Everyone is familiar with wedding invitations, but there are actually many other terms that are associated with them. Here are some of the more common terms that you are likely to encounter while shopping for your invitations.
Announcements: For those people you would like to inform of your recent marriage but who won't be invited to your wedding, you can choose to mail them an announcement card. They can be printed on matching invitation paper with the verse reading that your wedding has already taken place. Suggested mailing time is on the day of your wedding or immediately after.
Double Envelopes: Traditionally, formal wedding invitations come with two large envelopes. The outer envelope is actually the mailing envelope that will contain the name and address of your guests. The inner envelope holds your invitation along with any insert pieces and is addressed with only your guests' names. This envelope is left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope.
Engraved Invitations: This is a time-honored printing process of raising ink on paper through a process of etching metal plates, filling the etches with ink, then pressing paper into the plates. Engraved wedding invitations tend to be more expensive.
Envelope Seals: Decorative self-adhesive seals can add the finishing touch to the outside of your mailing envelope. They are available in many styles and are used to give the illusion that they are holding the back flap down even though the envelope has already been sealed.
Informal Notes: These are typically used as your thank you cards. It is a good idea to order them when ordering your wedding invitations since they can be printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. Informal notes are personalized on the front with either your monogram or first names with the inside left blank for writing your own personal message. Any extras can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are included.
Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small cost, you can request a colored lining on the inside of your inner envelopes to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.
Map Cards: Guests will appreciate direction cards as a convenience if they are not familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.
Printed Envelope Flaps: Having your return address printed on the back flap of your mailing envelope can save you time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are promptly returned to you. A return address also provides an address to any guests who might not be able to attend but still wish to send a card or gift. There is usually a small charge for this option.
Reception Cards: An insert card that contains all the details of your wedding reception. Reception cards can be used in place of having this information printed on your invitation or if only certain guests might be invited to this portion of your celebration. They can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that including this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.
Response Cards: Guests are asked to return this card indicating whether they will be able to attend your wedding. Response cards provide you with the accurate guest count you will need to properly plan for your dinner/reception. The response card along with its return mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation. Remember to include a postage stamp on this small return envelope which will also have a mailing address pre-printed so your guests can easily return it by the date you have requested.
Thermography: A printing process whereby invitations are printed in ink and a special powder is sprinkled over the wet ink. Then the invitation is sent through a heater which melts the powder and "raises" the ink. Thermography is more commonly used in printing affordable wedding invitations since it is more cost effective than engraving.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Engagement Invitations
Once you have said 'Yes, I will marry you!', your wedding planning begins.
For some couples the first celebration held in their honor will be an engagement party. Every stellar party starts with beautiful invitations.
There are many design choices available when it comes to engagement invitations.
Some designs are specific to engagement parties and can be personalized with your specific wording.
Other designs are classic in their style and can be made specific for an engagement party with your chosen invitation verse.
No matter what style you chose for your engagement party invitations, they will announce to your guests they are invited to this wonderful celebration of your upcoming marriage.
Here is just one sample verse for an engagement invitation. Use this link for more sample invitation verses.
You are cordially invited to attend an
Engagement Party
given in honor of
BRIDE and GROOM
on DATE
YEAR
at TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE
For some couples the first celebration held in their honor will be an engagement party. Every stellar party starts with beautiful invitations.
There are many design choices available when it comes to engagement invitations.
Some designs are specific to engagement parties and can be personalized with your specific wording.
Other designs are classic in their style and can be made specific for an engagement party with your chosen invitation verse.
No matter what style you chose for your engagement party invitations, they will announce to your guests they are invited to this wonderful celebration of your upcoming marriage.
Here is just one sample verse for an engagement invitation. Use this link for more sample invitation verses.
Engagement Party
given in honor of
BRIDE and GROOM
on DATE
YEAR
at TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Pocket Wedding Invitations
If you are looking for a modern wedding invitation style, a pocket invitation might be your choice.
Within the category of pocket wedding invitations there are several different designs available. Please note that some of these styles may require extra postage for mailing. Also, some designs are self-mailing pieces as noted while others need to be inserted into the separate mailing envelope that is included.
This design includes a translucent pocket into which your z-fold invitation neatly fits once it's been folded.
This style includes a pocket wrap that holds your invitation card and has a bottom pocket to hold separate enclosure cards. The wrap then folds up into a self-mailer piece.
This pocket invitation is designed as a folder with a pocket on one side for holding your wedding invitation.
Highlighting your initial is an extra benefit of this pocket style where your wedding invitation is inserted from the side so the wording is visible.
This pocket elegantly displays the top part of your invitation and is wrapped with matching ribbon to complete the look.
This invitation's envelope is actually the pocket which opens up to reveal your invitation with a side pocket for holding any enclosure pieces.
Within the category of pocket wedding invitations there are several different designs available. Please note that some of these styles may require extra postage for mailing. Also, some designs are self-mailing pieces as noted while others need to be inserted into the separate mailing envelope that is included.
This design includes a translucent pocket into which your z-fold invitation neatly fits once it's been folded.
This style includes a pocket wrap that holds your invitation card and has a bottom pocket to hold separate enclosure cards. The wrap then folds up into a self-mailer piece.
This pocket invitation is designed as a folder with a pocket on one side for holding your wedding invitation.
Highlighting your initial is an extra benefit of this pocket style where your wedding invitation is inserted from the side so the wording is visible.
This pocket elegantly displays the top part of your invitation and is wrapped with matching ribbon to complete the look.
