About a Wedding Invitation
A wedding invitation is a letter asking the recipient to attend a wedding. It is typically mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding date. Invitations can be ordered from an artist, or vendor specializing in invitations. For the artistically inclined, they can be handmade.
A wedding invitation is your first chance to set the tone for your event. The style that you choose will give your guests a sneak peek into what your wedding will be like, especially if you have a special theme. One of the best ways to personalize your wedding invitations is with a signature style.
Traditionally, wedding invitations are mailed in double envelopes. The inner envelope may be lined and fits into the outer envelope. The outer envelope is gummed for sealing and addressing. Tissues are often provided by manufacturers to place over the engraved text, originally this tissue protected the engraving against smudging or blotting, but improved printing techniques mean they are now simply decorative. Recently, the inner envelope is often left out in the interest of saving money and postage. Traditionally, the mother of the bride addresses the wedding invitations.
A simple way to use a pretty design for a semi-formal wedding invitation is to print, engrave, or letterpress it onto the paper in a color. You can really have a lot of fun picking your style. Choose one that ties in directly with your wedding theme, or select a wedding invitation design that reflects something personal. A good example of this would be a monogram or a family crest (either real, or invented). You can also design an entirely custom style that will start on your wedding stationery and be carried throughout the rest of the wedding.
Other pieces often included in the wedding invitation ensemble are the R.S.V.P. response card, reception card or folder, map or direction card, and accommodation information. The R.S.V.P. card is stamped prior to sending the wedding invitation as a courtesy for the guest to send their response easily. The reception card simply lists the addresses and times of any post-wedding events, such as a cocktail hour, dinner or dance. Map or direction cards provide details about the location of the wedding and reception. The accommodation information gives helpful tips about airfare, transportation or hotel arrangements for out-of-town guests. Local attractions may be featured as well. Often the accommodation information is sent in advance with the save the dates.
Modern wedding invitation design is continually changing and evolving to match current trends. Today’s wedding invitations generally match the style of the couple as well as the level of formality of the event. For example, a casual beach wedding may have light, fresh colors and beach-related graphics. A formal church wedding may have more scripty typefaces and lots of ornamentation that matches the formal nature of the event. The design of the wedding invitation is becoming less and less traditional and more reflective of the couple’s personality.