The Dos and Don'ts of Designing Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding planning starts with the invitation. It’s more than just a card; it’s the first glimpse into the theme and feel of your wedding, so getting it right is key. From traditional paper to modern digital invites, the options are endless, but so are the pitfalls. In this post, we’ll go through the dos and don’ts of designing your wedding invitations, so they’re as special as your day.

Understanding Wedding Invitation Basics

What Are Wedding Invitations?

Wedding invitations are not just asking your friends and family to join you on your big day; they also reflect your personality and the tone of your wedding. They will include the date, time, location, and a flavor of the formality and theme. Plus, wedding invitations often include artistic elements such as personal illustrations or calligraphy to give it a bit of extra oomph. Modern wedding invitations are also using digital designs like e-invites to reach your guests.

Types of Wedding Invitations

• Paper Invitations:

  These are not just physical cards in the mail. They are a personal touch, a connection to your guests. The main invitation, RSVP card, and sometimes additional info about accommodations or itinerary are included. They can be expensive and time-consuming, but the effort shows how much you value your guests. They require postage and envelope stuffing, and guests have to save the card so they don’t forget the date and location of the event. Paper invitations can get lost and require extra effort from guests to respond. Some guests may not feel comfortable sending a physical card in the mail.

• Digital Wedding Invitations:

  A modern twist on the classic invite, digital invitations are sent electronically. This is not just cost-effective and eco-friendly but also super convenient and efficient. Digital invitations are also more personal than physical ones, as you can add photos, videos, and music. They are also easier to track and make sure everyone has received them. Digital wedding invitations are also more secure than physical ones, as you don’t have to worry about them getting lost in the mail or delivered to the wrong address. Plus, you can share with friends and family in an instant, making them the perfect way to share your special day.

• Save the Date Cards:

  Sent before the official invitation, these cards announce the wedding date and ensure guests save the day. Digital Save the Date cards are also a great way to showcase your wedding theme or style, as you can add a photo or video to the message. They are also cheaper than physical Save the Date cards, as they are often free or super cheap.

The Dos of Wedding Invitation Design

• Do Personalize Your Invitations:

  Whether paper or digital, personalization is not optional; it’s a must-have to make your wedding invitations match your style and wedding theme. Add a monogram or a watercolor splash that matches your wedding colors and add a special quote or phrase to make it extra special. Don’t forget to include all the details, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. And, of course, thank your guests for celebrating with you.

• Do Pay Attention to Detail:

  Every detail matters. This includes the words, font, paper (for printed invites), and even the way your invites are packaged. For digital invites, consider the layout, visuals, and how they look on different devices. Check for errors before you send out your invites. Also, send a test email to a friend to make sure everything looks right. Give your invites plenty of time to get to your guests. Make sure to include all the details, date, time, location, and RSVP info. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a pro.

• Do Include All Essential Information:

  Please make sure to include the hosts (usually the bride and groom’s parents), the Couple’s names, the Date and time, the Venue, the Reception (if different), and the RSVP.

• Do Consider Your Timeline:

  Send out your save the dates as soon as you have your wedding date and venue booked—6-8 months before the wedding. Official invitations go out 8-10 weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline of 3-4 weeks before the wedding. Always include the full address and contact info for the reception. Always include a response card or website for guests to RSVP. And don’t forget to thank your guests for coming! After you send out invitations, you should also send a reminder a few weeks before the wedding to make sure no one forgets. And follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d to make sure they got their invite.

• Do Match the Formality of Your Event:

  Your invitations should match the tone of your wedding. For a black tie wedding, go classic and elegant with your font and colors. For a beach wedding, lighter colors and playful fonts might be more your style. Make sure everything is cohesive and matching across all of your invitation materials. Consider calligraphy or letterpress for a personal touch. Don’t forget to include the date, time, location, and RSVP info. Proofread and double-check everything before you send it. Also, consider sending a digital version or email reminder to your guests. And don’t forget to send thank you notes after the wedding.

• Do Consider Eco-Friendly Options:

  If you care about sustainability, consider eco-friendly invitation options. Print on recycled paper or go digital to waste nothing. Many couples now opt for seed paper that guests can plant after. You can also go for biodegradable materials like bamboo or wood. Some invitation companies offer recycled paper with wildflower seeds embedded. You can also go paperless and have guests RSVP online. Or use recyclable materials like paper or cardstock for your invitations. Or recycled paper that has been printed with vegetable-based inks, which are less harsh on the environment. Or e-invites, which are eco-friendly and cost-effective.

• Do Use a Clear Call to Action:

  Make it easy for your guests to RSVP, whether it's a reply card, an email address, or a website to visit; your call to action should be clear and easy to find. Provide a deadline for when you want to receive the RSVP and a reminder to your guests. You could also offer an online survey or an option for guests to text their responses. Make it easy for everyone. Include it in your email or provide a link to an online form. Respond to any RSVPs you get.

• Do Keep a Steady Theme:

  From your save-the-dates to your thank-you cards, keep your wedding stationery consistent with the theme and color palette. This means matching the design elements and typography. Your stationery should also reflect the overall tone of your wedding. For example, if your wedding is formal and elegant, you may go for classic typefaces and colors. If it's a more casual celebration, you may go for more playful elements. Your stationery should also be tailored to your wedding theme. For example, if it's a garden wedding, you may use flowers and greenery, or for a formal evening, you may use black and white. And don’t forget to double-check that all the details are correct. Spelling and grammar.

