Everything You Need to Know About Ordering Wedding Invitations

Planning a wedding is an exciting and joyous time in your life, but it can also be overwhelming with so many decisions to make. One of the most important aspects of your wedding is the invitations. They set the tone for your special day and give your guests a glimpse into what they can expect. But where do you start? How do you navigate the world of wedding stationery and find the perfect invitations that reflect your style and budget? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about ordering wedding invitations. From understanding your budget to exploring different design options and finishing details, we'll help you make informed decisions that will result in beautiful and personalized wedding invitations that you'll cherish forever.

 

 

1. UNDERSTANDING YOUR BUDGET

 

When it comes to ordering wedding invitations, the first step is to understand your budget. Your budget is nothing to be ashamed of. It's a practical consideration that will help guide your decisions and ensure that you stay within your means. While it's true that you can't ask for the moon without the budget of NASA, knowing your budget is a huge benefit. It allows your stationery designer to make realistic recommendations based on your dreams and practical needs.

 

2. DETERMINING THE QUANTITY

 

Once you have a rough idea of your budget, it's time to determine the quantity of invitations you'll need. When counting the quantity, remember to count the number of addresses and not the number of guests. It's also important to consider adding a few extra invitations for keepsakes, photos, and unexpected guests. Adding 15% to your order is a good rule of thumb to ensure you have enough invitations without incurring additional costs for producing additional items after the fact.

 

3. DESIGNING YOUR STATIONERY

 

Now that you have an understanding of your budget and quantity, it's time to explore the different design options for your wedding stationery. There are three main design options to consider: DIY or digital templates, semi-custom collections, and custom design.

 

• DIY or Digital Templates: If you're feeling creative and want to add a personal touch to your invitations, DIY or digital templates may be the right option for you. This budget-friendly option allows you to customize your invitations using pre-designed templates.

• Semi-Custom Collections: If you're looking for a balance between customization and convenience, semi-custom collections are a great choice. These pre-designed suites offer a range of styles and themes that can be customized with your names, wedding date, and other details.

• Custom Design: If you have a specific vision in mind or want something truly unique, custom design is the way to go. Working closely with a stationery designer, you can bring your dream invitations to life. Custom design options offer endless possibilities and allow you to incorporate personalized elements that reflect your love story and wedding theme.

 

4. CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAPER

 

The type of paper you choose for your wedding invitations can greatly impact their overall look and feel. There are several options to consider, each with its own price range and aesthetic appeal.

 

• Cardstock: Cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its durability and versatility. It comes in various weights and finishes, allowing you to achieve the desired look and texture for your invitations.

• Crane's Lettra: If you're looking for a luxurious and elegant option, Crane's Lettra is a top choice. This cotton-based paper is known for its soft and tactile feel, giving your invitations a high-end look and feel.

• Handmade Paper: For couples who appreciate the beauty of artisanal craftsmanship, handmade paper is a wonderful option. Made from natural fibers, each sheet of handmade paper is unique and adds a touch of organic beauty to your invitations.

 

5. EXPLORING DIFFERENT PRINTING TECHNIQUES

 

Once you've chosen the design and paper for your invitations, it's time to consider the printing technique that will bring your vision to life. There are several printing techniques to choose from, each with its own aesthetic appeal and price range.

 

• Digital Print: Digital printing is a cost-effective option that offers high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp details. It's a popular choice for couples who want a clean and modern look for their invitations.

• Letterpress: If you're looking for a timeless and elegant option, letterpress printing is a classic choice. This traditional printing technique uses a press to create an impression on the paper, resulting in a tactile and luxurious finish.

• Hot Foil Stamping: For couples who want to add a touch of metallic shine to their invitations, hot foil stamping is the perfect choice. This technique uses heat and pressure to transfer metallic foil onto the paper, creating a stunning and eye-catching effect.

• Embossing: Embossing is a technique that creates a raised design on the paper, adding texture and dimension to your invitations. It's a great option for couples who want to add a subtle and elegant touch to their stationery.

 

6. ADDING FINISHING DETAILS

 

To truly make your wedding invitations stand out, consider adding some finishing details that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. From vellum overlays to wax seals and beautiful assembly options, these finishing details will elevate the overall look and feel of your invitations.

 

• Vellum Overlays: Vellum overlays are a popular trend in wedding stationery. They add a soft and ethereal touch to your invitations, creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue.

