Wedding Invitations Guide

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It's only one small piece of paper, but it can be so powerful.  Your wedding invitations  should have the appropriate wording and reflect the entire theme and mood that you would like your wedding day to convey... and covering all of this is no easy task.    We are here to get you into the know and help you make the best choices possible.  Read on to brush up on your invitation etiquette and get your creative juices flowing.

Invitation Styles

First, you will want to get a vision.  Soft colours?  Photo embellishments?  Modern style?  Traditional?  Once you have some ideas about what you will want your invites to look like, it is easier to put your design into a plan. 

Whether you choose traditional, fun, casual, or quirky invitations, know that if you are going customised, you will have to select a font, colour scheme, and type of paper. 

Engraved

The traditional option, engraved invitations are generally more popular for more formal weddings. 

The paper is stamped with a mould, leaving an imprint, and then this imprint is filled in with ink.  Being that this process is the most elaborate of the options, engraved invitations are the most expensive. 

Thermographed

Thermography is a popular alternative to engraving, as it is less expensive.  

The invitations are prepared with a glue-based solution to set your custom design and lettering.  Ink and a fine powder are then added to the solution and heated.  As it heats, the design becomes raised, giving it texture  and a look with more dimension.  

Printed

As a cost effective solution, printed invitations are very popular and can be found through any local printers. 

Most printers offer pre-made styles  for you to choose from, cutting the time you would have to wait for custom invitations.  Overall, the turnaround time for printed invitations is much quicker than any other kind you could get. 

Calligraphed

Elegant and stylish, calligraphy on your invitations provides an old-fashioned look that can be well worth the wait. 

Special training is required to get this look, so make sure you allow for plenty of time in choosing a calligrapher.  Also keep in mind that this ink is not water-resistant, and the slightest moisture can cause your invitations to smear.   

Hand Crafted

Hand crafting can give a personal flair of your own, but can also be time consuming.  

Hand coloured invitations  give your guests greater insight into the personalities of you and your fiancé(e).  Often best for smaller or intimate weddings, this option gives the big day a much more personal touch. 

Where To Get

There are many places to go for wedding invitations, and if you are brave, you can even do them yourself.  For most couples, it is easier to consult a professional.  Professionals can guide you through the process, whether you have a custom design or need advice on creating one.  It may not be a simple process, as you may want to interview a multitude of designers before deciding on your perfect one.  Take a look at their previous work and share your ideas; it's important to connect with your designer so that you are both on the same page about your project.   

Whom to consult: 

  • Graphic Designers:  If you have friends in this business, even better, as this can make a great wedding gift  to you from them.  You should offer to pay for the printing services and the paper.   The perk here is that you will have just as much creative control over the project as if you were doing them yourself!     
  • Independent Stationer: Small stationers and boutiques can often create unique stationery  and specialised engraving, but will often charge a higher price for the originality of their services.  Because you will be so customised, keep in mind that selecting this option may take longer; you will want to get your invitations started early.  
  • Large Stationer: Big stores can often provide a large selection of invitations for a cheaper price.  However, when you start to get into special customisation, the price can increase and your order may be delayed.  The best option here is to browse their catalogue (or shelves) and pick out a style that you like best.  
  • Department Stores:  While you are making your gift registry, why not pick up your invitations too?  Department stores often cater to the traditional, so those planning a formal wedding may want to pursue this option.  High-end stationery is often used, so you can expect quality invitations without too much of a hassle.  
  • On-line Retailers: This, of course, is our favourite option because you can select your invitations all from the comfort of your own home.  You can choose special styles or boxed sets,  whichever makes you happy.  Be very certain that you have spelled everything correctly and proofread your order a few times.  When you get the hard copies, if you are not satisfied with the material or design, you can almost always send them back and receive new invitations to your liking. 

Who Should Receive

By now you surely have created your guest list, so you will have an approximate number of how many invitations you are going to need.  If there is a shadow of a doubt in your mind about inviting someone, it may be best to not invite them to the wedding.  Even if you know guests are not going to be able to make it, send an invite anyway.  It makes them feel special and appreciated, and it is cordial and proper to send them an invitation.    

Break down your guest list into households, etc.  Remember that married couples only need one invitation and children do not need a separate one at all.  Once you have done so, you can determine how many invitations you will need to order.  Order a few extra in case of any mishaps and be sure to have one for yourself to save as a memento.  

When To Send

The age-old rule is to send your invites out approximately six weeks prior to the wedding.  However, more recent trends have shown that couples are sending them sooner, as this gives the guests more time to arrange for child care or travel arrangements.  It is nice to give your family and friends some extra time to plan, so there is nothing wrong with sending your invitations out early.  This also benefits you, as you can then bump up your RSVP date!  You can make it three weeks prior to the wedding instead, you will have the head count and be able to rearrange the seating.  Everyone will be more relaxed and have a better idea of what to expect on the big day!   

Related Guides 

Wedding Invitation Wording

The wording is one of the most important parts of a wedding invitation, and this guide will help you figure out the phrasing so that there are no misunderstandings. 

Hiring a Calligrapher

This guide will prove useful to those couples who are interested in the timeless feeling of calligraphy on their invitations. 

Wedding Stationery

Offering everything from save-the-dates to thank you notes, our guide to stationery gives you tips and styles.   

Wedding Themes

Inspiration for different wedding themes!  You can incorporate them into your invitations or just brainstorm for some more ideas. 

Wedding Etiquette

Figure out whether or not you should invite the ex along with how to prepare for the big speech.  Utilise this guide for all of your wedding planning along the way. 

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