With the seemingly unending ways to customize wedding invitations, it can be difficult to decide what you want. By looking at some of the popular choices, you can see what others have done, and decide if those styles are ones which would suit your taste.
Popular styles
If you are interested in a classic look, you may choose a single panel card. The invitation information is printed on the front. Some people choose to accent these invitations with an organza bow in a complimentary color. A classic wedding invitation is timeless, and is sure not to draw much criticism, but it will also not stand out very much.
Choosing a contemporary wedding invitation opens up many design options for the bride and groom. Many contemporary invitations are in nontraditional shapes. They may be long and narrow or square. They often open up rather than having all of the information printed on the front panel. Furthermore, contemporary wedding invitations can be in bright fun colors, such as turquoise, red and green. Striped invitations are also common, and very pleasant to the eye.
For the couple who considers religion an important part of their life together, and a focal point for their wedding, a religious themed card can make a wonderful choice. Many of the religious cards feature a bible, church scene or other religious drawing as part of the design of the card.
The couple who cannot control themselves and want to share their love with the world may choose one of the many heart invitations which are available. Wedding invitations decorated with hearts are available in whimsical designs as well as more traditional patterns. This can extend to the overall theme of the event, such as a beach wedding. A perfect wedding invitation for this occasion would be an invitation showing a beach scene with two hearts made from seashells in the sand.
Many couples choose an invitation decorated with flowers for their wedding. Floral invitations are a beautiful and subtle way to show your romantic side. Flowers can be incorporated into a wedding invitation in many ways, such as in a floral border or as a backdrop for the inscription on the invitation itself.
Popular paper choices
The choice of paper for your invitations can seem daunting. Cotton, linen, parchment, are all common selections. Fortunately some invitations are only available in certain types of paper, narrowing your choices. Another thing to keep in mind is that a casual wedding often uses recycled paper or cotton paper, while a more formal wedding may use linen or parchment. Vellum paper, which is opaque, gives a romantic feel to your invitations. Deckle edged paper makes the paper look like it was hand torn.
Popular inks
For the traditionalist, black or dark gray ink is one of the most common choices. Some brides choose to integrate their wedding colors into the invitation by using one of the colors as the ink color. Formal weddings often call for a metallic ink, such as silver, gold or copper. Regardless of what color you choose, make sure that it coordinated with the color of your paper, and is easy to read.
Popular add-ins
What are the most common additions to the invitation? In everything but the most casual, open church type of wedding a response card will be included. If you include a response, or RSVP, card in the invitation, you should also include a self addressed envelope with postage included. The return address is traditionally printed on the envelopes by the printer. This is different than the invitation envelopes, which are traditionally addressed by hand.
If you are having guests from out of town, you may want to add accommodations cards. These cards, typically printed on the multi-use cards that match your invitations, provide out of town guests with information on where they can stay while they are in town for your wedding. You can provide the names of several hotels as well as contact information, or, if you have made arrangements for a special rate at a specific hotel, the name of that hotel, and what they should do to receive the special rate.
You may also want to include a reception card in your invitations. The reception card provides information about where the reception is held and at what time. This is helpful for those who may not make it to the ceremony but would like to join you later.
While these are some popular ideas for what many people choose for their invitations, it is not an inclusive guide. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and you should let your own desires guide your choices. If you want to make your own invitations, use nontraditional colors or styles or do anything else that others may not do, that is your choice. Your invitations are a chance to express your and your fiancé’s personalities. They will also be a keepsake for years to come.
