Designing the perfect wedding invitation

Now that you’ve set the date for that all-important day, you need to start planning. Surprisingly enough, one of the hardest tasks for brides-to-be is deciding on the perfect wedding invite design.

Designing the perfect wedding invitation is one of the first ways to set the tone for your wedding day.

Not only do your wedding invitations give guests the information and details they need to attend your event, but they are also a reflection of your personality and offer a sneak preview of the theme and plans for your big day.

Your perfect wedding invitation should contain everything your guests need to know, such as:

• Names of the bride and groom

• Who is hosting the wedding (for example, both sets of parents, the bride’s or groom’s parents only, or the bride and groom themselves)?

• Date of the wedding

• Ceremony venue, address and start time

• Reception venue, address and start time

• RSVP date and details. Sometimes a separate RSVP card is a nice addition to your invitation that your guests can post back to you, alternatively a phone number or email address is also acceptable. Check with your reception venue when they require the final numbers of your guests so you can decide on your RSVP date.

• Dress code (formal, semi-formal, cocktail, smart casual, etc)

• Bridal registry / wishing well if you are asking for gifts. This is usually a separate card that complements your wedding invitation and describes what type of gifts you would appreciate from your guests.

• Details / extra information. This can also be a separate card that describes directions, transportation options, parking information, etc. If the information is only short, you may be able to put it on the bottom of your invitation.

Invitations are usually sent to your guests around 8-12 weeks before your wedding. If you have guests who are travelling for your wedding, a nice idea is to send out “save the date” cards prior to sending out your formal invitations.

This gives your guests the heads up that you’re getting married and to save the date in their calendar (it also allows your guests time to book accommodation if need be).

Along with your invitations, it’s a good idea to think about items you may need for your ceremony or reception:

• Place cards

• Order of service booklets

• Thank you cards to send to your guests after your wedding to thank them for sharing your special day and for their generous gifts (these could also be placed on your guest's tables as opposed to sending them after your wedding).

• Bombonieres / gifts for your guests

Wedding invitations can be handcrafted or printed digitally to complement your special day.

Sizes vary from A6 through to DL (1/3 of an A4 sheet) and A5 and can match the colours of your wedding theme.

Your invitations should maintain wedding etiquette as well as style, individuality and elegance. Most importantly, the perfect wedding invitation should represent you – after all, this is YOUR big day!

Author Fiona is a graphic designer at Pinnacle Design Studio – a registered business on ServiceSeeking.com.au