The Design & Wording of Your Wedding Invitations
Somewhere between traditional etiquette and creative expression lies the perfect wedding stationery – invitations that will tell your guests where to be, when to be there, even what to wear, all in a way that quietly reflects the two of you. The most formal invitation consists of a white or ecru sheet of high-quality cotton or linen rag, folded once, measuring either 5 ½ by 7 ½ inches (Embassy) or 4 ½ by 6 ¼ inches (Classic). French-fold invitations are a popular variation: They are folded in half twice, once horizontally, and once vertically. Four-ply cards (heavyweight paper, often with beveled edges) are another elegant style.
Unique invitations can be created by incorporating colored card stock or inks, borders, die cuts, wax seals, icons, and ribbons into the design. Invitations should be mailed no longer than eight weeks in advance of the event – more if you are planning a destination wedding. Some brides prefer to address their own invitations, while others have a calligrapher write out the envelopes. In addition, it’s nice to use pretty stamps – printed with hearts, flowers, or fruit, say – and ask at the post office that they be hand-canceled, an added touch that says no details has been overlooked.
Elements Of The Invitation
The presentation of your invitation should be considered as carefully as its wording. In the past, a piece of tissue was inserted to prevent smudging. With today’s more stable inks, some couples forgo this. However, to be sure your inks arrive intact, request “not for machine handling” at the post office. Most invitations are mailed in a double envelope, one inside the other, for protection. The various elements are stacked by size in the inner envelope, with the largest card on the bottom. Each piece faces the back, so that the recipient sees printing when the envelope is opened. Save a few extra sets for parents, attendants, and your own archives.
Typestyles
A good stationer will offer a wide selection of typefaces – different shapes and styles of lettering. Most couples choose a script style, an idealized handwriting; others choose a more informal, matter-of-fact typeface with or without serifs (the short lines stemming from the ends of the letters). Instead of printed type, you might hire a calligrapher to handwrite an invitation, which can then be reproduced.
Choosing A Motif
An icon or monogram is a great introduction to the spirit and style of your nuptials. For example, you might use a sea-horse icon for a beach wedding or a flower icon for a garden one. Icons and monograms work best when they recur, used on all printed material that your guests will see – from invitations and reply cards to menu cards and place cards.
If you choose a monogram, use only the bride’s maiden-name initials for cards mailed before the ceremony, such as save-the-date cards and invitations. Items that appear afterward can display your new monogram as a couple. If you prefer not to have two different sets of initials, use the first letter of each of your first names.
To find an image, leaf through old books and architectural drawing, clip art, or samples offered by your stationer. Be aware of copyright laws, however. Icons or letters taken from extremely old books are usually free from copyright restrictions. However, there are laws that govern most modern illustrations and books.
Calligraphy
The word “calligraphy” is derived from the Greek kalli for beautiful and graphia for writing. The paper, ink color, and style of writing can influence the effectiveness and choice of calligraphy, and therefore, all should be considered together. Calligraphers recommend paper stock with a smooth vellum surface; highly textured paper will catch the nub of a pen, and ink can smear on a shiny-coated stock. A calligrapher’s repertoire is likely to include interpretations of classic engraver’s styles. To find a good calligrapher, ask for referrals from your stationer, friend, or wedding planner. For formal wedding, English or London scripts are popular. Italic styles are more suitable for casual events.
Printing Methods
Engraving: Letters are etched onto a metal plate to be rolled with ink. Paper is then pressed onto the plate, picking up the ink in the etched line, leaving a raised image and indentations on the reverse.
Thermography: A resinous powder is applied to slow-drying ink that is then heated to produce a raised surface. The results are similar to engraving but without the depression formed by the metal plate on the reverse.
Letterpress: This was once the most common form of printing. With letterpress, raised type is inked and stamped on the paper, with an effect that is almost the opposite of engraving. Small print shops using letterpress can still be found and often be the source of exquisite stationery.
Lithography: This method originally involved stone slabs and grease pencils. Updated, it is usually called “litho,” “offset litho,” or just “offset,” and produces a crisp, flat image.
Matchbooks, Napkins and other Printed Items
There might be other items you wish to personalize with your names or monogram, including matchbooks for the bar (which guests may take home), cocktail napkins and coasters, or printed ribbon for decorating your favors. If consistency is important to you, see if the same stationer will print such items as well.
