A Royal Wedding Invite: What's Written Inside?

Royal wedding invitations have been a source of fascination for the public for centuries. Historically, royal wedding invitations were handwritten announcements delivered by a messenger, with the aristocracy favouring this tradition in the 18th century. Today, royal wedding invitations continue to exude elegance and sophistication, often featuring bespoke techniques such as custom letterpress and die stamping, as seen in the invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. The design elements of these invitations, from the use of white space to the choice of typeface, contribute to their timeless and classy appeal.

Royal wedding invitations are traditionally white cards with black text and gold trim

Royal wedding invitations are steeped in tradition and protocol. While the design and wording of royal wedding invitations have evolved over the years, there are certain classic features that remain consistent. One such feature is the colour scheme: royal wedding invitations are traditionally white cards with black text and gold trim. This combination exudes elegance and sophistication, setting the tone for the royal celebration.

The white card stock provides a crisp and refined backdrop for the invitation, allowing the intricate details to shine. White has long been associated with purity and elegance, making it a fitting choice for such a momentous occasion. The black text adds a touch of formality and sophistication, ensuring the invitation is easy to read and exudes refinement.

The gold trim, often in the form of embossing or stamping, elevates the invitation, adding a regal touch. Gold is synonymous with royalty, wealth, and opulence, making it the perfect accent colour for a royal wedding invitation. It provides a subtle hint of luxury without overwhelming the overall design.

In addition to the colour scheme, royal wedding invitations also adhere to specific formatting and wording conventions. Royal wedding invitations typically include the royal crest at the top, signifying who is hosting and paying for the wedding. The wording is formal and follows royal protocols, with the royal participant's name listed first, followed by the bride or groom, depending on their status.

The invitations are also carefully crafted to include all the necessary details, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony and any accompanying receptions or celebrations. The text is usually written in a clear and elegant font, with only one typeface used to maintain a sense of cohesion and elegance.

The crest at the top of the invitation signifies who is paying for the wedding

The crest at the top of a royal wedding invitation is more than just a decorative element—it serves as a symbol of who is hosting and paying for the wedding. In the case of royal weddings, the crest often belongs to the family of the royal who is getting married. For instance, the invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding featured Prince Charles's crest in gold, indicating that he was the host and financial sponsor of the wedding. Similarly, Princess Eugenie's invitations included Prince Andrew's badge, with the white rose of York in blue.

On the other hand, when Prince William married Catherine Middleton, their invitation featured the crest of Queen Elizabeth in gold, signifying that the Queen was hosting their wedding. This is because, traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding, and in this case, the bride was a member of the royal family.

The crest is not just a modern royal tradition, but it also has a long history. In the past, invitations were often sealed with a wax seal bearing the crest of the family who sent the invitation. This was a way to secure the invitation and add a touch of elegance and authenticity.

The colour and design of the crest can also be used to coordinate with the wedding's aesthetic and theme. For example, a royal wedding with a vintage theme might use invitations with a crest in a vintage-inspired colour palette.

Overall, the crest at the top of a royal wedding invitation is a significant detail that not only indicates who is paying for the wedding but also adds a touch of regal elegance to the invitation suite.

Royal wedding invitations are delivered by mail

Today, royal wedding invitations are mailed out to guests in the same way as standard wedding invitations. They are usually sent out around six weeks before the wedding date, with guests expected to respond within a week.

Royal wedding invitations are often produced by a company with a Royal Warrant for printing, such as Barnard & Westwood, who produced the invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. The invitations are typically printed on thick, white card and feature the Queen's stamp in gold with the text in black.

The wording of royal wedding invitations follows specific protocols. For example, the royal participant's name will always be mentioned first, followed by the bride, and the joining preposition used is usually "with" rather than "to". The crest at the top of the invitation signifies who is paying for the wedding.

The royal family tends to favour the joining preposition 'with' over 'to'

When it comes to royal wedding invitations, the wording is crucial, and the royal family prefers a traditional and formal approach. One of the key choices they make is to use the preposition "with" instead of "to" in the joining phrase. This is a subtle but significant choice that aligns with the elegant and formal tone they wish to convey.

"His Royal Highness, Prince [Name]

With

Her Royal Highness, Princess [Name]

Request the pleasure of [guest's name] company

As they exchange marriage vows

At [location]

On the [date] at [time]

Your presence is requested at the ceremony and the subsequent reception

[Additional details such as dress code, RSVP information, and any other relevant instructions or information about the event]."

By using "with" instead of "to," the invitation implies a sense of unity and togetherness, emphasizing that the couple is entering into this commitment together as equals, which is a modern touch. It also conveys a sense of warmth and hospitality, making the guests feel welcomed and included in this important moment for the royal family.

The wording "request the pleasure of your company" is another traditional element, indicating that the event is a happy and joyous occasion. The use of "presence is requested" for the ceremony and reception underlines the importance of the guest's attendance at both parts of the celebration, ensuring their support and witness to the union.

Of course, royal wedding invitations are often elaborate and may include additional elements such as coats of arms, intricate designs, and formal borders. The paper and printing quality are also of the highest standard, often featuring gold or silver foil embossing and elegant typefaces.

Overall, the royal family's preference for "with" in the joining phrase contributes to the refined and respectful tone of the invitation, setting the stage for a memorable and historic royal wedding celebration.

Royal wedding invitations are produced by Barnard & Westwood, who have held a Royal Warrant since 1985

Royal wedding invitations are produced by Barnard & Westwood, a company that has held a Royal Warrant since 1985. The invitations are usually printed on thick, white card and feature the Queen's stamp in gold with the text in black. The use of white space and a restrained colour palette, such as black ink on an off-white card with gold embossing and trim, adds an understated elegance to the design. Only one typeface is typically used to avoid a messy or chaotic look.

The wording of royal wedding invitations follows specific royal protocols. For example, the royal participant's name will always be mentioned first, followed by the bride, and the joining preposition "with" is preferred over "to". The invitations also follow traditional wedding etiquette, such as addressing the bride as "Miss" for a first marriage and "Mrs" or "Ms" for a second marriage.

The design of royal wedding invitations is also carefully considered. For instance, the crest at the top of the invitation signifies who paid for the wedding. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's invitation featured Prince Charles' crest in gold, while Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's invitation had Prince Andrew's badge, including the white rose of York, in blue.

The cost of royal wedding invitations can be significant. It is estimated that the invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cost around US $10,000, with bespoke techniques like custom letterpress and die stamping being used. However, it is possible to recreate a royal-inspired invitation without the hefty price tag by using templates and customisation.

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