Once those details are taken care of I design. Again, I design backwards... We work color schemes and linens, late night snacks and music, favors and such. The last details I take care of are the guest book table, the place card table, the program design, aisle runner design and finally... the invitation. The invitation comes last... and for a reason.
How could you possibly design an invitation to introduce your wedding to your guests for the first time before you know every detail of what your guest will experience? Yes... your invitation is the first impression you will make on your wedding guests of your wedding style.
I literally cringe when I hear brides tell me that they are not wanting to spend a lot of money on "that paper stuff" (i.e. wedding invitations). Nothing makes me more sad than when a couple works so hard on a wedding and spends big money on all facets of the wedding, and make budget cuts on their first impression.
Brides are always shocked to find the heavy price tag attached to custom invitations... Many are in the $5-$10 price range... per invite. And if you want them hand addressed for your guests... that costs extra. I always explain the value to my brides with this explanation. If you were going to go to Target and buy your friend a birthday card... you'd expect to pay $3-$5 for that card. The nicer the card, the more it costs. That birthday card is not personalized. It doesn't have Jenny's name on it. It doesn't have hand placed crystals on it or produced on your time. It's just a basic card on the shelf. Nothing special. No wow factor. So why would you expect to pay any less for a completely custom wedding invitation? One where you decide where the crystals go. One that has your name and your desired wording on it. One that may have several sheets of paper included in making just one little invitation. Now you get it.
Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding. Imagine you open your mailbox to find a beautifully wrapped box, addressed in hand-written calligraphy. You open the box to find a hard-back, satin bound book style invitation tied with a satin bow and fastened with a rhinestone broach. You'd know you need to dress to impress for this wedding and that you'll have the finest of experiences.... even before you've opened it up to see the "black tie requested" on the bottom. This couple got it right.
Image: Sotodesignstudios
I am not saying you need to spend $30 an invitation (yes, that is how much this style can cost) to "get it right". I simply mean that the couple wanting a black tie wedding who sends that style invitation gave their guests the right impression. If you are having a less extravagant wedding, it is still important that your wedding invitations reflect your wedding style.
Simple can be elegant... elegant can be fun... fun can be appropriate for your wedding invitations - as long as it is reflective of your wedding event style. Take this fun, spin on an elegant black and white wedding invitation... No less formal event... just one that invokes a bit of whimsical fun to the tradition.
Image: Blisstree
Wedding invitations are also a great time to introduce your wedding colors or theme to your guests. Just make sure it is appropriate... the pocket invitation below indicates a contemporary spin on a formal traditional wedding... through the font choice and fun use of color.
Image: my modern wedding invitations
The beach wedding invitation below paints a picture of a theme or destination wedding where the love of the beach and ocean will be included in every detail of the day. I can picture a wedding on the beach, complete with flip flops provided to each guest. Tropical floral centerpieces in trumpet vases full of sand and tiny shells... a color scheme of teal and pink... with other tropical color infusions... stylish food, and seafood as a main course. If I arrived at the wedding where it was a black-tie ballroom event or centerpieces were brass candelabras I'd say something went wrong.
Image: passionatepaper.com
Photo invitations are also popular and when done correctly... can be just as impressive as heavy, expensive card invitations. Not to mention, there is no better way to personalize an invitation for you as a couple. Just keep in mind... you still want to show your guests what to expect on your big day. A wedding invitation like the one below offers guests an insight into the semi-formal wedding to come while still showcases the couples love and passion for each other as they approach their big day! Also a wonderful way to show off those engagement pictures!
Image: photocardchef
No matter what your wedding style is or what your budget... just make sure your invitations are appropriate for the wedding you are having. A young contemporary couple with fusion colors of deep royal purple and bright lime green, Orchid centerpieces and mini food stations would do their wedding a serious injustice to send an invitation like the one below.
Image: weddingfully.com
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