Be Prepared for the Choices Involved with Wedding Invitations

Custom wedding invitations are an essential part of your wedding planning but are you prepared for all the choices you will need to make when creating yours.  You will want to be as informed as possible in preparation for these decisions so designing your invitations will be easier.

Here are some things you will need to know:

• Budget – Before you begin your wedding invitation shopping, you may want to give some consideration as to how much you want to spend on them.  Knowing your budget can help you narrow down your choices and knowing the quantity you will be ordering will also help you figure out how much you can spend per invitation.  Also remember that response cards, reception cards, colored inks, return address printing, envelope lining, etc., will be extra costs not included in the invitation prices.  Those prices are listed separately.

• Theme refers to the appearance of the invitation such as design, pictures, colors, embellishments, etc.  Should you have theme wedding invitations to fit your design scheme? 

• Style refers more to the type of invitation.  Will you have a simple wedding invitation card or a folded piece?  Will it be made out of layers of paper attached together or will it include your photo?  A seal and send style is an economical choice that includes an attached response postcard and simply folds up into its own mailing piece.  Pocket wedding invitations are also popular as a contemporary style.  You will also find that some styles look more modern than traditional or more formal than casual so your choice will depend on the tone of your wedding.

• Paper – This choice typically includes the size and color of your invitation paper.  Contemporary wedding invitations can come in special sizes such as square and tea length.  Keep in mind that larger sizes may require extra postage so you should check into that before making your final selection.  Colored papers have also become plentiful.  Another consideration is the use of recycled papers to be eco-friendly with your invites.

• Verse Wording – There are many, many sample verses for custom wedding invitations or you can creatively write your own verse.  You will need to choose a verse based on who is hosting your wedding whether it is you and your fiancé or your parents.  Will the names of all parents appear in the verse?  Another decision will be where your reception information will be printed – either on your invitation if there is room or on a separate reception card.

• Lettering or Font Style – You will find there is an enormous selection of lettering styles from which to choose and the offerings will vary among printers.  One suggestion is to use a style that will be easy to read for your guests.  Sometimes the fancier the font, the harder it is to read. 

• Imprint Ink Color – Usually you are provided with several ink choices based on the invitation you choose since colored papers will affect how certain ink colors appear.  Normally the price includes black ink and there is an extra charge for choosing a colored ink.  Be sure to take notice of what color was printed on the sample as you may like how that color looks.

There are actually more things for you to consider regarding your custom wedding invitations but these items pertain to the actual designing of your invitations.  Other areas involving choices include the envelopes and any extra insert pieces you need to include such as response cards, map cards, accommodation cards, etc.