If you're anything like my husband and me, you get super excited when you see an envelope in the mail that doesn't look like a bill!!! Anytime I see a 5x7 sized pop of color in my little mailbox, I can hardly wait to get into the house to open it! I love everything from the feeling of the envelope to the sound of the paper ripping apart. And, of course, I especially when said envelope contains a beautiful wedding invitation!
Wedding stationary is something I LOVE! I think wedding invitations are one place where a couple can truly show their personalities! There are so many options for invitations; no two are alike. Between the paper choices, color options, specialty pieces-like gold foil, watercolors, and graphics that can be added to invitations, couples have SO many options when it comes to paper goods.
With all of these invitation options, it is so easy to overlook important parts of invitations and that is why I always suggest using a profession stationary designer. I asked three of my favorite stationary designers to help me in getting the low down on invitations and wedding stationary!
Why are invitations so important?
So, as much as I love invitations and think they can be beautiful--there are practical reasons as to why invitations are so important.
'The invitation is so important because it contains all the details. Having a physical copy of the details is so important for the guests. It will tell them where to go and when to be there.'
\\ Jessica Thomas from FaithIntoArt
Jessica is so talented! She owns FaithIntoArt, a luxe invitation suite company. Jessica creates custom calligraphy, invitations, and designs specialized for each couple that comes through her door--and let me tell you, her pieces are awesome!
Jessica's favorite part of the invitation is the full suite. 'I love putting all the tiny details together to create a gorgeous suite. One piece is nice, but when you put multiple pieces of an invitation suite together, and they all match, now you've got a gorgeous memory of the first impression of the wedding.'
What are some invitation MUST-Haves?
'The invitation is something guests are going to continually reference so, the who-what- where-when details are imperative. Guests have to have a way to RSVP, normally that is through an RSVP card that is included in the invitation, and, unless the ceremony and reception are in the same location, a card with the name and address of the reception location.'
//Allison Kotarsky with Paper Hearts Invitations
Allison started Paper Hearts Invitations in 2012 after designing an invitation suite for her friends wedding and has been hooked ever since. One of the things I love about Allison's designs is that many of them showcase beautiful floral designs and sweet color pallets.
Things to keep in mind when choosing your invitations:
Allison: 'The shape of the invitation matters! Square shaped invitations cost more
to mail just because they are not rectangle.'
Jessica: 'Invitations are the first look that the couple's guests see of their wedding. Their first impression.'
Invitation add-ons! OH BOY DO I LOVE ME SOME CALLIGRAPHY!! And my girl, Marisa at Marisa Made is a calligraphy genius! Marisa and I connected over the good 'ol Instagram and I am so happy that we did. Marisa makes beautiful calligraphed pieces. (She also does invitations too!!). What better to go with your beautiful invitation suite than beautiful calligraphy on the front of that envelope?!
Let's talk RSVP cards! RSVP cards are something you will obsess over getting in the mail! I loved when we received that tiny little card in the mail. It was so fun to see who would be celebrating with us! So, here are some things to keep you from getting a headache and save some time!
//Number your RSVP cards and assign the numbers to guests. You can put the number on the bottom back corner of the RSVP. Why would you do this?? Have you ever filled something out and completely forgot to fill out one line of the form? Guests do this for weddings too! Sometimes they crack that invitation open, quickly fill out the RSVP by just checking 'yes or no' and slipping it back in the mail without filling out their names.
//Put a line that asks how many guests are attending or a line where they can write their names out. If you are inviting a guest and giving them a plus one, if they don't have a line where they can write their guests name or write that 2 people are coming, it could be hard to get a guest count and to do place cards.
//Have an extra invitation to send to your photographer. By sending it to your photographer, this gives them the opportunity to photograph your invitation (see first picture)!
//Don't forget a stamp on your RSVP return envelope! Make it easy for your guests so RSVP.
By Jessica at FaithIntoArt (@faithintoart)