The Look of Your Wedding Invitations - A Guide

Everyone knows there's something special aboutThermography is a much faster process than
the arrival of a wedding invitation. From theengraving and is also less expensive because it
moment it's spotted amid the usual daily mail,does not require the use of a plate, but instead
there's a giddy sense of excitement in the air.achieves its raised print through a heat-controlled
The mere touch of its creamy paper is a delightprocess using special inks and powders.
to each recipient, and its regal appearance is aThermography offers the same elegant look as
sure sign that a significant event is about toengraving, minus the pressed image on the back
unfold. If you're tempted to choose an invitationof the paper.
that is extremely creative, keep in mind that noSome brides today elect to print their own
other event in your life will allow you the privilegeinvitations on laser printers, which is a decidedly
of sending out an invitation with the formality andless expensive option. If you choose that route,
elegance of a traditional wedding invitation.pay careful attention as each invitation is printed in
Above all, a beautiful invitation sets the tone fororder to come up with a finished product that is
the romantic celebration you're planning, whetheras professional looking as possible. You can order
you will marry in a church setting, on the beach,plain cards from most stationers that are perfect
or at your parents' home. Creating your perfectfor at-home printing.
invitation is easy if you've studied the guidelinesFONT
included here. Exploring paper samples, reviewingWith paper chosen, you'll want to add the perfect
typestyles, and contemplating the overall look offont, or typestyle, to the mix. It's easy to be
your invitation will ensure that your invitationconfused by the many fonts available, but a good
comes together perfectly.rule to follow is to choose lettering that
THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTScomplements the formality of your celebration.
PAPER AND INK COLORSAlso note that a smaller invitation looks best with
Start the process of choosing your invitation bya more delicate font, and that a simple font is
selecting a paper color if that element is mosteasiest for guests to read.
important to you, keeping in mind that the shadeSome couples choose two fonts: one for their
of the paper will play a vital role in the total looknames (printed slightly larger) and one for the
of your invitation. Variations in color, in order ofrest of the invitation copy. If you do choose a
brightness, include bright white, soft white,double font, select styles that complement each
traditional white, and ecru. Ink colors also vary,other.
but black is considered the most formal choice. IfWhen you envision the total look of your wedding
your invitation has a metallic border, however,invitation, remember that no more than 14 lines
you might consider choosing coordinating gold orof wording is the recommended length, with the
silver ink.reception information included on a separate card.
STYLE AND SIZEWith more than 14 lines, the words can be
Next you'll want to consider the style and size ofcrowded and more difficult to read. If you
your invitation by exploring the options available inabsolutely must have more than 14 lines,
the color you have chosen - or, if the style isremember that black will be the most legible ink
more important to you than the color, make thatcolor for the smaller font size. One way to
decision first.shorten is to remove the names of the groom's
The most commonly seen invitation size andparents or print reception information on a
format is a folded style, often called a letterseparate reception card.
sheet or folder, which measures 5.5 x 7.75 inchesYou will find that Nuptial Script, Snell Roundhand,
when folded. You will also find folded styles andPark Avenue, Agfa Nadianne Book, Zapf
elegant single cards in a variety of sizes. FoldedChancery, and Caslon Open Face work well for
styles and classic cards can be plain or designedlengthier invitations.
with a panel or other border design. If you selectPOPULAR FONT OPTIONS: SCRIPT
a paneled style or an ornate border such as aWhen choosing the font that is right for the style
floral motif, consider how your wording will fit inand formality of your invitation, notice the
the allotted space. The length of your wordingthickness of the letters and how dark the
should play a role in determining the size of yourlettering appears. A font that is small and dark
invitation, too. In addition, the most formalmay be more difficult for your guests to read.
invitations are usually larger; the smaller styles arePOPULAR FONT OPTIONS: NON-SCRIPT
excellent choices for more casual celebrations.As with the script fonts, pay close attention to
PRINTINGthe size of the font and the thickness of each
If you're not already familiar with the termsletter. When choosing a font, keep in mind the
"engraving" and "thermography," the two mostsize of your invitation. A font that is extremely
common printing processes for weddingdark or heavy would be overpowering on a small
invitations, you'll soon learn the difference. Knowninvitation.
for its impeccable detail and elegant appearance,The essential elements of a wedding invitation are
engraving originated in the 1700s and is the mostsimple, but they are important. And creating the
expensive printing option. With engravedright look and feel for your wedding invitation is
invitations you will notice raised print that isimportant. Regardless if you want to do it
pressed through the paper, so that letters andyourself or you want professionally printed
images can also be felt in reverse on the back.elegant wedding invitations, take the time to
Thermography originated in the 1930s as ancreate a design, a look and a feel that is just as
imitation of engraving, but gained its currentspectacular as your special day will be.
popularity in the post-World War II era.