This invitation's envelope is actually the pocket which opens up to reveal your invitation with a side pocket for holding any enclosure pieces.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colors of Wedding Invitation Papers
If you haven’t already, you are sure to notice all the colors available when it comes to wedding invitation papers.
White has always been known as a traditional color with another popular choice being ecru which appears as more of a warm creamy beige.
Those who would like to make a more colorful statement can easily choose a solid colored invitation paper. There are plenty of paper choices now available in bold and brighter colors. Some invitations may even have a subtle background design or graphic that contrasts against the paper color to create an elegant appearance. When choosing a solid colored wedding invitation, please remember that not all ink colors may look good when printed on that particular paper color. If shopping online, there will usually be a tip indicating which ink colors are suggested or your ink choices may just be automatically limited as you go through the process of creating your personalized invitation.
If your choice is not to be quite so bold, why not choose a style that is white but also has some obvious color added to the invitation design presenting a striking impression.
Another option that may be a compromise between traditional white and more vivid colors is the softer look of pastel colors. Again, keep in mind how your ink color choice may look against the pastel invitation paper before placing your order.
If you really want to send out unique wedding invitations, how about a style that uses translucent (see-through) paper. Often times, translucent paper is layered over another paper.
For western wedding themes, brown kraft paper can be a popular choice giving your invitations a rustic look.
If you are looking for modern wedding invitations, a pocket invitation might be your choice. This design comes with a solid colored envelopment that not only holds the invitation card but also has a pocket for holding any enclosure pieces such as your reception and/or response cards. This will help your guests keep all your invitation pieces easily accessible and organized in one place. The envelopment then folds up to fit into your mailing envelope.
Today’s paper choices truly allow wedding couples to be original in their wedding invitation design.
White has always been known as a traditional color with another popular choice being ecru which appears as more of a warm creamy beige.
Those who would like to make a more colorful statement can easily choose a solid colored invitation paper. There are plenty of paper choices now available in bold and brighter colors. Some invitations may even have a subtle background design or graphic that contrasts against the paper color to create an elegant appearance. When choosing a solid colored wedding invitation, please remember that not all ink colors may look good when printed on that particular paper color. If shopping online, there will usually be a tip indicating which ink colors are suggested or your ink choices may just be automatically limited as you go through the process of creating your personalized invitation.If your choice is not to be quite so bold, why not choose a style that is white but also has some obvious color added to the invitation design presenting a striking impression.
Another option that may be a compromise between traditional white and more vivid colors is the softer look of pastel colors. Again, keep in mind how your ink color choice may look against the pastel invitation paper before placing your order.If you really want to send out unique wedding invitations, how about a style that uses translucent (see-through) paper. Often times, translucent paper is layered over another paper.
For western wedding themes, brown kraft paper can be a popular choice giving your invitations a rustic look.
If you are looking for modern wedding invitations, a pocket invitation might be your choice. This design comes with a solid colored envelopment that not only holds the invitation card but also has a pocket for holding any enclosure pieces such as your reception and/or response cards. This will help your guests keep all your invitation pieces easily accessible and organized in one place. The envelopment then folds up to fit into your mailing envelope.Today’s paper choices truly allow wedding couples to be original in their wedding invitation design.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sample Wedding Invitations
If time allows, it's always a good idea to order samples of the wedding invitation designs you like. Samples will often time help you narrow down your favorites to your final choice.
That's why it is highly recommended you start your wedding invitation shopping about 6 months before your wedding date to allow plenty of time for shopping around and ordering samples. You will also want to give yourself enough time to assemble and address your invitations so they are in the mail at least 4-6 weeks before your wedding day.
Even though sample wedding invitations are usually blank with no verse printing, they will still give you a first-hand look at the type and color of the paper along with showing any design that comes pre-printed on the invitation.
Typically, samples cost a few dollars each plus postage but the expense is well worth it to help you to find that perfect wedding invitation you have been looking for.
That's why it is highly recommended you start your wedding invitation shopping about 6 months before your wedding date to allow plenty of time for shopping around and ordering samples. You will also want to give yourself enough time to assemble and address your invitations so they are in the mail at least 4-6 weeks before your wedding day.
Even though sample wedding invitations are usually blank with no verse printing, they will still give you a first-hand look at the type and color of the paper along with showing any design that comes pre-printed on the invitation.
Typically, samples cost a few dollars each plus postage but the expense is well worth it to help you to find that perfect wedding invitation you have been looking for.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Winter Wedding Invitation Themes
Many wedding themes are based on the season of the year in which they take place.
Invitations for winter-themed weddings can be distinguished in several ways.
Naturally when people think of winter they think of snow so having a snowflake wedding invitation like the one pictured here would be very appropriate.
Usually the colors of white, silver/gray and light blue are associated with the winter season since they are considered cool colors. So incorporating any or all of these colors on your invitations would be fitting to a winter theme.
Having a pearl embossment on your invitations can also be an elegant symbol for a winter wedding. It's refractive shimmer will enhance the beauty of your invitations whether the pearl is shown in a border, a graphic or as a background design.
Invitations for winter-themed weddings can be distinguished in several ways.
Naturally when people think of winter they think of snow so having a snowflake wedding invitation like the one pictured here would be very appropriate.
Usually the colors of white, silver/gray and light blue are associated with the winter season since they are considered cool colors. So incorporating any or all of these colors on your invitations would be fitting to a winter theme.
Having a pearl embossment on your invitations can also be an elegant symbol for a winter wedding. It's refractive shimmer will enhance the beauty of your invitations whether the pearl is shown in a border, a graphic or as a background design.
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