• Wax Seals: Wax seals are a timeless and elegant way to seal your envelopes and add a touch of old-world charm to your invitations. They can be personalized with your monogram or custom design, and even adorned with dried florals for a romantic and whimsical touch.

• Assembly: The way your invitations are assembled can also make a big impact. Consider options like tying them with thread, silk twine, or silk ribbon for a polished and sophisticated look. For the ultimate wow factor, combine wax seals, silk ribbon, and dried florals for a luxurious and unforgettable presentation.

 

7. ENVELOPES AND ADDRESSING

 

Don't forget about the envelopes and addressing when ordering your wedding invitations. The envelope is the first thing your guests will see, so make sure it reflects the style and tone of your wedding. Here are some options to consider:

 

• Digital Print: Digital printing is a cost-effective and efficient option for addressing your envelopes. It allows you to have a consistent and professional look for your invitations.

• Digital Print + Letterpress Return Address: If you want to add a touch of elegance to your envelopes, consider combining digital printing with letterpress for your return address. This combination creates a beautiful contrast and adds a sophisticated touch.

• Digital Print + Foil Return Address: For couples who want to make a statement, foil stamping for the return address is a great choice. It adds a touch of luxury and glamour to your envelopes.

• Calligraphy: If you're looking for a truly personalized and handcrafted touch, consider hiring a calligrapher to address your envelopes. Calligraphy adds an exquisite and timeless beauty to your invitations.

 

8. THE COST OF WEDDING STATIONERY

 

Now that you have a better understanding of the different factors that affect the cost of wedding stationery, let's take a closer look at the price ranges for each component.

 

DESIGNING YOUR STATIONERY

• Budget Option: DIY Template - starting at $10 plus your time

• Luxury Option: Bespoke Design - $1,000 and up

PAPER

• Budget Option: DIY cardstock - starting at $20 plus your time

• Luxury Option: Handmade Paper - $350 and up

TYPES OF PRINTING

• Budget Option: DIY at home or office supply store - starting at $30 plus your time

• Luxury Option: Embossed - $350 and up

FINISHING DETAILS

• Budget Option: DIY thread assembly - starting at $5 for a spool of thread plus your time

• Luxury Option: Embossed - $350 and up

ENVELOPES AND ADDRESSING

• Budget Option: DIY - handwriting your own envelopes - starting at $35 for the blank envelopes plus your time

• Luxury Option: Calligraphy Addresses - starting at $4.50 per envelope and up

Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary widely depending on factors such as the stationery designer's pricing structure, niche, experience, demand, and location. It's always best to reach out to your vendor for specific pricing information.

9. PLANNING AHEAD AND MAKING DECISIONS

 

Ordering wedding invitations is an important part of the wedding planning process, and it's essential to plan ahead and make decisions in a timely manner. Here are a few tips to help you stay organized and ensure a stress-free experience:

 

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to research, decide on your design, and finalize the details of your invitations. It's recommended to start the process at least four to six months before your wedding date.

• Gather inspiration: Use resources like Pinterest, wedding magazines, and wedding blogs to gather inspiration for your invitations. Create a mood board or binder to keep all your ideas organized.

• Consult with a stationery designer: Reach out to a stationery designer early in the process to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline. They can guide you through the design process and provide valuable input and recommendations.

• Order samples: Before placing your final order, request samples from your stationery designer to get a sense of the paper quality, printing technique, and overall look and feel of the invitations.

• Proofread and review: Once you receive the digital proof of your invitations, carefully review all the details, including names, dates, and addresses. It's always a good idea to have a second pair of eyes review the proof as well.

• Plan for extras: Consider ordering a few extra invitations and envelopes to account for any last-minute additions or mistakes during the addressing process.

• Stay organized: Keep track of your correspondence with the stationery designer, receipts, and important dates in a dedicated wedding planning folder or spreadsheet. This will help you stay organized and avoid any confusion or missed deadlines.

 

10. EMBRACE THE JOURNEY

 

Ordering wedding invitations is an exciting and creative process that allows you to express your unique style and set the tone for your special day. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and trust in the expertise of your stationery designer. Remember, they are not just a service provider but a partner in your wedding planning journey. Together, you can create beautiful and personalized wedding invitations that will be cherished by you and your guests for years to come.

 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help make your wedding stationery dreams come true.

 

Yours in creativity,

Mikaela