Your wedding day is going to be one of the most important days in your life and as such, your wedding card is going to be the most important invitation that you will ever send out. Choosing wedding invitations can be a daunting task, what with the myriad of stationary, designs and printing options available. The first chance to introduce the setting, theme and flavour of the wedding to your guests, the card should also reflect your personalities.
Printing Options
- Engraving: This is the most traditional, formal and expensive style of print that gives off a classic feel. The design is pressed through the paper so that it can be felt at the back of the sheet.
- Embossing: A metal plate is stamped onto the paper to leave the imprints of the design. Used to accentuate invitations with motifs, monograms and borders with a 3-dimensional effect, embossing is expensive and takes about 3-4 weeks to be ready. Another method is the thermography, which leaves a shiny and glossy finish to the raised letterings.
- Lithography: Also knows as offset or flat printing, lithography is the most commonly used yet less expensive style of printing. It involves printing letterings with ink and does not produce a raised or pressed-through finish.
- Digital Printing: Providing high resolution and lifelike images, this is the least expensive printing option and is most suitable for smooth or lightly textured paper.
- Calligraphy: Commonly used for names and addresses on the inner and outer envelopes, it makes the invitation feel more traditional and adds a personal and elegant touch.
Mailing Out the Cards
Mailing out your invitations may seem an easy errand but there are several things you should take note of to make sure they arrive safely in the hands of your guests.
- Weddings invitations should be mailed 4-6 weeks before the wedding.
- RSVP cards should be sent out at least 3 months before the wedding.
- Have an invitation card weighed at the post office so that you will know exactly how much postage the overall package will cost.
- If you invitation uses stiff or textured cards or has an irregular shape, use non-standard mail instead of standard mail. Standard mail is processed by machines and your cards may get damaged in the process.
Saving Money on Wedding Invitations
If you are on a tight budget or looking at making allowances for other expenses, there are several ways to save on the invites.
- Choose simple designs. If you must have an elaborate design, then balance out the cost by choosing less expensive paper.
- Place orders well in advance as last minute orders can incur a higher cost.
- Create your own invitations. This is a great chance to put your skills to use. There are countless DIY wedding invitation kits available which include all the necessary stationary such as paper, ribbons, stamps and seals.
- Send email notifications instead of cards.
