Things
to consider when choosing your wedding invitation
From paper
to printing and typestyle to ink color, there are a multitude of choices
when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding invitation. First you
should determine the theme, style and colors of your wedding. This will
help you to select the appropriate paper color and style for your invitation.
Bright white has been popular for a number of years for a white wedding,
while soft white has been the choice for a traditional look and ecru
for an off-white or ivory color scheme. Torn-edge paper featuring a
hand-made look, with or without a pearl edge, has been a recent addition
to the invitation industry. Imported European, textured and brown craft
papers are all exciting choices that have become very popular. A colored
bottom layer combined with a matching ink can also create a stunning
combination
Typestyles
When it
comes to typestyle, Lucida, Caslon, Citadel and Engravers are among
the most popular choices. Photo lettering has also become popular. This
method of setting type photographically expands the versatility in point
size and broadens the availability of scripted letterings. Another choice
would be traditional block lettering in black ink, which adds a classic
look. Or, if you prefer, choose a fancy script in rich red ink to add
passion. Or, choose a combination typestyle for a great way to highlight
the bride and groom's names.
Ink
Colors
When deciding
on ink color keep in mind that although black ink has traditionally
been the most popular color, many brides are choosing complimentary
colors of ink to match the background color of the card - hunter green
for a light green card, sable ink for a brown card, navy for a blue
floral card, etc. There have been a lot of requests for slate or charcoal
colored ink recently, which WPT members are adding into their next printing
choices. Other "in" colors include shades of purple ranging
from deep purple to lilac and periwinkle. Sage, grey and silver are
also top choices for today's bride.
Be sure
to place a stamp on the reply envelopes for guests' convenience |
| Ordering |
| • |
Always
complete your guest list before ordering your invitations. Single guests
and children over 16 receive their own invitation |
| • |
Always
order extra invitations to account for address errors or last minute additions.
Ordering 25 extra invitations at a later date will be considered a new
order and will be very costly |
| • |
Order
extra inner and outer envelopes in case of addressing mistakes or guest
list additions |
| • |
When
ordering, ask for a proof to make sure you like the set up and typestyle.
Most companies will set up your wording and give you a black and white
proof of your wording for a very small fee |
| • |
Before
placing the final order, have others proof everything to be sure there
are no spelling or grammatical errors |
| • |
Don't
forget your wedding party and attendants such as ushers, vocalists, guest
book attendants, etc. |
| Order
extra invitations for those who will most likely want a keepsake, such
as parents, grandparents, etc. because an invitation can get damaged in
the mail. |
| Postage |
| • |
Bring
the entire invitation ensemble to your local post office to be checked
for size and weight to ensure you use proper postage |
| • |
Read
the description of your invitation carefully. Most companies will tell
you in the description of the invite if it will cost you more to mail
|
| • |
Mail
an entire invitation to yourself to be sure everything goes as planned,
before you mail the invitations to your guests |
| • |
If
some invitations have extra enclosures, the postage may be higher |
| • |
You
should ask at the post office to have your invitations hand-cancelled
for a nicer look |
| • |
Try
to mail all your invitations on the same day. Humidity will play a part
in what they will weigh |
| Be
sure to place a stamp on the reply envelopes for guests' convenience |
| Miscellaneous |
| • |
Always
have the host's return address printed on the back flap of the invitation
envelope. This assures that your invitation has been delivered and returns
any incorrectly addressed invitations to you for re-mailing |
| • |
If
you need to make a correction due to a change of date or location, inquire
about receiving a discount. Save all envelopes and pieces that are correct.
Only the pieces with the error will be replaced |
| • |
Typing
or clearly printing your order will ensure a perfect invitation |
| • |
Carefully
read over all your copy. Make notes in the special instructions portion
of the order form if you have names with unusual spacing or spelling |
| • |
Buy
beautiful pens for addressing your envelopes |
| • |
Always
proof and have at least two others proof all wording before you order.
Be sure to check for correct spelling and also do a day and date match
... "Is March 15th really a Saturday?" |
| • |
Order
a proof to handle corrections before there is a problem |
