source: bridalmusings.com, stationery by Smitten On Paper
An
invitation
or save the date is so much more than wedding stationery, it’s an opportunity for couples to give their guests a taste of what’s to come.Yes, it’s informative, giving your nearest and dearest the all important when, where and what details, but the invitation guests receive through the post is also a reflection of what your big day will entail in terms of style. It might provide hints as to the setting for the wedding and incorporate elements of the theming and possibly the colour palette. So in order to impress your guests from the outset, it’s essential to choose your invitations with care.
stationery from minted.com
Once the date is set it’s a good idea to start thinking about your invitations, even though they don’t need to be sent out until about six to eight weeks before the big day. If you are tying the knot at a busy time of year, such as Easter, Christmas or late summer, you might want to send out save the dates six months to a year before the wedding to avoid guests double booking.
The choice of invitations is pretty much endless and many couples opt to make their own, either to exercise their design skills, cut costs, or simply to ensure the design is exactly what they desire to fit the proceedings planned.
For those that aren’t keen on the DIY option, there are oodles of ready-made printed invitations available on the high street and from lots of independent designers that can be very cost effective. But for those wanting more personal stationery, bespoke invitations are the only way to go.
source: weddingchicks.com, stationery by J Amber Creative
When searching for a designer to create your paper goods, think about the type of style of invite you want producing and look for designers who specialise in such areas i.e. modern, graphic, vintage, traditional. Also think about your budget as the design, paper, printing process and quantity will all make a difference to the overall price.
Before meeting your chosen designer to discuss your save the date/invitations gather inspiration from magazines and online and take examples along to show them. Plus be sure to share details of your plans for the big day to help them to create something that’s individual to you as a couple and your unique celebration.
stationery from Jupiter and Juno
To keep your invites looking clean and classy don’t clutter them with too much information. Stick to the key information and then either include the extra details on your wedding website, or consider a bundle stationery option. As well as the invite these include extra enclosures, such as directions, information card, gift-list and RSVP, all tied together in a pretty parcel. Keep in mind though the larger and heavier the invite, the more it will cost to post. Also be sure to order a few extra invites to allow for mistakes/inviting extra guests.
stationery from notonthehighstreet. by Salts Cards
When you are sent your proof – check, check and check again to make sure it’s what you wanted and that all the details and spelling/grammar are correct.
And remember wedding stationery extends well beyond the invite to include all printed materials for the occasion, from name places and menus to orders of service and signage. To save time and money it’s a good idea to order all stationery in one go from the same designer. This will also ensure consistency of design and style, resulting in a wonderfully chic affair.
To find amazing stationery suppliers in your area, check the Brides Up North Directory.
