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You’re planning your wedding and already you’re
stumped. What’s in a wedding invitation anyway? You
may be surprised to find that from the wording of your invitation
to the card stock that you choose, it turns out that your
choices may matter more than you think!
Your choice of wedding invitations not only gives your
friends and family a glimpse of your style and personality,
it also conveys the attitude, theme and tone that you’ve
set for your wedding celebration. Just as pink and white
shell-lined paper invitations announce the laid-back atmosphere
of a beach wedding, traditional engraved cards set the tone
for a more conservative affair. Creative touches like adding
a stamp designed with your likeness is a fun idea for a
festive occasion; hand-addressing invitations with calligraphy
signals a solemn event.
These days, a couple’s wedding invitation is much
more than a simple request for one’s presence at a
celebration. It’s a calling card and a sentimental
keepsake, a request and a means for communication, all folded,
sealed and stamped into one beautiful package. Not only
do invitations let the recipient know important information
such as: who, what, where and when, they also convey information
such as who is hosting the event. And, with today’s
blended families and non-traditional marriages, anything
goes. An invitation can, “Request the honor of your
presence at the marriage of our daughter,” or it can,
“Request the presence of your company at our union.”
Your wedding invitation also determines the exact number
of people who are invited to the wedding and it helps you
keep track of replies via the R.S.V.P. card that is typically
enclosed. Make sure to be specific with your wording on
envelopes, i.e. “Mr. Brad Smith” on the outside
envelope and “Mr. Smith and guest” on the inner
one to make it clear exactly who is invited. Traditionally,
maps were not included with wedding invitations. As time
goes by, it is becoming more accepted. According to Emily
Post, however, Bridal Registry information should never
be included with your invitation.
So how can you make your invitation say what you want it
to say? The first step is to determine the type of ceremony
you want to have and then determine how you can convey it
on paper. If your idea of a great wedding is to invite your
whole neighborhood over for a barbeque, an ant-lined paper
frame or a red-and-white-checkered card would add just the
right touch of whimsy. Is your dream wedding a black-tie
optional candlelight ceremony at your church? True formal
wedding invitations have not changed much over time –
fine cream-colored paper and black or dark gray engraved
lettering is always in style.
Look up “Wedding Invitations” on the Internet
and you’ll find page after page of wedding invitation
options. Embellishments like ribbons, embossed flowers and
even photos can all add your own personality to your invitation.
Figure out what type of impression you want to make and
go for it. With all the options out there, your wedding
invitation is sure to say just the right thing. |
