One of the best wedding traditions that has carried on throughout centuries is the sending of a formal printed invitation to wedding guests. There is something special and nostalgic about receiving an invitation by post; an oversized, gorgeous envelope with beautiful lettering and custom postage stamps. Just *seeing* such an invitation amidst the rest of our post sets our hearts aflutter. The wedding invitation conveys the sender’s message right away. “THIS is the Real Deal. We’re ready for you to celebrate with us.” How exciting!
Invitations are your guests first peek into your wedding style - whether it be formal or informal, classic or themed, it sets the tone for your wedding. What exactly should be included in the invitation envelope? Our recommendation is that the invitation suite include:
The Outer Envelope;
The Inner Envelope
A Belly Band (made of any material- fabric, rope, paper and holds all the cards together);
The Invitation Card;
The Reception Card;
Directions/Map;
The Response card with a self-addressed/stamped envelope;
Accommodations Information; and finally
Know Before You Go Covid-19 Information.
As number 9 is the most recent addition to our “must-have” list, give us just a minute to explain. This piece of collateral is our clients’ chance to acknowledge the risks associated with hosting a large event during a pandemic and to communicate their plan of action to mitigate those risks for all attendees. From detailing information about testing and mask requirements, hand sanitizing stations and socially distanced seating, the Know Before You Go Covid-19 Guide can be customized for each and every event. It’s important to remember that people have different feelings and levels of comfort about what they believe is safe to minimize their risk of contracting Covid-19. Event hosts should be inclusive and attempt to address concerns in a personal way. While it may seem that including such a note would put a damper on a celebratory event, it actually gives the hosts and guests peace of mind that the celebration will be safe and all legal guidelines adhered to. Don’t worry, we have many ideas for jazzing up the information with positive tones and humorous quips. We can be very creative!
Beyond the wedding invitation itself, many other paper elements come into play during the wedding ceremony and reception. Couples may opt to include ceremony programs, welcome basket tags, escort and place cards, table numbers, dinner menus, favor tags and even thank you cards as part of their wedding stationery suite. All these items can be customized beyond imagination. Gone are the days of just ink on a piece of paper. In today's stationery, anything is possible from blind embossing to foil; etched glass/lucite to edging. If you can imagine it, chances are, it can be done.
Feeling inspired to start choosing your wedding stationery? Be sure to click the links below to check out some of our favorite stationery professionals we rely on to dazzle our clients.
Yonder Design :: Papineau Calligraphy :: Twig & Fig :: Dependable Letterpress :: Lettered Olive :: Cheree Berry Paper
With special thanks to the following photographers for sharing images.
Arrowood Photography :: Michelle Walker Photography :: Mel Barlow :: Sylvie Gil :: Michaela Joy :: Larissa Cleveland