Wedding Invitations set the tone for your entire wedding, so choosing the right one will indicate to your guests what kind of wedding they can expect. So how do you choose the right one? How should it be worded? We will dive into all of that information and help you find that perfect invitation for your perfect wedding.
You’re going to want to bookmark this one! I know designing and choosing the perfect invitation can be exciting as well as overwhelming, that is why I am here to reduce the number of tears shed over creating these pretty little packages.
First of all, why do the invites matter: All the hard work that you’ve been putting in to organize and plan your perfect day will be reflected on that pretty piece of paper. Don’t undermine its power as it can communicate the mood of the wedding; ;letting your guests know what to wear and even how much to spend on the wedding gift. Sounds exciting right? So, let’s get started!
THINGS TO DO 6-8 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
“Save the dates” are a great way to let everyone know in advance that you’re getting married and it allows those traveling from another country, etc. to start making their vacation plans. They are not necessary but if you are having a destination wedding or a wedding during holidays, it’s a great way to inform your guests about the details such as; the location, date and website, if you have one. Some guests need as much as one years notice in order to inform their work, and plan out their vacation time. Be sure not to send out “save the dates” to your guests that are on the “B (maybe) list”.
4-5 MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE
Creating your wedding stationery takes time and effort, so be prepared to invest at least 2 months for the whole process. It may seem like a long time but trust me, you have a lot on your hands such as; brainstorming for the design, ordering paper, changes in the design, wording or art, revision requests, initial mock-ups, printing the cards, envelope calligraphy and assembly. Let’s dig into all the details:
DESIGN
Take into account the theme or style of your wedding and the mood you want to set through these invitations. Classic, casual, glam or modern? This helps the guests to know what kind of an event you are throwing and also gives them an idea about what to wear after knowing the formality of your wedding.
Do your research, and if you see something you like on etsy or vista print, chances are you can find a local stationery provider that can do the same thing or give you even better options.
Invites can cost between $400 to $650 depending on the theme, the materials, the amount of guests invited, etc. There are many variables that can increase your expenses but you need to prioritize and research ahead of time to know exactly what you want and need.
If you are hiring a calligrapher to address the envelopes then make sure that you can take the envelopes home as soon as you can. If you have an impeccable handwriting, consider writing them yourself.
COLOURS AND FONTS
If you are thinking of choosing pastel colours for the font, make sure to incorporate a background that is contrasting in order for the wording to pop and if you are going with the classic choice then you can use coloured liners, envelopes or metallic font.
Be sure to use the wedding colours for all the stationery in order to create a cohesive look.
The main thing while selecting colours is to make sure that the content is readable because it is pretty important for your guests to have the right information!
Selecting more than two fonts can look pretty messy, so try to select a really pretty font and a block font for the rest of the wording. Do not sacrifice readability for overly scripted hard-to-read fonts.
Whichever shape you choose to go with for your invitations; round, square or rectangular, just make sure to keep the size in check as bulky or large invitations may increase your posting cost.
PROOF READ
Before sending the invitations out, double check for any mistakes in the invite mock-up. Read it aloud, word to word and send it to your bridesmaid or someone else that can have a look with fresh eyes.
BEFORE SENDING THE INVITATIONS OUT
Make a guest list, count all the guests and add an extra 25 invitations to be printed out.
Ask for extra envelopes, just in case there are errors made while writing the addresses, or you need to make changes.
If you have your menus, thank you notes, program details or any other wedding stationary printed out by the same vendor, then it might cost you less and will also give your suite a cohesive look.
Try to weigh the invites at the post office before posting them as you don’t want them returned back to you. Also, ask the post office to hand cancel your invites because if the invites went through the processing machine, it can ruin or bend them. In most cases this is a free option, but it is better to pay the fee if required, than having your beautiful invites ruined before they get to the guest.
SEND THEM OUT!! IT’S 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING!
Invitations must be sent out at least 2 months prior to the wedding date. Give your guests at most 3 to 4 weeks to respond after they receive the invitation because the more time they have to respond, the longer they will delay in doing so.
Delayed RSVPs may affect the number of centerpieces and other decor items, so make sure to follow up with your guests and provide the stamps to expedite the process.
Call your caterer and ask them for the deadline of when you need to provide the final head count and try to get the replies before that date.
Once the RSVPs start coming in, track them using a guest list manager, application or spreadsheet with columns for the guest’s name(s), RSVP options, accommodations, etc.
HOW TO WORD YOUR INVITATION
Host line
Start with the name of the hosts; people who are issuing the invitations. Mostly it is the bride’s parents but nowadays it can be both the bride and groom’s parents considering the financial dynamics or family structures. So, you can write what fits best for your wedding situation.
Writing host names if parents are hosts:
Bride’s Parents: Mr and Mrs Rolston Knight
Divorced: Ms. Ginnette Johnson (Mother’s name always comes first) and Mr. Rolston Knight
Divorced and Father Remarried: Ms. Ginnette Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Rolston Knight
Divorced and Mother Remarried: Mr. and Mrs. Wayne King and Mr. Rolston Knight
Both remarried: Mr. and Mrs. Wayne King and Mr. and Mrs. Rolston Knight
If the Bride and Groom are hosting:
No host line is needed in this case.
Request line
The request line indicates more than you think. First of all, if your wedding ceremony will be in a house of worship then you write
Request the honour of your presence…...
However, if it is not then you can write informally, but for that you have to write in such a way so that the guests can be clear if you are inviting them to the marriage ceremony or the reception. For instance, for an informal ceremony you can state
Would be delighted by your presence at the marriage of their children…...
And for informal reception only:
Invite you to join them at the wedding reception of…...
Bride and Groom line
Of course, the stars of the show! Well, the bride’s name always come first. If the Bride and groom are hosting then the Bride’s full name (first, middle and last name) but if her parents are hosting it then you can skip the last name as it is the same. Whereas, the groom’s name is written as ‘first, middle and last name’.
Time and date
There are two ways that this is traditionally written (spell out the date; month and year) or the modern way (writing numerically) but I would strongly suggest that you go with the traditional way, as it is clearer and looks nicer. See the example below:
Three o’clock in the afternoon
Sunday, the twenty second of November
Two thousand twenty
Location
You don’t have to write out the entire address with the postal code, just the name of the venue and the # and street name will suffice.
Reception line
Now, if the location for wedding and reception are the same then you don’t have to include a separate card for reception, just write “Reception to follow” or something to that effect but if it is not, then add a reception card.
R.S.V.P. line
You can add this section on the invitation or a separate card letting them to fill in the blanks. It’s better to add an envelope and stamp to encourage them to reply quickly so you can get on with your seating chart.
FINAL TIPS
If you are having multiple events at your wedding or leading up to your wedding, for example; a cocktail party, farewell brunch, etc.,then add an insert card for them to be able to check off the events that they will be attending.
Do not write “adults only” under any circumstance. If you wouldn’t like any children at your wedding please call your guests and let them know.
Mention your registries on the website rather than the invitation.
Do not include the directions to the venue on your card, as it will make it too crowded.
To sum it up, it is YOUR wedding, take your time and choose the design that you feel best represents your special day. Hope you found this helpful! We would love to see what you came up with for your wedding invitations! Feel free to comment below and happy planning!
True Mate Weddings & Events
xo