When it comes to choosing what type of invitation you would like, look around at bridal magazines, other invitations you have received, research online and study bridal catologues. You will soon have a feel for what you like.
The colour of your invitation generally follows the colour of your wedding outfit. If you are to be married in ivory, the invitation will also be in ivory.
For contrasting colours, you can follow the colour your bridesmaids will be wearing, a colour that you really love, the colour of your wedding flowers or perhaps a seasonal colour(such as red for a winter wedding)
Deciding on the shape of your invitation is a personal matter. Generally, the main invitation are A6(4 inches by 6 inches), Square or DL(4inches by 8inches). You can also choose wallets that, come in different sizes and different colours.
Evening Invitations are usually simpler but, still reflect your day time invitation design.They are usually A6 in size or you can even use post card size card and print your details directly on to it.The choice is yours.
If an Order of Service is required, they tend to be larger to allow for the datails that need to be included. The typical size is A5. This is 6 inches by 8 inches. Imperial size is also popular, but not so readily available. These are 5 inches by 7 inches.You will also need inserts for these.
Other stationery that might be needed are Save the Date and slightly less usual, Order of the Day. Once you have decided on your design, these can be made to reflect your theme.Save the Date notices are useful if you know well in advance the date of your wedding, and that it is taking place at a busy time, such as Christmas or Bank Holidays. This allows your guests to plan their shedule well in advance and not have to miss your big day.
Once you have chosen your colours and design everything else will fall in to place. Seating Plans, Wedding Favours or Place Settings for example, can be decided upon more easily because you now have a colour or theme to work to.
Remember to do a wedding invitation list; so you know how many invitations you actually need. You may have 80 guests at your wedding, but only need for example, 37 invitations, as some invites may have 3 or 4 people included upon one invitation. Always allow a few spare to cover guests that, may have to be invited at a later date and most importantly, don\'t forget to make one for yourself to keep as a keepsake.
Choosing your design
When choosing your overall design you have to consider
How many you need to make. If it is a small wedding you may feel like creating something more demanding as, you will have the time perhaps to do more intricate work. If it is a large wedding, try to keep your design more simple. Besides the stationery, you will have lots of other things you will need to organise, so be realistic. A good tip is to get your friends and relatives involved, and throw a Wedding Invite party, and get everyone lending a hand. Remember, no wine or nibbles until after they have finished, you don\'t want wonky invitations
The cost of your invitations is also important. One of the great advantages to making your own invitations is that, your costs are significantly reduced. Depending on your choice of design, you should save at least one third of the costs and usually substantially more. Creating your own wedding stationery is not only about costs. It is also about choice. When you design your own invitation you get to choose exactly what you want and, where you want to place it on the design.
The type of design is also important. The Royal Mail are now very specific about the weight and the size of your invitations. Wedding etiquette states that, invitations should be posted even if your guests live close by, so postage costs are a major consideration. The maximum depth a standard letter can be is 5mm and it must not weigh more than 100gms. It must also not be longer than 24cms and not wider than 16.5 cms. These details are easy to overcome if you know about them, when planning your invitations. You can still make invitations larger than above, you will have to post them as a Large Letter. So, if you have set your heart on having a chunky rose bud on your wedding invitation, you still can, but you will have to send it accordingly. At Crafty Cards, we always advise posting out an invitation to yourself, before posting them out to your guests, just to check that the weight and size is fine.
Time is also a significant factor when considering your wedding stationery. If you have planned well in advance, and your wedding is not for a while you can consider any design. If on the other hand you do not have a lot of time, you need a design that can be completed relatively quickly. In this circumstance, you might get your family and friends involved and set up a production line. Another solution is to buy semi-complete invitations that, do not require many, or any embellishments. A good example of this is the Complete Wedding Invitation kit, available at Crafty Cards. Here you have everything you need, including invitations, envelopes and inserts to make stylish invitations easily and quickly.
