This is our first post in a series about wedding stationery, etiquette, tips, tricks, and even some DIY projects. But first things first. Lets go over the different pieces that can be included in an invitation, along with the different printing methods used.

As the years pass by more and more couples are personalizing their weddings, and not just the reception and ceremony. This customization is expanding over into the wedding invitations, save the dates, engagement photos, and even the dress. Weather its how to include your dog, or his favorite teams colors (how do I keep this elegant?) there are many stable and emerging trends to help you tie it all together.

Printing Methods:

Engraving $$$$ - One of the most expensive printing techniques. The invitation is usually printed on 100% cotton paper and will show indents on the reverse. The front of the invitation has raised lettering. Engraving takes a long time, but produces a very classic, and elegant look. 

Letterpress $$$ - Letterpress has made a come back. Letterpress invitations are a great way to add a little detail. Ink is pushed into the paper using a press. Most are made on antique letterpress machines. Letterpress has a beautiful rustic look, but depending on the design can be quite expensive.
Thermography $$ -  Thermography is a good alternative to engraving and can save you 20-30%. Thermography uses heat to bind ink to polymer powder to produce a similar raised text affect similar to engraving. It is not recommended to print light inks on dark paper with this method. 

Offset Printing $- Offset or flat printing has recently become one of the most popular options for wedding stationery. This method is the least expensive, and allows greater creative liberty then some traditional methods. One reason I like offset printing is because you can get more pieces for your invitation suite at an affordable price. 

Wedding Invitation Suites:

The Invitation - Your wedding invitation is the most important part of your suite. This card lays out all the traditional and important information about your big day. The invitation wording starts with who is hosting the wedding. In our modern times this could be the Bride's parents, the Groom's parents, both sets of parents, divorced parents, or the couple themselves. The invitation then goes on to include the happy couple, the date, and time, as well as the location.

The Response Card - The response card is used for your guest to reply to your invitation. Traditional response cards come with a pre-stamped envelope. Lately many couples are opting for postcard responses, or digital to cut costs, and save paper. The response card also can include meal choices for sit down dinners, and sometimes are used to show the number of seats reserved for the specific invitee or to request a song. 

Mini Cards - These cards are the size of a business card and are great to include your wedding website, or if your choosing to for go etiquette rules, your registry information.

Attire Cards - give your guests a break and let them know what type of dress is expected. Weather its black tie, or beach casual give them a heads up either on the invite in the lower right corner or on its own card if the request is more detailed such as "wear comfortable shoes for hiking to our ceremony location."

Hotel / Travel Information Card - This info can be included with a map card or be separate. It is polite to provide at least one hotel option with pricing for your guests. You can also provide any additional travel info such as train schedules or stops, public parking, and or transportation options from the airport.

Timeline or Schedule Card - This card allows you to put together all the events occurring during your wedding weekend. Keep in mind that only events that everyone is invited to should be included, you may have guest RSVP to these optional events online or on the response card. Great inclusions are the post wedding brunch, spa day, or night on the town. Remember to use the time you have at these events to have some one on one time you may not get at the wedding. 

At Home Card - This card announces when you will return from your honeymoon, how you will be addressed after the wedding, your address, and if you wish your phone number and email. 

That covers the popular enclosure options for your invitation suite. Additional options include weather you opt for the traditional inner/outer envelope or save paper with just one mailing envelope. *inner/outer envelopes are a tradition originally started to keep the inner envelope free from dirt when postal service was still done on stagecoach* 

Pocketfolds are a nice way to organize all the enclosures when you have a suite larger then two cards. It keeps everything neat and organized. You may also use a Belly band which slips over the pocketfold or the invitation to keep it neat as well. 

Tissue should only be used with engraved invitations. It is used to keep the ink from smudging. Do not use the tissue even if provided if the ink does not smudge. It is not necessary and can be seen as you trying to hide a less expensive technique.

E-mail me your stationery questions at inspiradesigns@gmail.com or heather@inspiradesigns.com

Gorgeous Vintage Circus inspiration for a truly unique event! Thanks to AppleBee for including our Save The dates!

What a beautiful collection! Great color palate and decor ideas!

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