The invitation is a part of your wedding that needs to be thought of in high regard. After all, for some of your guests it is the first time they find out that you are getting married. The invitation not only informs guests of “who, what, where and when” but it also informs people if it is going to be a formal, or semi formal affair just by looking at the style of your invitation. Carolyn Brandhurst of The Papery in the Midtown Village part of center city Philadelphia suggests invitations can be as individual or generic as you please. If you’re wondering where to start in order to make your wedding invitations unique, Carolyn and I have put together a list for you that covers it all.
What to Expect:
Upon entering a design studio like The Papery, you will generally see a wall of books. This might be a little overwhelming at first, but don’t stress out! These are great starting points for you to explore different formats, color schemes, fonts, and other offerings that can be used to make your unique wedding invitations!
Where To Start:
There are several directions you can go with your invites. They can start with the save-the-date cards, or the engagement party invitations. The “Invitation Suite” is an option that some brides are going with, as well. “What’s that?” you ask.
The Invitation Suite:
The Invitation Suite is all encompassing, and holds most of the pieces you will need. This includes the invitation, the RSVP card, the envelopes, the save the date card, and a reception card (if the ceremony is in a different place than the reception). There can be a directional insert (a details card which explains the Bride and Groom’s Website), transportation information, and even information on the accommodations. For larger weddings, the rehearsal dinner invites can also be included.
Traditional vs. Classic Style Invitations:
Two trends that are hot right now are the traditional and the classic styles. Both have their own little take on bringing the past into the present.
• Traditional style invites will encompass the colors of blush, crème and gold, and will be simple and clean looking.
• Classic style invites will be mostly crème, black, or charcoal. Some trends that we have seen of late are using lace and even jewels on the invites. Of course, these will be understated and tasteful, but they bring a bit of flair to your invite.
Printing Styles:
Whether you go with traditional, classical, or something of your own creation, there are many different printing styles that can help you achieve your desired look. Below are four styles to consider when designing your wedding invitations:
• Letterpress printing is a technique of relief printing using a printing press, a process by which many copies are produced by repeated direct impression of an inked, raised surface against sheets or a continuous roll of paper.
• Thermography is a simple process used in conjunction with any conventional wet-ink printing press. Resulting in a raised or three-dimensional print effect, this popular printing process attempts to emulate the finished quality of engraving.
• Engraving, in a printing context, is the method of creating raised areas of print or images on paper, such as a business card or letterhead. An impression is created on a metal plate, which is then filled with opaque ink. When paper is pressed into the plate, it creates raised and colored areas.
• Foil stamping, typically a commercial print process, is the application of pigment or metallic foil, often gold or silver , but can also be various patterns or what is known as pastel foil which is a flat opaque color or white special film-backed material, to paper where a heated die is stamped onto the foil, making it adhere to the surface leaving the design of the die on the paper. Foil stamping can be combined with embossing to create a more striking 3D image.
When To Start Thinking About Invitations:
The colors and styles that are offered for your wedding invitations are as different as chocolate and vanilla. Don’t be fooled by it’s seeming simplicity, choosing your wedding invitations is just as difficult as any other step of the process. If you select to do custom invites, plan on a seven-month lead-time. For a style that is more generic, you can typically plan for a much shorter time frame.
Create Your Couple-Style:
When you find it time to select a place to help you with your invitations and all of your wedding printing needs, look for a shop that has good customer service and a staff that really wants to help you with your wedding. This is the time to show off your “couple-style” or create it anew together! Have fun with it!
– Bruce Mullen “At Your Service”
Bruce Mullen can be reached at Bmullen@rittenhousehotel.com
Kurt Titchenell
Guided by his experience as the bandleader of Philadelphia’s top band, Jellyroll, and President of BVTLive!, Kurt Titchenell has kept dance floors packed and created unforgettable memories for thousands of events nationwide! Widely acclaimed as an entertainment expert, Kurt and BVTLive! have earned the most prestigious accolades in the industry. Most notably were two Jellyroll performances at The White House. Kurt's dedication to the success of every event is evident through his passion for creating the ultimate party experience. As President of BVTLive!, Kurt is committed to making your event a success.