If you’re just getting started with your wedding invitations and you’re not sure what you need to know, we’ve got you covered! This invite is very important because it’s the first look your guests will get at your wedding so you want it to make a great first impression.
- 1. Have a Clear Style
The invitation is about more than listing key information. The style of the invitation and the tone gives important indications about how formal your wedding will be. It should let guests know indirectly the type of wedding to expect (relaxed, casual, elegant, glam, etc.). You need to choose invitation styles that works with that theme. Then, give that information to your stationer so they can run with it.
- 2. Use Your Colors
You should already know your wedding colors too to match the invite. Your invitations should have a motif or the right hues so you can use the same style throughout your wedding (including the program for the ceremony, the menu, and table cards). As per Deanna Philipps, a wedding writer at Ox Essays, “the classic colors are ivory, cream, and white paired with gold or black font, but you don’t have to stick with that. Just make sure that your colors make it still readable for your guests.”
- 3. Choose the Shape and Size
The rectangular card is the usual size for wedding invites but you can change it up if you’re more modern or casual with different size invites. This might mean that you have to pay more for envelope and postage though, so keep that in mind when you’re budgeting your wedding.
- 4. Be Clear
This is possibly the most crucial aspect because you need to make sure your guests can read them. Not only do the colors have to work together and be clearly legible, but don’t choose a font that’s too fancy and hard to understand. It may look pretty, but if it’s unclear you’ll cause confusion and risk getting swamped with questions about the exact address on your special day.
- 5. Think About Your Words
There are certain rules of etiquette to follow when writing your invitation. The host is usually listed first, and all numbers should be spelled out. You should indicate that you’re requesting the honor of the guest’s presence as well. It’s important to make sure you’re following etiquette to avoid making a faux pas.
Be sure to reread your invitation proof a few times before sending it out to make sure there’s no spelling mistakes. Here is a list of online tools that can help you with this process:
- Via Writing and My Writing Way are excellent grammar resources to help you choose the right words. It’s important to get the wording right, so consult these sites for any questions.
- Academized and Custom Essay are the top editing tools to make sure your flow is good and there’s no confusion. They’re both highly reviewed by Australian Reviewer.
- Writing Populist and State of Writing are two great blogs. They have helpful suggestions about wedding invite writing if you find you’re stuck.
- UK Writings and Essayroo are some proofreading tools for a last look before you finalize the invites. The team at Best Writing Services swears by them.
- Simple Grad and Let’s Go and Learn are overall writing guides. They can walk you through the process from start to finish if you’re stressed.
- 6. Don’t Put Too Much Information
If you put too much information, it can look cluttered, not as elegant, and it can be hard to read. Add certain items only to your wedding website or on separate cards enclosed. These are things like reception details, directions to the venue, and more.
- 7. Don’t Wait Too Long
A common mistake is waiting too long to send your invites. They should typically be sent out 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding. It takes a long time to print and order from the stationer, and you want to make sure your guests aren’t booked up but it’s not too long they forget.
- 8. Budget Well
Invitation prices can vary greatly depending on the design, the type of ink, the process for printing, and the quantity. Keep in mind all of the extras you order so you’re not surprised at the end of the process, and pick the priorities that are important for you. You should also keep that in mind if you’re hiring a calligrapher.
- 9. Address Envelopes Professionally
You don’t want to write the invitations yourself. Not only can a pro do an elegant and amazing job, it actually takes a long time to do. If you start doing it all yourself by hand, you’re losing precious planning time and you risk having to use extras for mistakes. If you want to do it yourself, do it in separate sessions so you avoid mistakes. Aimee Laurence, an editor with Big Assignments and Australian Help, loves to share her tips and suggestions about wedding planning and event management. Her passion is helping couples have the most special day of their lives. She is also a freelance editor for Paper Writing Service.