Choosing A Style For Your Wedding Invitations
Choosing your wedding stationery can be a
bit of a minefield, so I wanted to give a bit of a guide into the various
different styles and finishes of wedding stationery you can consider and what
would work best for your wedding.
Of course the possibilities are endless,
and no-one should feel constricted by existing designs as most stationers will
offer a bespoke service, but here are my Top 4 Ideas and also a few hints and
tips on Card Quality & Finish ….
1. Flat or Postcard Style
A simple flat printed invitation. This
style of invitation is perfect for you if you don’t have too much information
to pass onto your guests, and is also a great option for evening invitations
which don’t need as much wording on them. They also make a great Save the Date
card option.
A5 Flat or Postcard style invitations are great for
last minute weddings or if you need invitations in a rush as they can be more
easily printed quickly for you.
2. Flat Folded
Style
A traditional square folded card can make a
great wedding invitation, giving your guests a good insight into the style of
your wedding on the front cover, and providing plenty of room inside to give
your guests the basic details of the day and R.S.V.P information.
These are also often easier to make in a
hurry if you order a pre-existing off the peg design.
3. Pocketfold
Style
Pocketfolds are great if you have lots of
guests coming from further afield or have lots of information you need to let
your guests know about your day.
I often include a RSVP card and envelope
for guests to fill in and return, plus an information card providing guests
directions, hotel suggestions and details about your gift list. Maps can also
be included.
4. Present Style
An alternative to a pocketfold, several invitations,
information and rsvp cards can be layered up and wrapped in a co-ordinating
band or tied in string. This can really work when you want to include numerous
information cards, maps or rsvps, and can be a gorgeous little package or
present for you guests to open when they receive their invitations!
Of course there are also several different
types of printing and types of card to consider as well.
There are different types of printing for
example. Some stationery comes with a digital print which will usually give you
a smooth flat modern finish. I personally print a lot of my stationery designs
on good heavyweight textured card – such as wove, laid or aquarello – which
gives a more substantial feel and also works really well if you are looking for
a vintage feel.
Another alternative is Letterpress. Quite a
few companies now specialize in Letterpress style invitations which essentially
is a technique that involves
printing words or designs with ink while simultaneously ‘debossing’ the image
into thick, soft paper.
Most professional stationers will make sure
they are using a nice heavy weight card. I wouldn’t usually go for anything
less than 300gsm, however you do need to take into account that different card
types will feel differently at different weights and so 300gsm in one card will
feel ‘less heavy’ than 300gsm in another.
What I’m essentially advocating is always
make sure you get a physical sample from your stationer before buying! I
personally always think its quite important to hold stationery in your hand to
get a really good idea of what its quality is, and most stationers will offer a
sample order service.
Nikki x
