Planning a wedding is
a great deal of fun, but it also requires a significant amount of
planning. Once you have set your date, one of the first wedding
details you should turn your attention toward is the selection of your
wedding
invitations. While at one time traditional wedding invitations
appeared only as white or ivory with engraved black in, today there
are numerous options available for the modern bride. Due to the wide
variety of designs and styles in wedding invitations available, you'll
want to get started early in choosing the perfect wedding invitation.
There are numerous
factors that will affect your choice of wedding invitation. The first
question you should ask yourself is whether you are planning to have a
formal, semi-formal or
casual wedding ceremony because the type of ceremony you plan
will impact your choice of invitations.
Regardless of whether
you choose formal, semi-formal or casual invitation, generally,
wedding invitations include the invitation itself as well as a
reception card, response card, separate envelope for the response
card, detailed information on accommodations for guests and riving
directions and important telephone numbers.
Be aware that while
there are literally thousands of styles and designs of invitations
available for the choosing, there are only six basic types of
invitations. These include:
- Engraved
- Thermo graphed
- Printed
- Calligraphy
- Handed colored
- Box set
Engraved
invitations are the most classic and traditional choice of
invitations available. They are also the most expensive type of
invitations on the market; however, if you are planning a very formal
wedding, engraved invitations are an absolute must. Keep in mind that
you should order your engraved invitations no less than 8 weeks from
the date of your wedding, preferably farther in advance.
Thermo graphed
invitations provide an affordable alternative to engraved invitations.
The end result is a very elegant look and while thermo graphed
invitations might not be appropriate for a very formal wedding, they
would work well for a semi-formal wedding. Plan on ordering these
invitations at least six weeks in advance.
Printed
invitations are one of the most popular choices on the market
and are very cost efficient. You can find a wide variety of printed
invitations available through most stationary and printer vendors as
well as
on-line. While the turn around time for printed invitations is
typically better than engraved or the monographic options, you should
still plan on ordering your printed invitations at least 4-6 weeks in
advance. Printed invitations are appropriate for semi-formal and
casual weddings.
One option in printed
invitations that is definitely gaining favor is the alternative of
purchasing 'blank' invitations from printed stationary retailers and
then printing your own information. This gives you the option of
choosing the design you want and saving a few dollars by handling the
printing on your own.
Calligraphed
invitations are very elegant and work well for weddings with
an old fashioned theme. They can be very expensive; however, due to
the amount of time and effort involved in producing them. When
deciding on whether to choose calligraphy invitations remember that
you need to allow extra time for preparation, plan on additional cost
and keep in mind that this type of invitation may smudge if it comes
in contact with even a slight amount of moisture. Calligraphy
invitations are appropriate for all types of weddings except very
formal events.
Hand made
invitations are gaining in popularity not only because they
are cost efficient but because they add a nice personal touch to a
very special occasion. There are numerous options for creating hand
made invitations and basically the sky is the limit with choices. Just
remember to plan on making additional invitations in case of mistakes
and allow plenty of time, especially during this hectic time of your
life. Handmade invitations are appropriate for most weddings except
very formal events. Handmade invitations can also be easily generated
with desktop publishing programs and attractive stationary.
Box set
invitations are available at most stationary retailers and
can provide an quick and easy alternative to other types of
invitations. This type of invitation can also be easily dressed up for
a unique and personal touch.
Regardless of which
type of invitation you ultimately choose, do be sure to allow plenty
of time for printing and an additional two weeks for mailing. Also,
consider interesting and unique ways you add a personal touch to your
wedding invitations, such as unique wording and verses.
For more wedding
invitations articles visit Nick's
Discount
wedding invitations website.
