I'm feeling informative on this busy Monday, so here my top 5 Things to Think About Before Ordering your Wedding Invitations!
1. {Here's the 411} Consider how much information you need to communicate to your guests. If you are planning a destination wedding, you may need to include inserts with travel and accommodation information, local attractions, and details about additional events you may be hosting (rehearsal dinner, other group activities). If you have a lot of this information you may want to consider a pocket fold invitation. Pocket fold invitations typically include a space for you to insert reception cards, reply cards, accommodation cards, and some even fit a 4th card for additional information. These invitations keep cards neatly arranged so your guests receive a pretty presentation in the mail. My favorite pocket fold invitations are Exotic Tropics in Blue and Botanical Arches.
2. {Where are they going?} If you have a lot of international guests or you simply would like to save on postage, then skip the ribbons and bows to cut down the cost of stamps. Also, select a standard shaped invitation. Square shaped invitations and other unique sizes often require additional postage. This can add up quickly if you have guests around the world. My favorite simple single layer invitations that may require the bare bones when it comes to stamps include Esther and Pink Fantasy. Also, be aware that if you add enclosure cards such as reception and response cards that the weight may be cause for additional postage.
3. {Picking your Style} Before ordering your wedding invitations you should spend some time shopping and exploring different styles. It's hard to say what will strike you as the perfect invitation until you browse around. An easy way to start shopping at Invitation Consultants is to browse by color. It's the simplest way of finding invitation inspiration. If you're not sure what color is going to catch your fancy, then you can shop by theme. In my mind, there are four major themes invitations can fall under: Traditional, Modern, Floral, and Destination. There's tons of looks that each of these themes might encompass, and while they are broad terms for defining style it's easy to find something personal and perfect if you explore these themes thoroughly.
4. {Make it Coordinate} Your wedding invitations are a glimpse into the look, feel, and essence of your event. You may want to develop a concept and stick with it when ordering all of your wedding stationery- including your save the date, rehearsal dinner invitations, and thank you notes. This may mean using similar colors, paper textures, printing methods, or motifs. For example, you may choose a save the date in shades of green, a wedding invitation with a palm frond, and rehearsal dinner invitation with a tropical design inspired by the palm fronds on the wedding invitation, and thank you notes with a matching motif. As long as you have a strong vision of what your wedding is going to feel like, it is simple to give your guests a sneak peek of what's to come.
5. {Mind your etiquette} It's not super fun reading etiquette guides, but it really does pay off when you look at your invitations and know that the wording is timeless and socially sweet. Emily Post is the expert, and we have some really great tips in our Help Center. Here's another blog post I wrote on following the rules, and having fun breaking them.
I hope this information helps you as you browse and plan for your wedding invitations! Email Fab*Blog at blog@invitationconsultants.com or tweet us @fabulousinvites any questions you may have about finding the perfect wedding invitation for you!