• Multiple ways to RSVP:

  Give guests multiple ways to respond – by mail, phone, or online – and you’ll get a quicker response, especially if you have a diverse guest list with different preferences. It also reduces confusion and gives guests another option if they can’t respond to one method. Plus, it gives guests a more personal experience and more flexibility to respond in the way they prefer. And you’ll get responses back in a timely manner.

The Don’ts of Wedding Invitation Design

• Don’t Overcrowd Your Invitations:

  Don’t overdo it, but include all the details. If you have a lot to say, consider an insert or a wedding website. You can also design your invitation to have extra space or include a small card with the invitation to direct guests to a website. Make sure to keep the important stuff front and center. You can also add an RSVP card to the invitation. Make sure to include the address to which to send RSVPs and the date you need them. And don’t forget to include a thank you note in the invitation.

• Don’t Forget to Proofread:

  Typos or wrong info on a wedding invitation can be confusing and give the wrong impression. Always proofread and have someone else look it over before you finalize it. Make sure all names are spelled right, the date and time are correct, and the invitation is formatted correctly. Check the address and any important information, like the venue and RSVP instructions. Also, make sure all graphics and text are consistent, and the invitation is consistent throughout. Finally, check for grammar and punctuation mistakes.

• Don’t Skimp on Quality:

  For paper invitations, the paper and printing quality matters. You can look for budget-friendly options, but make sure your invitation still reflects the occasion. For digital invitations, choose a reputable platform that has high-quality and pretty templates. Make sure the template is customizable, and you can add details or photos easily. You can also customize the look of digital invitations with filters or effects. Make sure you send out your invitation on time. Monitor the delivery of your invitation and make sure it is sent to all the recipients. Respond to inquiries or feedback in a timely manner. And thank your guests for coming.

• Don’t Ignore Your Guests’ Experience:

  Think about the invite itself. For digital invites, make sure they are readable on any device. For physical cards, think about how they will be handled – from how they are sealed to how they feel when your guests pull them out of the envelope. Make sure it’s eye-catching but simple so it stands out from all the other invites. Make sure to include all the details – date and time, location of the venue, and any other important bits. And don’t forget to add a personal message!

• Don’t Use Overly Trendy Designs:

  While it’s easy to get caught up in the latest design trends, remember your wedding invites should be timeless. Avoid anything too trendy that will look dated in a few years. Choose classic design elements that will stand the test of time. Also, avoid overelaborate designs that will feel dated in a few years. Instead, go for simple, elegant designs that are timeless and will look fresh in years to come. Your wedding invites should also reflect your wedding theme. Choose a design that matches your wedding colors and theme. Ultimately, you want an invite that your guests will remember for years to come.

• Don’t Underestimate Postage Costs:

  For physical invites, always take a fully assembled invite to the post office to be weighed and measured. This way, you’ll buy the right postage and avoid the embarrassment of returned invites because there are not enough stamps. Also, make sure to check any restrictions or requirements the post office has regarding the type of envelope you use. For example, the post office may require an invite to be in a rigid envelope to prevent it from getting damaged in the mail. Check with the post office before you mail the invites to make sure you meet all the requirements. It’s also a good idea to put a return address on the envelope, just in case. And don’t forget to post the invites early so they arrive on time.

• Don’t Send Invitations Too Late:

  Don’t send invites too late; it will inconvenience your guests, especially those who need to travel or take time off work. Follow the recommended timelines so your guests have enough time to prepare. Don’t forget to send a reminder closer to the event date. This will make sure your guests don’t forget about the invite and turn up. And don’t forget to follow up with any guests who haven’t RSVP’d. Send thank you cards to your guests after the event to thank them for coming. Consider giving a special gift or present to those who attended. And don’t forget to take photos and post them on social media.

• Don’t Overlook the Envelope:

  The envelope is the first thing your guests will see, so make it count. Consider customizing it with a liner, elegant handwriting, or even a wax seal. You can also include a small card with a personal message inside. Just don’t overstuff the envelope, or it won’t open. And don’t forget to include your return address so your guests can send back their RSVPs. You could also go paperless and send via email. Then, you don’t have to worry about snail mail delays, and your guests can send their RSVPs online.

• Don’t Forget About Accessibility:

  For older guests or those with visual impairments, make sure your invitation text is readable. Use bigger fonts and high-contrast colors so everyone can see. Include a clear photo of the guest of honor with the invitation so guests can see who they are celebrating. Consider sending Braille or audio versions of the invitation to make the event more accessible. Give clear instructions on how to find the event or location and include contact details for questions. Include the names of staff or volunteers who can help guide guests. And make sure all text and images are accessible to those with visual impairments.

Maintaining Thoughtfulness in Your Design Choices

When designing your wedding invitations, the key is to balance personalization with practicality and formality with fun. Remember these additional dos and don’ts, and your invitations will be beautiful, effective, and considerate of all your guests. Make sure to include all the details—the date, time, and location of the wedding, any special instructions, and the dress code. Proofread carefully to avoid typos and mistakes. Consider the environmental impact of your invitations and go for recycled or eco-friendly materials.

About еVеntGuru’s Wedding Invitation Collection

At eVentGuru, we know how important it is to treasure the memories of your wedding. Even if your wedding invitations are free, the design and style shouldn’t be compromised. With our collections, you can keep your traditional style and personalize and send your invitations via email. The easy-to-use and accessible wedding e-cards from eVentGuru can be used at any stage of your wedding planning. Creating your wedding invitations should be a fun part of your wedding prep. Follow these dos and don’ts to make them informative and beautiful.

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