Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have into the style and tone of your big day. They set the stage for what's to come, making them an essential element of your wedding planning process. When it comes to ordering custom wedding invitations, there are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure that your invitations are perfect for your special day.
The Dos:
1. Do Start Early:
Begin the process of ordering your custom wedding invitations well in advance of your wedding date. Custom designs take time to create, and you'll want to leave room for revisions and printing. Starting early also allows for any unexpected delays that may occur along the way.
2. Do Consider Your Wedding Theme:
Your invitations should reflect the style and theme of your wedding. Whether you're planning a rustic outdoor affair or an elegant ballroom soirée, make sure your invitations set the right tone. Provide your designer with inspiration, such as color swatches, mood boards, or examples of your wedding décor, to help them capture the essence of your celebration.
3. Do Personalize:
Take advantage of the opportunity to personalize your wedding invitations. Incorporate elements that are meaningful to you and your partner, such as monograms, illustrations, or motifs that reflect your shared interests or cultural backgrounds. Personalization adds a special touch and makes your invitations truly unique.
4. Do Proofread Carefully:
Before giving the final approval for printing, carefully review every detail of your custom wedding invitations. Check for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and accurate information regarding the date, time, and location of your wedding events. It's always a good idea to have a second set of eyes look over the proof to catch any oversight.
5. Do Order Extra:
While you may have finalized your guest list, it's wise to order a few extra invitations just in case. Unexpected additions or mistakes during addressing could require additional invitations. Ordering extras upfront saves you from the stress of rushing to reorder later on.
The Don'ts:
1. Don't Overcomplicate:
While customization offers endless possibilities, it's essential to strike a balance between creativity and clarity. Avoid overwhelming your invitations with too many design elements, fonts, or colors. Keep the layout clean and easy to read to ensure that your guests can quickly grasp the important details.
2. Don't Forget the RSVPs:
Include response cards with pre-addressed envelopes or provide instructions for online RSVPs to make it easy for your guests to reply. Clearly indicate the RSVP deadline to ensure timely responses. Don't overlook this crucial aspect of your invitations, as it helps you plan for your guest count and finalize arrangements with your vendors.
3. Don't Sacrifice Quality for Cost:
While it's tempting to cut costs where possible, your wedding invitations are not the place to compromise on quality. Opt for high-quality paper, printing techniques, and finishes that will make a lasting impression. Investing in quality ensures that your invitations look and feel luxurious, setting the right tone for your wedding day.
4. Don't Procrastinate:
Avoid leaving your custom wedding invitations to the last minute. Rushing the design and printing process can lead to mistakes and added stress. Give yourself ample time to work with your designer, review proofs, and make any necessary revisions before finalizing your order. Planning ahead allows for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
5. Don't Forget Postage:
Before sending out your invitations, weigh a complete sample at the post office to determine the correct postage required. Oversized or bulky invitations may incur additional postage costs, so it's essential to factor this into your budget. Ensure that your invitations are properly stamped to avoid any delays or returned mail.
In conclusion, ordering custom wedding invitations is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey. By following these dos and don'ts, you can create invitations that not only reflect your personal style and vision but also provide your guests with all the necessary information for your special day. With careful planning and attention to detail, your custom invitations will set the perfect tone for a memorable celebration of love.