Key Questions To Ask Before Designing Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the first things your guests will see, so it's important to get them right. Designing your own invites is a chance to express your style and capture the vibe of your wedding. While it may seem complicated, it's not as difficult as you might think. Here are some key things to consider when designing your wedding invitations:

- Size and shape: Traditionally, wedding invitations are rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. However, you can also opt for horizontal rectangles or scalloped designs.

- Location: The location of your wedding can help guide the theme and design of your invites. For example, a church wedding might call for a more traditional, romantic aesthetic, while a country or farm setting might suit a rustic and natural look.

- Fonts: Choose romantic and elegant fonts for your wedding invites, such as cursive or calligraphy. Avoid bold, blocky fonts, as they can appear too harsh.

- Imagery: Consider using a photo of yourselves to add a personal touch and showcase your love to your friends and family.

- Colour scheme: Your colour scheme will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your invitation. Try to choose colours that reflect your personality as a couple.

- Purpose: Consider the purpose of your invitation. Are you sending out a save-the-date or the final invitation? A save-the-date typically includes the names of the couple, the date, and the location of the wedding. The final invitation should include the time, location, dress code, catering situation, and policy on gifts.

- Delivery method: Decide how you want to deliver your invitations. You can send virtual e-vites or create a mini website, or go with the more traditional option of mailing physical invitations.

Design and printing

Designing your wedding invitations is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. It's a chance to express your style and give your guests a glimpse of your special day. Whether you're working with a stationery designer or creating your invitations yourself, here are some things to consider regarding the design and printing process:

Finding Inspiration: Start by gathering inspiration for the design of your invitations. Think about your wedding's theme, colour palette, and overall aesthetic. Are you going for a romantic, rustic, elegant, or whimsical look? Pull inspiration from your love story, unique textiles, embroidery, or even your home decor.

Size and Shape: Traditionally, wedding invitations are rectangular, with dimensions of 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. This classic size can help keep printing costs down. However, don't be afraid to explore other options like horizontal rectangles or scalloped designs if they better suit your style.

Printing Techniques: Familiarise yourself with different printing techniques such as letterpress, thermography, engraving, matte, or gloss. Decide if you want to include special elements like foil, letterpress, or custom wax seals. Choose a printing technique that aligns with your budget and the desired look of your invitations.

Customisation: Determine the level of customisation you want for your invitations. Will you be providing your designer with specific guidelines, or do you want them to create something unique based on your love story? Discuss the customisation options with your designer, including colour, paper type, ink, fonts, and any additional design elements like monograms or symbols.

Printing and Assembly: Decide whether you want to print your invitations yourself or outsource them to a professional printer. In-house printing may offer quicker turnaround times, while outsourcing can be more cost-effective. If you're printing yourself, ensure you have access to a high-quality printer and the necessary paper and envelopes. Consider whether you want to assemble the invitations yourself or have them assembled by a professional.

Timing and Proofing: Discuss the estimated production timeline with your designer or printer. Allow for a cushion in your schedule to account for any delays. Always request a proof of your invitations before printing to check for errors or design adjustments. Have at least two other people review the proofs before giving your final approval.

Packages and Discounts: Inquire about package deals or discounts if you plan to order multiple components, such as save-the-date cards, invitations, place cards, or thank-you cards. Bundling these services may result in cost savings.

RSVP and Website Coordination: Don't forget to include RSVP details on your invitations. Provide a separate RSVP card, an email address, or a phone number for guests to respond. If you have a wedding website, coordinate the design and imagery with your invitations to create a cohesive style.

Wording and etiquette

The wording of your wedding invitation is important as it sets the tone for your wedding and communicates vital details about the event. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations are both informative and elegant:

The Host Line

The first line of a wedding invitation is usually dedicated to the host of the wedding, or the party covering the expenses. Traditionally, this would be the bride's parents, but nowadays, it is common for the groom's parents, the couple themselves, or a combination of all three to contribute. There is no official order or requirement to list the names, it is entirely up to personal preference. If you have step-parents or deceased parents, you can accommodate this with creative wording. For example:

> Mr. & Mrs. Flores, Mr. & Mrs. Hill, Mr. & Mrs. Byrne and Mr. & Mrs. Lin request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne.

Or, if you wish to honour a deceased parent:

> Mr. & Mrs. Jon Flores and Mr. Tom Byrne & the late Mrs. Nancy Byrne request the honor of your company at the marriage of their children Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne.

The Couple's Names

When listing the couple's names, the bride's name typically precedes the groom's. The bride's first and middle names are commonly used, while the groom's full name is written out. However, this is all up to personal style and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Ceremony Details

The date, time, location, and address are essential and should be written clearly and simply. For a very formal invitation, you may wish to spell out the date and time in full. You can also include a QR code that links to your wedding website or provides directions.

Post-Ceremony Plans

Let your guests know what to expect after the ceremony. You may wish to include details about a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, or any other activities. If the reception is at a different location, include the address or direct guests to your wedding website. Some examples of post-ceremony wording include:

> Dinner and dancing to follow.

>

> Reception immediately following at [location].

>

> Drinks and dancing to follow at [location].

Dress Code

If you wish for your guests to adhere to a specific dress code, this can be included in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. If no dress code is specified, the style of the invitation itself will often indicate the expected attire.

RSVP Details

Don't forget to include RSVP details, such as a separate response card for guests to fill out and return, or a wedding website where they can respond online.

