Knowing how to write a wedding invitation is a very important step in putting your wedding together.
With a momentous event like getting married, there is a lot of tradition, ceremony and guidelines that are usually followed.
However, if you are a non-denominational couple or if you do not want to go with tradition, there are no rules to say you have to stick to the traditional way of writing wedding invitations.
In fact, you can write them just about any way that you want to! However, it is good to know how traditional each type of wedding invitation is done so that you allow yourself some choice.
The different types of wedding invitations
There are several different types of wedding invitations that you could use, each for a different type of wedding or for a different type of couple. The following examples will give you a guideline on what is best for you:
The traditional wedding invitation
At a traditional wedding, the bride’s parents are the hosts and are giving their daughter away to her husband to be. The usual way that this wedding invitation is done goes something like this:
John and Jane Smith request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter:
Miss Mary Smith
To
Mr Mark Mason
At 4pm on Friday the 17th August
At the Crown Chapel
James Strt, Pietermaritzburg
The somewhat traditional wedding invitation
This form of wedding is still traditional, but is not hosted by the parents of the bride.
The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage of
Miss Mary Smith
To
Mr Mark Mason
Etc…..
The casual wedding invitation
This type of invitation is great for a couple who are having a less traditional wedding.
Mary and Mark
Invite you to share
In the exchange of their wedding vows
On Friday 17th August at 4pm
At Crown Estate
James Strt, Pietermaritzburg
Other tips to creating the perfect wedding invitation
While you have complete freedom in how you invite your guests and what wording you choose to use, it is important that you take note of the following guidelines and rules to writing wedding invitations.
- Make sure that both your names appear near the top in full
- Clearly state the date, time and venue
- Most people understand what the dress code is for a wedding so leave that out unless you are having a particular theme or a casual beach wedding
- A flat card, instead of one that opens, is a great idea as guests can put it up on their fridge as a reminder
- A ‘save the date’ card is another great idea to remind guests of when your wedding is
Making your wedding invitations visually appealing
You may want your wedding invitations to have a ‘wow’ factor and to fit in with your theme, and this is all good and well, but consider the following before you go overboard.
- Over the top wedding invitations may be difficult or expensive to post
- Invitations with stand-out bits and pieces may become damaged during postage
- A wedding is already so expensive and blowing a large chunk of your budget on incredibly expensive wedding invitations is not the greatest plan if you are on a budget
The most important things in a visually appealing wedding invitation are the following:
- Good quality ink that does not look faded or smudged
- Good spacing on the invitation
- The right colour (creams and off-whites are always best for this sort of thing)
- The right type and size of font
- Good quality paper or cardboard
- A nice envelope with your guests names written individually on the front
Over-done wedding invitations at best look just that: over-done, and at worst look downright tacky.
The best advice for a couple searching for the perfect wedding invitation is to choose small squares or rectangles of a neutral colour on good quality cardboard and to print a few well-chosen words on each.