How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Invitation?
To choose the perfect wedding invitation is a bit like writing the first chapter of your one-of-a-kind day. It’s the very first glimpse your guests will have of your celebration, and above all, a beautiful preview of the style, tone, and emotion you want to share.
But with all the different wedding invitation templates, trendy styles (boho, rustic, romantic, etc.), the wording, the budget, the printing, also the mailing… it’s hard to know where to start!
No worries, we’re here to share our best tips to help you find a wedding invitation that truly reflects you, while keeping your theme and budget in mind. We’ll talk design, formats, tips for writing your perfect wedding invitation text, mailing timelines. We’ll even discuss the little details like envelopes or adding a custom illustration. You’ll see: it’s totally possible to create a wedding invitation that’s original, memorable… and affordable!
And if you’re looking for talented pros to help you create your full wedding stationery, we’ve gathered our favorite Quebec designers in this dedicated blog post.
Define the Style of Your Wedding
The perfect wedding invitation sets the tone: are you going for a boho vibe or urban chic? Floral inspiration or a minimalist look? More rustic, romantic, modern, or even vintage? Now’s the time to match your stationery to your wedding’s overall style.
Draw inspiration from your color palette (terracotta, sage green, blush, navy), your venue, or even your dress! A delicate and textured invitation printed on artisanal paper will feel very poetic. In contrast, a clean design on cream or kraft paper immediately evokes a natural, authentic feel.
Choose the Right Format
Today, there are no strict rules: from the classic square invitation to a modern postcard, booklet-style or accordion fold… anything goes!
Some couples choose to include all details on one card (invitation, RSVP, practical info), while others prefer to separate elements for a more elegant feel. You can also go for a digital wedding invitation as an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option, or mix paper and digital formats depending on your guests.
A small but important note: the size of your invitation may affect printing and postage costs, as well as the choice of envelopes.
Personalize Your Wedding Invitation Wording
This is where you get to add your personal touch! Whether you prefer a traditional or more humorous wedding invitation text, the most important thing is that it feels like you.
The must-have information to include:
– Your names
– The date, time, and location of the ceremony (and reception, if applicable)
– An address for RSVPs or your wedding website
– And of course, in a tone that reflects your personalities!
Pro tip: keep it clear. Avoid long or overly poetic sentences if they make the message harder to understand. And if you’re bilingual, you can absolutely create a bilingual version, or two separate versions, of your wedding invitation.
Think About Practical Details (and Budget!)
Prices can vary a lot depending on materials, type of printing, quantity, and the options you choose. For a cheap wedding invitation, some platforms like Vistaprint or Zazzle offer simple and customizable options.
If you’d rather support local businesses or prefer more refined results, many Quebec-based stationery designers offer custom services, often at very reasonable prices. You can find our favorites in this blog article.
Another tip: order a few extra copies (for keepsakes or potential mistakes), and build in enough time for proofreading, printing, and delivery.
When to Send Your Wedding Invitations?
In general, wedding invitations are sent about 6 months before the big day. If your event is taking place abroad or during peak season, it’s a good idea to send a save the date about 8 to 12 months in advance.
Friendly reminder: you’ll want to have confirmed your venue, schedule, and ideally your guest list before going to print.
Why Not Add a Little Extra?
To add a personal, meaningful touch to your mailing, you could:
– Seal your envelopes with a custom wax seal
– Include a hand-drawn illustration of the couple or venue
– Add a matching RSVP card
– Slip in a photo or Polaroid
– Print an info card or coordinating menu
It’s in these thoughtful details that your guests will feel just how much love went into planning this incredible day.
In Conclusion…
Your invitations are so much more than simple cards, they’re real printed memories that announce a major celebration. Let your style, your story, and your vision shine through, and have fun creating an invitation that will make you smile every time you read it.