Design Elements

The design of your invitation is just as important as the wording. Here are some tips to create a visually appealing invitation:

• Romantic fonts: Cursive or calligraphy fonts are excellent choices for wedding invites as they are soft, romantic, and elegant.
• Visual theme: Choose a visual theme that reflects your personality as a couple. Try to use a colour theme that you will carry through to the wedding itself.
• Imagery: Consider including a photo of yourselves to make your invitations more personal and showcase your love to your friends and family.
• Unusual formats: Don't be afraid to switch up the format, include personal jokes, or incorporate themes related to your destination or interests.
• Colour scheme: Choose a colour scheme that reflects your style as a couple. Green is a popular choice for outdoor weddings, while pink and purple, blue and white, and gold are also great options.

Remember, the most important rule is to create a beautiful wedding invitation that represents you, your love, and the big day to come.

Hosts and couples' names

The hosts' and couples' names are an important part of a wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts of the wedding and are named at the top of the invitation. However, it has become more common to include both sets of parents as hosts, especially when both are contributing financially. In this case, you can start with a short statement such as "Together with their families, [bride's name] and [groom's name] invite you to celebrate their love and union". Alternatively, you can list all parents' names, starting with the bride's, followed by the bride and groom's names.

If the wedding is hosted and paid for by the couple and both sets of parents, you can use a phrase like "Together with their parents, [couple's names] request the pleasure of your company...".

If you want to include the name of a deceased parent, you'll need to rearrange the wording as someone who has passed cannot be a host. Here is an example: " [Bride's name], daughter of Mr [father's name] and the late [mother's name], and [groom's name], son of Mr and [parents' names], request the honour of your presence at their wedding...",

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 including a stepparent, keep their name on the same line as their partner.

For same-sex couples, the traditional rule of the woman's name first does not apply. The couple can choose to place their names in alphabetical order or simply go with what sounds better.

Location and venue

When it comes to the location and venue details on your wedding invitation, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, it's important to include specific and clear information about the date, time, location, and address of your wedding. This will ensure your guests can easily find the venue and arrive on time. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

• Date and Time: Specify the date and time of your wedding clearly. For formal invitations, it is customary to spell out the date and time, for example, "Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon." For casual invitations, using numerals is also acceptable.
• Venue Name and Address: Include the name of the venue and the full address, including the city and state. If the venue is well-known or easy to find, you may omit the address to maintain a simpler design. However, if the venue is in a remote location or has a unique name, providing the full address will be helpful for your guests.
• Separate Reception Location: If your reception will be held at a different location from the ceremony, be sure to include this information. You can include it on a separate card for very formal invitations or print it directly on the invitation if there is room. Provide the address of the reception venue if it is different from the ceremony location.
• Dress Code: Including dress code information on the invitation is optional but can be helpful for your guests. You may choose to include a dress code request, such as "black-tie optional" or "cocktail attire." Alternatively, the level of formality of your invitation design may indicate the expected dress code to your guests.
• Post-Ceremony Plans: Let your guests know about any post-ceremony celebrations, such as a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, or other activities. You can include this information directly on the invitation or on a separate card. Phrases such as "Dinner and dancing to follow" or "Reception to follow at [reception venue address]" are commonly used.
• Direction and Accommodation Details: Consider including a wedding website link or QR code on your invitation, which can provide additional information for your guests. This can include directions to the venue, accommodation options, and any other relevant details to enhance their experience.

Examples:

• "Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon, Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Reception to follow."
• "June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm, Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Dinner and dancing to follow."
• "The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, Colorado. An evening of dinner and dancing to follow."
• "Ceremony: Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Newport, California. Reception: The Reagan Library, Simi Valley, California."

Remember to include all the essential location and venue details, and feel free to adapt the wording to match the tone and style of your wedding invitation.

Post-ceremony plans

The day after the wedding is often spent napping and ordering room service, but if you want to keep the party going, there are plenty of options for a post-wedding celebration. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Outdoor BBQ or Pizza Party: This is a popular choice for a relaxed and laid-back celebration, especially for country house weddings in the summer. Just make sure to have a Plan B in case of rain!
• Brunch or Pub Lunch: This option puts the least amount of pressure on guests, offering a casual and low-key gathering. It's perfect for city weddings, and many venues can host you for a second day.
• Outdoor Games: If your crew is up for it, you could organize a round of golf, archery, paintballing, or even bungee jumping and skydiving!
• Outdoor Excursion: If you're getting married in a beautiful location, why not make the most of it with a hike, walk, or even a dip in the sea?
• Picnic: An outdoor picnic is a charming way to spend the afternoon, and it can work regardless of your venue. It's also a great way to involve any talented home cooks or bakers on your guest list.
• Spa Day: After the exhaustion of the wedding, a spa day can be a relaxing way to unwind and catch up with your bridal party or friends.
• Class or Entertainment: Hire an expert to instruct your guests in a new discipline, such as origami or cookery, or entertain them with something unusual like caricature artists or magicians.
• Movie Screening: Booking a private cinema and bringing along a favourite film is a laid-back option, especially for city weddings. Pair it with drinks, brunch, or dinner to make it more social.
• Traditional Session: If you're getting married in Ireland or another country with a strong traditional music scene, a trad session is a must!
• Sporting Event: If there's a beloved sports team playing the day after your wedding, bring your guests along to cheer them on.
• Second-Day Disco: Hire a dance floor and a DJ to keep the party going! A silent disco is a fun option that allows older guests to chat in peace.
• Murder Mystery: This unique choice will be a memorable way to spend the day after your wedding, and it can be as low-key or elaborate as you like.
• Tasting: Organize a wine, whiskey, beer, or gin tasting for your guests, either at your venue or on-site at a distillery or brewery.

Frequently asked questions