Tips and Advice for Designing and Sending Out Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitations are more than just a way to inform guests of your big day - they set the tone for your celebration and offer the first glimpse into your wedding style.
Whether you're planning a lavish event or an intimate gathering, the right invitation can make a lasting impression and get your guests excited well in advance.
Here are some helpful tips and advice on designing and sending out wedding invitations that reflect your vision and personality.
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Start with a Clear Vision
Before you begin designing your invitations, it's essential to have a solid idea of your wedding theme, colours and overall aesthetic.
Are you going for a rustic outdoor ceremony or a modern minimalist celebration? Knowing this in advance will guide your choice of design, fonts and wording.
Consider creating a mood board or Pinterest collection to gather inspiration and help narrow down your preferences.
Set Your Budget
Wedding invitation costs can vary significantly depending on the design, print method and number of inserts.
Decide early on how much you are willing to spend so you can explore the best options within your range. Remember to factor in the costs of envelopes, postage and extras like RSVP cards or information inserts.
Choose a Format That Suits Your Style
From traditional folded cards to modern flat postcard-style invitations, there's a wide range of formats to choose from.
Pocketfold invitations are great for including multiple pieces of information neatly, while minimalist one-piece cards may suit a contemporary wedding.
If you're short on time or budget, digital wedding invitations are also an option - though many still prefer the personal touch of physical cards.
Make the Most of Online Templates
If you're looking for convenience without compromising on style, pre-designed wedding invitation templates are a fantastic solution.
Many high-quality templates are available online through platforms like Zazzle, (whose products, with links, I have used to illustrate this article), where you can browse thousands of styles and easily personalise them with your names, wedding date, location and other details.
These designs cover every imaginable theme - from elegant florals and vintage lace to boho chic and modern monochrome. Best of all, you can preview your personalised design in real time before ordering your prints.
Keep Your Wording Clear and Personal
The wording on your invitation should be both informative and reflective of your tone as a couple.
Traditional phrasing usually includes a request line (e.g., "The pleasure of your company is requested…") and full names of the couple and their hosts.
Modern invitations can be more relaxed - some couples even add a touch of humour or poetic flair. Just make sure to clearly state all the key details - who, what, when, where and how to respond.
A separate insert or small card can include accommodation, dress code or gift list information if needed.
Time Your Invitations Right
Sending your wedding invitations out at the right time is crucial.
For local weddings, it's customary to post invitations six to eight weeks before the big day.
If you're planning a destination wedding, or have many guests travelling from afar, consider sending them out three months in advance or even earlier.
To give guests an even earlier heads-up, consider sending "save the date" cards six months or more before the event.
Double Check Before Printing
Before hitting print, carefully proofread every detail of your invitation. Double check the spelling of names, the date and time, venue address and any web links for RSVPs or gift registries.
It’s often a good idea to have someone else look over the design too - a fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might miss.
Zazzle’s editing tools make it easy to tweak your design until it’s just right - so take your time and be sure you’re completely happy before placing your order.
Plan for Extras and Spares
When ordering your wedding invitations, always request a few extras.
This helps if you make a mistake when addressing envelopes or if someone is added to the guest list at the last minute.
Many couples also like to keep one or two pristine invitations as a keepsake. Ordering a few more than you think you need can save stress later on and is usually cheaper than a second print run.
Further reading...
Transforming a Wedding Venue with Personalised Reception Décor
The Origins of the Hen Night - Hen Party Celebration T-Shirts
The Special Role of a Bridesmaid – and How to Ask Someone to Be Yours
Zazzle Wedding Invitations – Custom Designs to Match Your Dream Wedding Theme
Add a Personal Touch
Even with pre-designed templates, you can add a unique flair to your wedding invitations.
Consider using a wax seal, ribbon or custom envelope liner.
Hand-addressing the envelopes or including a short handwritten note can make each invitation feel truly personal and meaningful.
Zazzle also offers matching accessories like stickers, belly bands and RSVP cards - perfect for creating a cohesive suite of wedding stationery.
Keep Track of Your Guest List
Organisation is key when managing your guest list and invitation responses.
Create a spreadsheet or use a wedding planning app to record names, addresses, when each invitation was sent and whether an RSVP has been received.
If you’re using online RSVP tools, include clear instructions or QR codes to make the process easy for your guests.
Staying on top of this will help you finalise numbers for catering and seating plans more easily.
Make It Memorable
Your wedding invitation isn’t just a piece of paper - it’s a little piece of your story.
Take pride in how you present it, and make sure it reflects the joy and personality you and your partner bring to your celebration.
Whether you're going all-out with bespoke calligraphy or opting for a chic, ready-to-edit design from Zazzle, your guests will appreciate the thought and care you've put into it.
Don’t Forget to Follow the Blog
If you’ve found these wedding invitation tips helpful, don’t forget to click the follow button in the side panel to keep up with new posts. I regularly share ideas, resources and inspiration for life’s big occasions - from weddings and parties to gift ideas and personalised keepsakes.
Following the blog is the easiest way to stay updated!
Designing and sending your wedding invitations can be a fun and creative part of your planning process.
With the right approach - and a bit of help from online tools like Zazzle - you can create invitations that you’ll be proud to send and that your guests will treasure. Happy planning!
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