We’ll begin by discussing when wedding invitations should be sent out so that you’ll know how much time you have to plan for this important detail.
Six to eight weeks is the standard.
In some cases, three months is even better because people have busy schedules, and some may have business trips planned a year in advance. By sending out invitations three months before the wedding, you allow out-of-town guests to make flight arrangements that can save them a bundle, as opposed to booking last-minute flights.
For some couples, wedding invitations are an irksome part of the wedding plans, but for others, it’s an exciting activity—just as thrilling as picking out the diamond engagement ring and the wedding band.
Before heading to the printer’s shop, the following details should be finalized:
- The wedding date, time, and location of the church ceremony, as well as the time and location of the reception;
- The tone of the wedding: formal, informal, or sun-and-surf;
- Style of invitation;
- Street addresses of the church and reception hall, your address, and where RSVP cards should be sent;
- Names that will appear on the wedding invitations;
- The number of invitations to be ordered—ideally, allow for 20% more than the actual headcount;
- Whether a separate card is needed for reception invitations (some couples invite everyone to the church, but not everyone to the reception).
Once these details are set, you’re ready to proceed. You may also want to browse sample invitations online before your appointment with the printer. This will help you have a more defined idea of what you want in terms of paper type, font, and graphic design. These details can overwhelm you, as you’ll be surprised by the many binders of samples the printer will show you. By sharing your preferences in advance, the printer can narrow down the options, making the process smoother. Many styles have evolved since the wedding of Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco.
Stationery Types
This refers to the kind of paper your wedding invitation will be printed on. A look at some print samples will reveal at least half a dozen types of paper available.
- Cotton – A popular choice because it is more affordable compared to other types of paper;
- Parchment – If you like the feel of the old days, parchment is a suitable option. It’s thicker, comes in various colors, and can accommodate most print types;
- Linen – Another popular choice. It’s smooth to the touch, and most good quality stationery is made from linen paper;
- Corrugated – This type works well for very informal weddings and can accommodate a wide array of graphics. Its thickness prevents it from easily getting soiled or crumbling;
- Jacquard – A fabric-like, layered paper that’s a favorite among brides and grooms.
You’ve likely seen hundreds of wedding invitations before, and the variety can be overwhelming. Some have an artsy appearance, thicker paper, and more casual wording than a standard wedding invitation. These minute details are something you’ll need to consider as you decide on the perfect invitation. Needless to say, your budget should also be taken into account.
Print Types
Choosing the paper isn’t the only decision. The printer will also ask you how you want the words to appear on your invitation. Let’s explore your options:
- Engraved – Engraving is an expensive process, and just as companies spend a fortune on their letterheads with engraving, you’ll spend quite a bit if you choose this option. However, it’s ideal for a formal wedding, and the final look is worth the time and cost. Given that engraving invitations takes time, your printer may provide a different delivery schedule for engraved invitations;
- Thermographed (also known as embossed) – This method uses heat and powder to create a raised look on the invitation. It doesn’t indent the other side of the card. Thermographed invitations are suitable for formal events, and they don’t require long delivery times;
- Calligraphy – A time-consuming method, calligraphy invitations offer a personalized touch. It’s great for smaller orders, and you can either hire a professional calligrapher or use a software program with special fonts;
- Color – This option is becoming more popular among couples who want to move away from the traditional blank ink on ivory paper. If you want to liven up your invitation, color can fulfill that desire. However, it is more expensive, and pastel shades with darker fonts are the current trend.
Wording Your Invitations – And Elizabeth Post Says…
When designing your wedding invitations, it’s essential to remember that etiquette is key. While the design may be impressive, poorly chosen wording can make the invitation fall short. Elizabeth Post, in her Complete Book of Modern Wedding Etiquette, outlines the basic guidelines for crafting the perfect invitation:
- Ensure accurate wording. Double-check details like dates, street numbers, and telephone numbers. Always ask the printer for a mock-up before you approve the order. You don’t want RSVPs sent to the wrong address!
- No abbreviations! Spell out words like “street,” “avenue,” and “telephone” in full.
- If your wedding is at 6:00 PM, say “six o’clock in the evening” instead of simply “6:00 PM.”
- For formal invitations, it’s customary to use British spellings: “honour” instead of “honor,” “favour” instead of “favor.”
- Spell out all names in full. For instance, if your mother’s name is being printed, it should read “Jennifer Rose M. Taylor,” not “Jen Taylor.”
- Don’t bold any names or words to make them stand out. All words on the invitation should receive equal treatment.
- Use appropriate titles. If your fiancé is a ship captain, write “Captain David Bartster” instead of just “David Bartster.”
To illustrate:
If both sets of parents are hosting the ceremony, the invitation should read like this:
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Williams Cassidy
– and –
Doctor and Mrs. James Trevor Isenden
Request the honour of your company at the marriage of their children
Kathleen Marie -and –
Nicholas Edward
If only the bride and groom are hosting, the invitation should read:
Kathleen Marie Cassidy
and
Nicholas Edward Isenden
Request the honour of your presence as they exchange vows on…
Is it a Good Idea to Order Online?
Would you order a diamond ring online, no matter how reputable the jewelry store?
What looks good on your computer screen may not meet your expectations once the invitations arrive. Another risk is that the printer could mix up your order with someone else’s and send you the wrong invitations.
The printer could also mistake your request. Perhaps you specified “engraved,” but they send you “parchment” instead.
Why take the risk of ruining your plans? Invitations need to be sent out two to three months ahead of the wedding. What if you need to return the entire order because the printer didn’t follow your instructions correctly?
