Invitations 101: The Basics of Wedding Stationery

With every event (and especially for the biggest one you’ll ever plan – your wedding!), inviting guests is a crucial part of the planning process. It’s just not a party without friends and loved ones there to celebrate with you!

If the whole invitation “process” has you overwhelmed or you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help with expert insight and advice from our sponsors at Basic Invite.

Read on as we navigate the ins and outs of invitation wording, ordering timelines and the latest design trends that are taking the wedding world by storm.

P.S. We think you’ll have lots of fun designing your own “truly custom invitations” on Basic Invite’s interactive website! Try for yourself at basicinvite.com

THE INTERVIEW:

NOW: What color, paper texture, and design trends are you seeing in 2017? What do you see on the horizon for 2018?

Basic Invite: This year is all about watercolor washes and botanical designs. We see this trend continuing on through 2018 and gaining even more popularity. Along with that, raised foil is going to be a huge trend. This year we introduced our gold and silver foil and we just recently came out with our rose gold line which we anticipate being a massive trend well in to next year. And finally, marble and agate designs will be so trendy next year. Geo patterns and multicolored marble designs will make for a super modern look and unique style.

Click on the thumbnails below to see the whole image!

NOW: Etiquette is obviously a big part of the inviting process. Are you noticing any departures from traditional invitation etiquette and if yes, what are those? Are you seeing any new “traditions” emerging?

Basic Invite: Etiquette is a huge part of the inviting process, but things are definitely changing when it comes to traditional etiquette. Weddings have become so unique and no two weddings are the same -so many factors have contributed to that. With that said, traditional etiquette is still the basis of wording and time considerations, but following the “rules” and worrying about offending your guests has taken a back seat to incorporating personal touch and style. Portraying your voice as a couple through design, style, and wording could be considered a new tradition alongside a more laid back event.

Here is a list of different wording examples wedding etiquette examples and wedding etiquette tips.

NOW: What is the “must-include” information that every invitation needs to have? What should not be included on the invitation, but can and should be included on an enclosure?

Basic Invite: This is simple: who, what, where, and when. The vital information should be included on the wedding invitation, but can be presented in the most basic way. And details like directions, accommodations or menu items can be left for the enclosure cards. Basic Invite makes this part really simple by offering wedding suites and pocket envelopes. Pocket envelopes house a wedding invitation and up to 5 enclosure cards. This makes for a clean and organized delivery to your guests with all of the appropriate information laid out beautifully. The thing to keep in mind with enclosure cards is: if it doesn’t apply let it fly. Don’t feel like you have to include every enclosure card there is just for the sake of doing so. For example, if you don’t need an accommodation card then simply don’t include one. On the other hand, guests can never have too much information so play it by ear and customize it to your specific needs.

NOW: What are the general timelines for sending save the dates, invitations, thank you notes? How far in advance should these be ordered?

Basic Invite: If you’re on a 1+ year wedding planning timeline follow these guidelines:

 

 

NOW: Is there a guideline you can recommend for determining how many invitations couples should order?

Basic Invite: We recommend getting your final head count before placing your order. Just order 1 invitation or suite for each household and maybe a few extra just in case you add some last minute guests.

NOW: Are there any common “mistakes” relating to invitations that you often see couples make that others can avoid?

Basic Invite: It is important to triple check spelling and to make sure that the information is correct. And sometimes checking with a designer on color choices can make a bigger difference than a customer thinks. Basic Invite has a designer assistance program where customers can pay a small fee to work directly with a designer on their custom invite. This can be so helpful in making sure your invitations turn out perfectly with no mistakes and the best design!

NOW: What advice do you have for couples in determining their invitation style?

Basic Invite: Be you! Stay true to your style as a couple and have fun with it! Matching your invitations with your overall wedding theme can help keep things cohesive.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS:

Basic Invite is known for their truly custom elegant wedding invitations. What makes them unique in a sea of stationery options?

Almost Unlimited Colors – Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options. So, you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it – down to the littlest detail. This is what sets them apart from almost any other online stationery company.

Custom Samples – Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see exactly how it will print as well as the paper quality before they ever have to place their final order.

Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes – Basic Invite is just as colorful with their envelopes as we are with their invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to their envelopes so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of their envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed.

Over 200 Wedding Invitation Sets – Each of their wedding invitations is part of a set. You can find everything from save the date invitations to wedding invitations and enclosure cards, wedding menus, table place cards, wedding programs and even matching thank you cards!

Free Address Collection Service – Use their free address collection service to request your addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.

Keepsake Guest Books – Perfectly personalized wedding photo guest books  are the perfect addition to your wedding day stationery. These customizable guest books have a ring hidden inside which allows them to lay perfectly flat for a classy and convenient look. With sophisticated designed pages it’s the perfect opportunity for your wedding guests to leave sweet words and well wishes.