Wedding Invitations: Where To Look For Yours

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, setting the tone and style of the event. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming for couples to decide where to start looking. The good news is that there are plenty of online retailers and websites that offer a wide range of designs, from classic and elegant to fun and whimsical. Couples can also choose to work with local stores or stationers for a more bespoke option. Whether you're looking for something ready to print or wanting to customise every detail, there's a website to suit every couple's needs.

Font, colour, and graphics

When it comes to the font, colour, and graphics of your wedding invitations, there are a few key things to consider to ensure they look perfect. Firstly, you should think about the style of font you want – this could be a sophisticated script, a clean and modern look, or a handwritten style. You could opt for a classic wedding invite combination of a cursive font paired with a sans serif, or a serif font with a timeless appeal. Play around with different fonts and see what works best for you.

Next, you'll want to select a colour palette that complements your wedding theme and aesthetic. If you're going for a rustic wedding, perhaps consider invitations with distressed wood textures. Or, if your wedding is in a city loft, a modern font and minimal design could be more suitable. You could also add a pop of colour to your invitations, such as a floral or geometric design, to make them stand out.

Finally, consider adding some graphics or illustrations to your invitations to make them even more special. This could be something simple like floral borders or rustic motifs, or you could go for something more unique like a custom illustration of your wedding venue or the happy couple.

• Great Vibes + Montserrat
• Playfair Display + Montserrat Light
• Josefina + Times New Roman
• Montserrat + Hammersmith One
• Bodoni + Josefin Sans
• Playfair Display + Arialle
• Pacifico + Open Sans
• League Gothic + Kollektif
• Anonymous Pro + League Gothic
• Sifonn + Forum
• Norwester + Roboto

Paper type

When it comes to choosing the paper type for your wedding invitations, there are several options to consider, ranging from high-end to cost-effective. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Card and Cover Stock:

According to graphic designer and stationer Joy Scott Montgomery, all wedding invitations should ideally be printed on card stock. Thicker, heavier paper gives a more luxurious feel, making your invitations seem expensive and elegant. The typical weight for cover stock is 120 pounds, and it can come in various treatments, including unfinished, satin, silk, or glossy. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice among brides, who often add textures like linen or eggshell for a subtle touch of sophistication.

Cotton Fiber:

Cotton fiber is the most expensive option for wedding invitation paper. It is made from 100% cotton, giving it a soft feel and a flawless finish. Cotton paper is also highly durable and absorbs ink exceptionally well, making it ideal for techniques like letterpress printing. If you're looking for invitations that will stand the test of time, cotton fiber is an excellent choice.

Kraft and Wood-Grain Paper:

For a more rustic or DIY feel, consider kraft or wood-grain paper. These options have an outdoorsy, intimate vibe that is perfect for couples who want their invitations to reflect their unique personality. Invitations with live edges, available with cotton paper, are another way to add a handmade touch.

Glassine and Clear Vellum Paper:

If you're looking for a translucent, cloudy white material, glassine or clear vellum paper is the way to go. These papers are thin, flexible, and smooth, often used in layered invitations to create depth and interest. They can be used to create borders or mute underlying graphics. However, keep in mind that glue may be visible, and assembly may require additional elements like grommets or ribbons.

Pearlescent Paper:

Pearlescent paper adds a subtle shimmer to your invitations, giving them an elegant glow. This type of paper is perfect for invitations featuring photographs, as it enhances the image with a soft radiance.

Board Wedding Invitation:

For a sturdy, thick cardstock that won't bend in the mail, consider a board wedding invitation. Typically made with three layers of paper, including a cotton texture, these invitations offer a premium feel.

When choosing the paper type for your wedding invitations, it's essential to consider your budget, the desired level of luxury, and the overall style you want to convey. Each option has its unique characteristics, so take the time to explore and find the perfect match for your special day.

Envelope type

When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelope is an important part of the package. It's the first thing your guests will see, so it's essential to make a good impression. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right envelope type for your wedding invitations:

Size

First, you need to ensure your envelope is the right size for your invitation. Standard invitation envelope sizes include C5, C6, C7, DL, square, 5" x 7" (A7), and RSVP. You can also find envelopes for other wedding stationery, such as favour boxes, wedding scroll boxes, place cards, and thank you cards.

Colour

Envelopes come in a variety of colours, including white, ivory, cream, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, grey, brown, black, silver, and gold. You can choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or the season. For example, green and red envelopes can be great for Christmas weddings, while pastel colours like yellow, pink, and mint are perfect for spring or summer weddings.

