Weddings–previously experienced as an incorporation of faith, rituals and a blend of what relatives joyously recognized as “the norm.” But in the twenty-first century, the “norm” has evolved into “the right” couples exercise to creatively express themselves through beautiful décor, exotic settings, and invitations that will tantalize their guests.
As the trends for destination and themed weddings continue to grow, wedding invitations seem to be increasing in emotional value and considered to be worth every penny of the traditionally allotted 2%-5% of the overall wedding budget. Not only do they deliver the great news and provide the first glimpse of the event, but they are also one of the few remaining mementos guests and couples will be able to cherish for years to come.
Purchasing wedding invitations can be as easy as selecting a set out of a catalog. However, if you feel you have searched high and low, unable to find a piece you can identify with, don’t become discouraged – there are other options available. You can either purchase supplies and create your own invitations, or seek the help of a professional designer. There are many invitation studios such as Dio Selina Custom Designs, who specialize in creating custom invitations that effectively capture a couple’s essence and appropriately set the tone for the event.
 Ready, Set, Go!
The first thing to consider is budget. Except for do it yourself kits, the cost of invitations ranges from $3-$20 each set (set includes one invitation, RSVP card and envelope, reception enclosures, calligraphy, mailing envelope and postage). Whether you choose to print your invitations at home or seek the help of a professional stationer, your predetermined budget will be a starting point and guideline.
Things to ConsiderNext, you will need to compile some basic and important information necessary to help with the decisions involved in the process.
If you have already determined your wedding date, time and location, make sure you have this information readily available when shopping for invitations, as it will help you determine the amount of enclosures that will need to be included with the invitations.
 Quantity – If you’re anticipating about 200 guests, you may want to start with 100 as a figure (one invitation per couple) and add 15-25 extra invitations to ensure you have enough for those who may have slipped your mind, and enough left over for your memory books.
Wording – Traditionally, the names of the people hosting the wedding are included in the invitations. Nowadays, it is very common for the couple and their parents to contribute, so the wording may start something like “together with their parents, Jane Doe and John Smith request the honor of your presence”… Parents’ names can also be included if desired, or omitted if they are not hosting.
RSVP – Options include: an RSVP post card, card and envelope, phone number or web address. Post cards are very cost effective and require less postage. A card and envelope will cost a bit more, but are most traditional. Phone service and wedding web sites are the most modern yet equally effective and convenient alternatives.
Enclosures – You will most likely need a separate reception card if the ceremony takes place in a different location than the reception. If you are expecting many out of town guests, you may also want to include a map indicating the easiest route to your wedding venue(s).
Coordinating Items – Most of your budget will be applied toward your invitations, but make sure you leave enough room to purchase thank you cards or wedding programs, if you feel you’ll need these items.
Theme and Setting – Whether you are having a beach wedding, Tuscan winery theme, elegant ballroom or garden setting, make sure you select the appropriate wording, papers, and fonts to convey this message.
Color and Design – White is no longer the norm! Feel free to experiment with a rich color palette as long as it reflects your setting or theme. As far as design goes, the more elaborate the piece, the more it will cost. If you choose a design with ribbons and pockets to hold all your enclosures, the cost will usually start at $8 a set. If you’re looking to keep the cost down, look for something with less layers (minimizing the amount of manual labor), less embellishments, and no pockets.
Shapes – Invitations are available in different forms and shapes. There are squares, rectangles and some are even mailed in presentation boxes or bottles. Whatever you select, make sure you’ve accounted for the additional postage these square shapes or box mailers will require to ship. You can log on www.DioSelina.com to view a variety of the shapes and folds available, and help you determine what you are most drawn to.
Fonts: Do’s and Don’ts – Fonts are a primary tool in reflecting your personality and setting the tone. If you are planning on an elegant setting, stay away from curly-cutsie fonts. Don’t use bold fonts for small text, and don’t bold cursive fonts. Do feel free to combine two fonts (no more than two, though) preferably a cursive font for your names, and a non-cursive font for the rest of the text. If you decide to stick to one font, do feel free to increase the size of the font for your names (only) and keep the rest of the info in a smaller point size. This will create a focal point out of your names, adding more interest to the overall text layout.
Printing Options – There are several printing methods available, affecting the overall cost of your invitations. Laser printing is a nice option, usually resulting in good quality, allowing you cut costs on printing and upgrade on materials and embellishments. The nice thing is you can do this yourself!
Offset printing costs a bit more, but it allows you to print on a wider range on materials. Offset printing is what you see on everyday magazines, brochures, greeting cards, etc.
Thermography is a powder finish added to offset printing. It melts when heated and fuses to the ink, creating a nice raised and shinny effect. When you touch the surface, you will feel that the letters are raised from the surface of the paper.
Letterpress is much more costly but a gorgeous alternative, creating a carved or pressed lettering effect into soft cotton based papers.
Calligraphy – There are many calligraphers available to address your invitations. To save time, you may want to deliver the envelopes to your calligrapher while your invitations are being produced, so that they both are completed at the same time. If your budget doesn’t allow for hand calligraphy, you may choose to address your own envelopes by printing them yourself, or having your designer run them through a laser printer for what is known as “computer calligraphy”. If one of your bridesmaids, friends or family members has beautiful writing, you can ask if they would feel comfortable taking on this task for you. It will add a more personal touch to your invitations and get those close to you involved with your wedding planning.
Customizing Options – You may also want to include a poem, a photo or illustration to further customize your invitations. Have these elements readily available when contacting designers.
Do It Yourself vs. Selecting a Designer
If you opt to create your own wedding invitations, keep in mind that it does take time to design, proofread, select and purchase materials, print, assemble, adhere postage, stuff envelopes, address and mail all the invitations. This may be a bit overwhelming if you are coordinating other aspects of your wedding.
If you decide to seek out the help of a designer, make sure their portfolio includes pieces that suit your taste. Don’t be discouraged by distance! With the help of e-mail, web, phone, fax, and snail mail, the designer or invitation studio of your choice can be located across the nation, and still provide amazing results! Most custom invitation designers offer consultations via phone and e-mail, and are also able to sell you samples of invitations previously designed for other couples, allowing you to become familiar with the quality of their work, pricing and procedures before signing any contracts.
On a final note, don’t forget that great service and design are available in all price ranges without compromise. A professional in their field should be able to not only offer their best product or service available in a given price range, but also guide and educate clients about options that will allow for extra savings or upgrades, as necessary. And remember, ink and paper are not your only options nowadays. If you are having a non-traditional wedding in a movie theater, for instance, your wedding invitations can be printed on a paper bag to be delivered filled with microwavable popcorn kernels, resulting in a great treat for your guests. That’s one way to create a lasting impression and have your guests anxiously awaiting your wedding day!
~ Dioscelina Perez
Owner of Dio Selina Custom Designs,
www.DioSelina.com
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~ Think Eco-Friendly