Long before your guests arrive for your carefully planned nuptials, you will be setting the stage through your wedding invitation. So you need to devote a lot of attention to getting it just right.
Start early
When designing your wedding invitation, you’ll have a lot of decisions to make: formal or informal, digital or paper, font, layout, colors, wording . . . the options for design are literally endless.
It will take time to get everything right, so begin working on the invitation a good six months before you need to send them.
What’s your style?
If you’re having a barefoot beach wedding your invitation will look quite a bit different than if you’re holding it in a cathedral officiated by the archbishop. So let the overall look of your invite reflect the vibe of your ceremony.
Select your paper
Unless you’re going digital, you’ll want a good-quality paper stock that will stand out. Start with a 120-pound matte paper and add details like textured linen. Less formal weddings can go with more creative options such as kraft or wood-grain paper. Vellum is another option that can add a unique touch that stands out.
Pick a printing style
From high-end to budget friendly, the main options for printing are: engraving, embossing, letterpress, or the traditional flat digital printing. Again, match your printing selection to the style of your wedding.
Select your wording
Brides says all wedding invitations should include the following elements:
- Who’s hosting
- The request to attend
- The names of the couple
- The date and time
- The location
- Reception information
- Dress code
- Separate RSVP card
Once you have the basics, you can let your imagination run wild. Brides has some fun ideas here.
What about digital?
Digital invitations can be just as elegant and formal as printed invitations, and they also have the added benefit of being sustainable, which many couples these days are especially concerned about.
In addition, they are more budget-friendly than traditional paper invites, and make it easier to track RSVPs. In fact, some of the online designers such as Greenvelope also offer RSVP tracking as part of their pricing structure.
If you’re looking for a unique setting for your wedding or reception, look no further than the Historic Alfred I. duPont Building in downtown Miami. With its soaring ceilings, marble flooring, and historic elegance, your wedding will be the one people talk about for years afterward.