Why are wedding invitations so important?
Invitations set the scene of what is to come on your special day.
“If your invitation is poorly made and you cut corners, that’s what people are going to expect on your day,” says founder of Creation Corner Wedding Stationery, Georgia Papas.
If they on the other hand are nice and elegant, they will set the scene that you are having a sophisticated wedding.
Trends
Gone are the days of frilly bows says Georgia. The current trend for weddings at the moment is elegance, which can be reflected through your wedding invitations with embellishments such as tiny pearl toned beads, miniature swarovski crystals, buckles, and the ever so popular lace.
Personalising invitations with photographs of the bride and groom to be are also growing in popularity.
There is also a move towards DIYs (do-it-yourself) invitations as the ‘recessionista bride’ is looking to save costs.
Colours
Classic glamour is always in, think whites and ivories, with black or charcoal coloured text. Black is always elegant, and paired with beautiful printed sashes or lace belts it resonates with romance.
Warm gold-tone metallics with chocolate coloured text and embellishments such as shimmery brass charms are also nice for winter.
Which ever colours you choose, Georgia says that they should suit the theme of your wedding including place cards, wedding decor and dresses.
For example you could have an ivory background (which depicts the bridal dress) with a hint of blue (in the form of embellishments or bordering) if that is the colour of the bridesmaid’s dresses.
Shape
Anything goes, according to Georgia but the DL rectangular shape remains the most popular of shapes. Whether to choose flat or folded invitations depend on your personal choice.
Paper
Georgia says that most of the time, couples opt for metallic invitation cards in ivories, golds and silvers. Most of these are recycled.
Contemporary textured recycled papers are also a great alternative, especially if you are having a destination or outdoor wedding.
For extra dimension and texture, try adding a transparent overlay to your invitation card.
A chignon paper sash fitted on both ends of the invitation card finished off with a ribbon will add both class and texture, according to Georgia.
DIY
For those who want to do-it-yourself, Georgia offers a partial DIY, when items are printed and cut but you elect to assemble and stick yourself.
The DIY option does save money however unless you have steady hands, Georgia believes that it is better to have it done by a professional to avoid complications.
She says to steer clear of using glue which can give a bubbly like effect to the paper.
Instead opt for double sided tape.
| Start looking for your wedding stationery 4-6 months prior to the wedding, with the aim to post them to the guests 2 months before your wedding. Inviations need to be sent even earlier to interstate or overseas guests so that they can organise their travel. |
| It is a good idea to choose dresses and suits first, so that you can use same theme in stationery. |
| Decide how much you would like to spend on stationery and let the stationer know so they can work out a package to suit your price range. The average cost is $5 per invitation not including reply or place cards. |