When to order

Invitations or supplies should be ordered at least 3 months before the wedding date. It is wise to order at least 10 extra invitations for unexpected additions to your guest list and keepsakes.

Sources for wedding invitations 

Prices and quality will vary widely; generally, the lower priced options will be made from a less substantial, thinner paper and use a generic factory-made design. Samples should be ordered well in advance to check paper thickness and color, avoid cheap flimsy papers.

Under $1 to $2 each
The internet is a great way to research options for invitations. Specific keywords such as “wedding invitations with calla lilies” or “chocolate brown wedding invitations” will produce better results. For an affordable invitation with a posh look, invitations can be created with a home printer using premium paper and embellishments. Visit http://www.formal-invitations.com/ for high quality invitations supplies with instructions and templates.

$3-7 each
Search online for “custom printed wedding invitations” and “unique wedding invitations”. Local print shops also offer invitations, printed using lithography (flat ink) or thermography which offers economical raised lettering, although it is not as crisp as genuine engraving.

$8 each and up
A local graphic designer or engraver can provide high end custom invitations. Engraving is a method of imprinting artwork onto heavyweight paper using a copper plate to produce a fine line and raised matte lettering; the impression is also visible from the back.

Enclosure options

Reception Card
If the reception is held at a different location from the ceremony, a separate card is ordinarily enclosed giving the location and time of the reception.

Reply Card
Reply cards simply ask your guest to check whether or not they can attend and include a stamped and self-addressed envelope or postcard for them to return. Response cards might also include a selection of entrees for the reception, allowing guests to indicate their preferences.

Two envelopes/tissue:
A second envelope is not necessary and today more brides are opting to forego using one. Tissues are unnecessary, but may be useful in protecting the envelope if you are using a hard embellishment such as charm or decorative brad.

Wedding Invitation Wording

Hosted by bride and groom:
Emma Margaret Johnson and Jack Warren Smith
request the pleasure of your company in celebrating their union of marriage…

Hosted by bride’s family:
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Johnson invite you to join them in a celebration of love
as their daughter, Emma Margaret
is united in marriage to Mr. Jack Warren Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith…

Hosted by bride, groom and both families:
Emma Margaret Johnson and Jack Warren Smith
together with their parents (names of parents can be included here)
invite you to join them in celebrating their marriage…
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith request the honour of your presence
to witness the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony uniting their children, Emma Margaret and Jack Warren…

Hosted by bride’s and groom’s families:

Hosted by groom’s family:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of Emma Margaret Johnson to their son, Jack Warren Smith…
Mrs. Audrey Jones and Mr. Kevin Johnson
invite you to join them in a celebration of love as their daughter, Emma Margaret
is united in marriage to Mr. Jack Warren Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith…
Emma Margaret Johnson, daughter of Audrey Johnson and the late Kevin Johnson
and Jack Warren Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith
invite you to join them in celebrating their marriage…

Wedding hosted by divorced parents:

When one parent is deceased:

…on Saturday, the fourth of June
two thousand and ten 
at five o’clock in the evening
St. Michael’s Church Orland Park, Illinois

Wedding Announcements
Wedding announcements usually echo the style and format of the invitation, with the substitution of words such as “are pleased to announce” the wedding . They are mailed on the day of the ceremony.

Assembling and Addressing Wedding Invitations

If two envelopes are being used, the smaller inner envelope is addressed with only the guest(s) name, such as “Mr. and Mrs. Grant Thompson” “Miss Johnson and Guest”. The outer envelope is addressed with the guest’s full name and address. Avoid using abbreviations for streets and cities. Before stamping, bring a sample of the completed invitations to the post office to determine the correct postage.

When assembling your invitations, the reply card with stamped envelope or reply postcard should be on top, then the reception card, then the invitation. If two envelopes are used, all of the enclosures are placed in the inner envelope face up. The inner envelope is placed (unsealed) in the outer envelope, with the flap facing back so that your guest sees his or her name upon opening.

If you’re looking for ways to blow the minds of your attendants check out this video about my favorite invitation designer below.  They really bring in the awesome…In this video clip, Silvana Misantone takes us through her stylish haute couture approach to creating specialized wedding invitations

We here at Darkershadesofbrown Photography are design freaks so I had to share in on the awesome creations by these guys. At the very least I hope this video clip and information has given you an idea of where you can go with your wedding invitations as they are the first expression of your wedding theme. Whether traditional or non-traditional, classic or contemporary, today you can find a range of stunning designs which can be personalised to match your wedding colours, everything from save the date cards to place names and thank you cards. Hopefully, this video clip will help you select the perfect invitation for your very special day

You can also get a link to their wonderfully designed website by clicking here

For more information on how Darkershadesofbrown Photography can help you in the process of planning your wedding you can get more info by clicking here.

~Daniel~