We Request the Pleasure of Your Company
By Erin Rosenberg
The groom-to-be has proposed, the bride-to-be has accepted. Now the journey begins to your wedding day.
With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to overlook some and
underestimate the impact of others. Wedding invitations can set the tone
of your entire event, so don’t misjudge their importance. They
provide a glimpse into the event’s style and who you are as a couple.
To start your search for the ideal invitation, first consider your budget
and tastes.
From non-traditional to neo-traditional, weddings these days take many
different forms. Invitations vary as much as the events themselves. Should
a destination wedding with twenty guests have the same invitation as
a local wedding with 500 guests? There is no right answer.
It really comes down to personal choice. Some couples want a consistently
appointed event—traditional dress, location, and invitations; while
others have eclectic tastes and like a mixture of styles for their wedding
elements. Either way, stationers are available to inform you and make
recommendations.
Styles & Cost
An abundance of style options are available at nearly every price point.
Bottom line—you can create a fabulous invitation at any price.
Clearly, certain options can be costly. Make sure you discuss your
preferences and priorities. If you love one printing type but find
it too expensive, consult your stationer. Ask about more affordable
options—either by being creative with invitation components or
by finding a close comparison at a lower cost. Despite budget constraints,
you can achieve the style of invitation you want.
Couples without budget limitations should still investigate alternatives
to ensure they get exactly what they want. For instance, some companies
that provide engraved invitations take a less conventional approach to
them, while others offer very old-fashioned style. Arzberger, Delphine
Press, and Prentiss Douthit offer beautifully engraved materials, and
each line has unique characteristics. What style best suits your taste?
Letterpress is a great option as well. The quality and workmanship of
a handmade invitation is hard to beat; you can feel it when you hold
it in your hands.
If you lean to the contemporary side, explore a more creative approach.
Custom graphic design offers maximum flexibility and will give you a
unique, visually appealing invitation. Ask your stationer about these
modern options.
Etiquette Versus Individuality
Wedding tradition dictates a few rules, particularly regarding invitations.
Some of these guidelines are acceptable to bend, while others should
not be broken.
For example, never include your registry information on the wedding invitation;
the presence of your guests is an implied gift. Registry information
should only be included on pre-wedding event communications, such as
bridal shower invitations.
Creating a wedding website is becoming increasingly popular, although
traditionalists disagree with this trend. That said, there was a time
when the response card, now considered standard, did not exist, either.
A wedding website can provide guests with a significant amount of event
information and is particularly helpful with a destination wedding, as
it allows you an opportunity to educate your guests about the area they
will be visiting. However, a percentage of guests will not have Internet
access. Offer an alternative way to share information with them (you
will most likely be aware of who these guests are) so they are not left
out. Ask your stationer or wedding planner for advice.
More couples are looking to make their event special while at the same
time respecting the environment. They oftentimes request their guests
RSVP via phone, e-mail, or on their wedding website. Note this on the
invitation with text such as “in an effort to save resources.” This
will let your guests know why you made this choice—being environmentally
conscious is a reflection of who you are as a couple.
More on Going Green
While a mailed invitation is still considered important for weddings,
graduations, and other events, you can make paper invitations more
environmentally friendly. The use of recycled, cotton, or seeded papers
and printing with soy-based inks reflect a commitment to environmental
sustainability. Many couples are doing away with excess paper (i.e.,
inner envelopes and liners) and consolidating information to streamline
and slim down traditional invitations (i.e., double-sided information
cards). Ask your stationer about eco-friendly options.
Endless Possibilities
With so much of today’s communications going electronic, receiving
a beautiful wedding invitation in the mail signifies a special occasion.
Take the opportunity to connect with your guests through a unique invitation
that embodies your personality as a couple. Your options are endless!
Have fun! -