How to Make a Wedding Invitation

Your wedding invitation is the first thing your guests see about your big day. It sets the tone for the entire event! A thoughtful invitation tells your guests everything they need to know, and it also shows off your personal style as a couple. Whether you want a fancy invitation or a simple one, this guide will help you create beautiful wedding invitations that are full of important information.

The Must-Haves: What to Include in Your Wedding Invitation

Before you start thinking about fancy designs, let's talk about the essential info that needs to be on your invitation:

1. Your Names: Start with the names of the couple getting married. You can use your full names or the names you want to be called on your wedding day.
2. The Request: Clearly state that you're inviting your guests to your wedding. You can say something like "Request the honor of your presence" or "Kindly RSVP" for a more casual feel.
3. Wedding Ceremony Details:
   • Date: Include the day of the week and the full date (e.g., Saturday, June 17, 2023).
   • Time: Be specific about the time of the ceremony.
   • Location: Give the name and full address of the place where the ceremony will be held.
4. Reception Details (Optional):
   • Reception Time: If the reception is right after the ceremony, include the time. If it's later, mention it separately.
   • Reception Location: If the reception is at a different place, tell your guests where to go.
   • Dress Code: If you want people to dress a certain way (like cocktail attire), let them know!
5. RSVP Information:
   • Response Deadline: Give your guests a clear date by which they need to RSVP.
   • Contact Information: Make it easy for people to let you know if they can make it. Give them a phone number, email address, or website link.

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Invitation Style

Now that you know the essentials, let's talk about making your invitations look amazing! Here's what you need to think about:

1. Design Aesthetics

• Theme: Does your wedding have a theme (like rustic, vintage, or modern)? Choose a design that matches your theme.
• Color Palette: Pick colors that go well with your wedding color scheme and look good with your chosen theme.
• Font Choices: Use fonts that are easy to read and look good with your overall design. You can use one or two different fonts to make it look more interesting.
• Paper Stock: Choose a paper that feels nice and matches your invitation style. You can choose from smooth, textured, or even sparkly paper!

2. Envelope Options

• Envelope Color: Make your envelopes match your invitation or use a different color to make them pop.
• Envelope Liner: Add a touch of elegance by putting a pretty liner inside the envelope.
• Calligraphy or Handwriting: Make your invitations even more special by having the guest addresses written by hand or in beautiful calligraphy.

3. Additional Elements

• Embellishments: Make your invitations stand out with things like ribbons, wax seals, or custom designs.
• Embossed or Letterpress Printing: These printing techniques make your invitations look and feel special by adding depth and texture.
• Photography: Add a small photo of you and your partner to personalize your invitations.

Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette

You can keep the wording on your invitations traditional, or get creative! Here's how to choose the right words for your style:

Formal Wording

For a classic and formal invitation, use formal language and traditional phrases. Here's an example:

Mr. and Mrs. [Parents' Names]
Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter
[Your Name]
to
[Spouse's Name]
On [Day of the week], [Date] at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Address]

Informal Wording

For a more relaxed wedding, choose informal language and personalize the wording. Here's an example:

[Your Name] & [Spouse's Name]
Celebrate with us as we tie the knot
On [Day of the week], [Date] at [Time]
[Venue Name]
[Address]

Unique Wording

Express your personal style with creative wording! Here are a few ideas:

• Use a quote or lyric that's special to you and your partner.
• Include a short poem or a story about your relationship.
• Write in a conversational tone that reflects your personalities.

Designing Your Own Wedding Invitations

Creating your own wedding invitations can be fun! Here are some DIY options:

1. Printable Templates

• Online Resources: Lots of websites offer free and paid wedding invitation templates. Canva, Shutterfly, and Minted are popular choices.
• Customize Templates: Easily change the fonts, colors, and wording to match your wedding style.
• Print at Home: Print your invitations on nice card stock using your home printer.

2. DIY Invitations with a Personal Touch

• Watercolor or Ink Drawings: Create unique invitations with watercolor or ink drawings that reflect your personalities or wedding theme.
• Hand Lettering: If you're good at lettering, personalize your invitations with beautiful calligraphy.
• Crafting with Paper and Materials: Get creative and use different crafting techniques to make your invitations extra special.

Tips for Ordering Professional Wedding Invitations

If you want your invitations to look super polished, you can order them from a printing company. Here's what to keep in mind:

1. Choose a Printing Company

• Research: Look for online printing companies, local stationery stores, or custom invitation designers.
• Read Reviews: Check reviews to make sure the printing company has a good reputation for quality and service.
• Get Quotes: Ask different companies for quotes so you can compare prices and services.

2. Design Options

• Pre-designed Templates: Look at different pre-designed templates or work with a designer to create a custom invitation.
• Customization: Make the colors, fonts, and wording match your vision.
• Paper Choices: Pick from a variety of paper types, finishes, and sizes.

3. Printing Process

• Printing Methods: Understand the different printing methods (like offset, digital, or letterpress) and what makes them special.
• Lead Time: Make sure you give yourself enough time for printing and delivery, especially if you need custom designs or special paper.
• Proofing: Carefully review proofs before you give the final order.

Final Touches for a Perfect Wedding Invitation

Once your invitations are done, add some finishing touches to make them even more beautiful and memorable:

• Envelopes: Choose high-quality envelopes that match your invitation design. Use calligraphy or elegant handwriting for guest addresses.
• Liners: Add a touch of elegance by putting matching or contrasting liners inside the envelopes.
• Embellishments: Consider adding ribbons, wax seals, or custom printed designs to make your invitations look extra special.
• Presentation: Place your invitations in a beautiful box or display them artfully on a table to make them really stand out.

Wedding Invitation Ideas & Inspiration

Looking for ideas for your wedding invitations? Here are some inspiring themes and designs:

1. Rustic Charm

• Use natural textures like burlap, wood, or twine.
• Incorporate vintage fonts and illustrations.
• Choose earthy color palettes like browns, greens, and creams.

2. Vintage Elegance

• Embrace antique-inspired fonts and flourishes.
• Use vintage paper stocks with textured finishes.
• Choose a color palette of rich jewel tones or muted pastels.

3. Modern Minimalism

• Keep the design clean and simple.
• Use bold geometric shapes or minimalist illustrations.
• Choose a monochromatic color scheme or use a few contrasting colors.

4. Tropical Paradise

• Incorporate tropical foliage, flowers, or animals.
• Use bright, vibrant colors like pinks, oranges, and greens.
• Consider using a tropical font for a playful touch.

5. Destination Wedding

• Reflect the location of your wedding with specific details or images.
• Use a color palette that evokes the destination.
• Consider incorporating a travel-themed element into the design.

Final Thoughts

Creating your wedding invitations is a great way to start setting the tone for your big day! Whether you choose a classic style or something modern, a DIY design or a professional one, the most important thing is to capture your personalities and celebrate your love story. Remember, your wedding invitations are a beautiful and memorable way to invite your guests to share this special occasion with you.