What Do Your Wedding Invitations Say About You?

When thinking about getting married everyone usually begins by thinking about the venue, the dress, and the flowers, but when it comes to the guests, the invitation is the first impression of the wedding that they will see. And it really is true: First impressions are lasting impressions. So what does your wedding invitation say about you?

When Samantha and Matt got married 25 years ago the invitations were quite simple. White or ivory paper with several choices of print and design were the norm. Now that Samantha is helping her daughter prepare for a wedding the choices aren’t as clear-cut. Invitations now come in as many different options as the bride and groom can imagine. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

When deciding on an invitation, whether it be traditional or creative, here are a few suggestions that may help you in your search:

1. Google and Yahoo are your friends, so let the search engines work for you. Whether you are a fan of “Google”, “MSN”, or “Yahoo”, or other type of searcher, the terms you use can result in many varying results. Some good ones to try are simply “Wedding Invitations”, “Unique Wedding Invitations”, even “DIY Wedding Invitations” or “Printable Wedding Invitations”. All of these searches will result in many different types of selections from the traditional to the unusual.

2. Determine Your Budget - The amount of money you plan to spend on the invitations will make a huge difference in the selection you may choose. If you have a more extensive budget, a printing shop or an order of preprinted and even pre-addressed invitations may be for you. If your budget is more limited, the creative DIY invitation stuffing and addressing party with family, friends and bridal party doing most of the work may be for you. The possibilities are endless.

3. Always Order a Sample - many couples have learned the hard way that the way the invitation looks on the computer screen or in a magazine is not how it looks when in hand. Almost all companies will send a sample if you ask. This is especially important when looking at the more unique choices. It may look great on paper but when you have it in hand it could even be too unique.

4. Make Sure to Allow Enough Time - whether you are ordering from an online site, ordering from a local printing shop or sending flip flops in a unique package for a beach themed wedding, allow enough time for the printing and shipping or for you to address them. Make sure to allow for the unknowns: mail delays, illnesses, or other delays.

So what did Samantha’s daughter choose? She chose an invitation that is shaped like a leaf with all the information printed in a brown tonal font with the envelope made from a crumpled paper bag look. With recycling being so important to the couple and an outdoor woodsy wedding planned it was the perfect choice. What will you choose?