding colours, it is a good idea to ensure that they complement your wedding theme and tie into your wedding colours in some way. This will help set the tone, mood and theme for your wedding, giving your guests a sneak peek into what they can expect on the day.

If you have a particular colour palette in mind, you can shop for invitations that match your wedding colours. You can also customise invitations to match your wedding colours exactly. If you are unable to find invitations that match your colours, you could opt for metallics like gold or silver, or a simple black-and-white palette.

If you are set on a particular invitation design, you can also use your wedding colours as accents. For example, you could add a ribbon or other embellishment that echoes your wedding colours. You could also add your wedding colours as accents in rule lines, borders, and decorative dividers.

If you are unsure about your wedding colours, you can opt for a minimalist, simple style of invitation that will go with any colour palette.

The importance of colour contrast

When it comes to wedding invitations, colour contrast is extremely important. The right colour combination can set the tone, mood, and theme for your wedding, exciting your guests about the event to come.

Firstly, consider the emotion you want to evoke in your guests and the type of design details you want to preview. Do you want to convey formality and sophistication, or a more relaxed and friendly vibe?

While there are no rules stating that your invitations have to perfectly match your wedding colours, it is important that they complement each other. For instance, if you have chosen a bright and bold colour palette for your wedding, you may want to opt for more subtle colours on your invitations, using your wedding colours as accents. This will create a sense of cohesion without being overwhelming.

The contrast between the paper and ink colours is also crucial. If you plan to include colour photographs or other decorative elements, such as ribbons or borders, ensure that they stand out against the chosen paper colour. For example, if you select a dark paper colour, use light or pastel inks to create a soft, romantic look. Conversely, if you opt for a light paper colour, such as beige, ivory, or white, consider using darker inks, like black or dark grey, for better legibility.

Additionally, think about the season and venue of your wedding. For instance, pastel colours are perfect for springtime weddings, evoking a sense of rebirth and new beginnings. If you're having a beach wedding, consider shades of blue that call to mind the ocean.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. While traditional colours like beige, ivory, and white are always a safe choice, there's no rule saying you can't use more unusual colours like orange or neon green. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose colours that reflect your personality and style, setting the right tone for your special day.

Matching the level of formality

If you are having a formal wedding, opt for classic, elegant colours such as black, white, cream, gold, silver, or beige. For instance, a white invitation printed with black letterpress text on luxe cardstock is a winning combination. You can also add a touch of glamour to a formal invitation with gold or silver foil accents.

For a less formal wedding, you can be more playful with your invitation colours. Consider using colours that reflect the season, such as pastels for spring or summer weddings, or warm tones like orange, yellow, and green for a summer wedding. If you're having a rustic wedding, burnt reds and rusty shades of red are a great option.

If you're having a traditional wedding, you might want to choose colours that are symbolic of the occasion. White is associated with innocence, purity, and new beginnings, while gold symbolises luxury, good fortune, and spiritual power.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding invitation colours. The most important thing is to choose colours that reflect the style and atmosphere of your wedding and that you and your partner love.

The cost of wedding invitations

Printing Methods:

The printing method chosen is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost. Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $500 to $800 for a set of 100 invitations. Offset printing and thermography are more expensive, starting at $800 and going up to $1,800 for 100 invitations. Letterpress printing is even pricier, with costs starting at around $1,500 for 100 invitations. Engraving, the most extravagant printing method, will cost a minimum of $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Design Details and Embellishments:

Add-ons and embellishments will also increase the cost of wedding invitations. Foil stamping, for instance, can add $1,800 to the total for a full foil stamp set on 100 invitations. Gold foil accents will be less expensive, costing around $400 per 100 invitations. Blind debossing and embossing will cost approximately $300 to $400 for 100 invitations. Wax seals are another popular addition, costing around $200 to $300 extra per 100 invitations. Envelope liners can also add to the cost, ranging from $250 to $400 for 100 invitations, with solid colors being more affordable than patterns.

Stationery Vision and Customization:

The level of customization and the craftsmanship involved in creating handmade invitations will also impact the price. Luxury stationery suites crafted from high-end supplies and custom designs can cost thousands of dollars. Letterpress printing, hand calligraphy, and heavier cardstock are all factors that contribute to a higher price tag.

Overall Cost:

According to The Knot's Real Weddings Study, the average total cost of wedding invitations and stationery in 2023 was $530. This includes save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and day-of stationery such as menus, programs, and place cards. However, it's important to note that prices can vary depending on location, with stationery costs being highest in the Mid-Atlantic region and lowest in the West.

When budgeting for wedding invitations, it's essential to consider all the elements of the invitation suite, from the printing method and design details to any additional stationery pieces like save-the-dates and enclosure cards.

Frequently asked questions