Material and Texture

The material and texture of your envelope can add a luxurious feel to your invitations. Options include linen effect, lightly textured, hammer effect, kraft paper, recycled paper, and translucent paper. You can also find envelopes with a pearlescent or metallic finish for a glamorous touch.

Seal Type

Consider whether you want your envelopes to have a gummed seal, a peel-and-seal strip, or a button and string closure. A gummed seal gives a traditional look, but can be tricky for guests to close, while peel-and-seal and button-and-string closures are more convenient.

Flap Style

The type of flap on your envelope can also affect the overall look and feel. Options include a V-flap, a pocket envelope (where the flap tucks into the envelope), or an open-top envelope. V-flap envelopes are the most common, while pocket envelopes have a more unique, vintage look.

Customisation

Finally, you might want to consider customising your envelopes. You can add your own design, or have your guests' names and addresses printed on them in a font and colour of your choice. This can save you time and make your invitations look extra special.

Wording and etiquette

The wording of your wedding invitation is important as it conveys all the essential details of your wedding, such as the couple's full names, who is hosting, the ceremony location, and the reception venue. The wording you choose can also indicate the level of formality of your wedding.

• Host Line: The opening line names the host(s) of the event, usually the person(s) paying for the wedding. If the couple is hosting, this line can be omitted.
• Attendance Request: This line lets guests know what they are being invited to, e.g., "the pleasure of your company" or "join us to celebrate."
• Couple's Names: The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger, sometimes fancier text. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first. For same-sex couples, the order of names is up to personal preference.
• Date and Time: Traditional invitations spell out the date and time, while modern invites often use numerical figures. Be sure to use a legible font to avoid confusion.
• Location: Include the name and full address of your venue, including the state and zip code, or country if it's a destination wedding.
• Reception Details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply state "reception to follow." Otherwise, include the full address and other details on a separate card.
• Dress Code: Including the dress code is optional but helpful. It is usually mentioned in the lower corner or bottom center of the invite.
• Be Concise: Avoid overloading your invites with text, as this can result in guests missing important information.
• Consider the Host: Traditionally, the invitation includes the name of the person(s) hosting (and paying for) the wedding. Nowadays, this may not always be the parent(s) of the bride, but it is respectful to list anyone contributing to the wedding.
• Consider Formality: The wording you choose should correlate with the formality of the occasion. For a black-tie affair, opt for traditional wording, while modern and playful phrasing suits a more casual event.
• Include an Insert Card: Provide guests with a link to your wedding website or include details such as the dress code, backup venue information, or registry details on a separate insert card.
• Whose Name Goes First: Traditionally, the bride's name comes first. For couples who don't identify as a bride and groom, or in the case of two brides, names are typically listed alphabetically.
• Reception-Only Invitation: For a reception-only celebration, tweak the wording, e.g., "request the honor of your presence to celebrate the wedding of."
• Multiple Venues: If you have additional events or the ceremony and reception are in separate locations, include the details on a separate card to avoid overloading your invites.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can add your own personal touches and style to your wedding invitations.

Online vs. in-store

There are many options for designing and purchasing wedding invitations, both online and in-store.

Online

Online wedding invitations are a cost-effective and time-efficient way to check a major item off your wedding to-do list. Many websites offer a wide range of designs, from classic and elegant to whimsical and bold, that can be customised with different fonts, colours, and paper types. Some sites also offer additional services such as free consultations with designers, sample boxes, and etiquette guides. Online invitations are also a more sustainable option, reducing paper waste and the need for international postage. However, online invitations may be less accessible for less tech-savvy recipients and may require extra effort to gather guest email addresses.

Some popular websites for online wedding invitations include:

• Minted
• Zola
• Artifact Uprising
• Zazzle
• Shutterfly
• Etsy
• Greenvelope
• Vistaprint
• Mixbook
• Paper Source

In-Store

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, there are also brick-and-mortar stores that offer wedding invitation services. These stores often provide a personalised experience with expert advice and guidance. In-store consultations can be helpful for couples who want to see and feel the invitations before purchasing. Additionally, in-store options may offer more bespoke designs and customisation options. However, the cost of in-store invitations may be higher, and there may be longer production and shipping times involved.

Some popular in-store options for wedding invitations include:

• Paper Source: A trusted brand for paper-related products, offering a range of unique designs and customisation options.
• Dear Annabelle: Offers fill-in-the-blank cards with handwritten notes for an extra personal touch.
• Smythson: Known for sleek, elevated stationery designs that are hand-printed in Wiltshire, England.

Frequently asked questions