Wedding Invitations: Where to Start? A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Wedding invitations are more than just a formality. They are the first step in setting the tone for your celebration, a chance to express your personality, and a way to give your guests a glimpse of what to expect. If you're just starting to plan your wedding and feel overwhelmed by the idea of creating invitations, this post is your ultimate guide. We'll walk you through each step, offer practical tips, and provide examples to help you craft perfect invitations that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Why Are Wedding Invitations Important?

Wedding invitations are not just a way to inform your guests about the date and location. They are an opportunity to:

Set the tone for your wedding. The invitation can be the first hint of your wedding's style: classic, romantic, minimalist, or extravagant.
Express your individuality. It's your chance to show your guests that your wedding will be unique.
Build anticipation. A beautifully designed invitation makes guests excited to be part of your celebration.

Example: If you're planning a vintage-themed wedding, an invitation with lace details and serif fonts will immediately convey a retro atmosphere.

When Should You Start Preparing?

Start preparing your invitations 6-8 months before the wedding. This timeline allows for:

Designing the invitations.
Finalising the text.
Printing and mailing.

Tip: If your wedding is during peak season (e.g., summer), start even earlier to avoid delays at printing shops.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

Your invitation budget depends on the number of guests, the complexity of the design, and the materials used. Typically, couples allocate 5-10% of their total wedding budget to invitations.

What to Consider:

Number of invitations: One invitation per family or couple.
Printing costs: The more intricate the design, the higher the cost.
Additional elements: Envelopes, ribbons, seals.

Example: If you have 50 guests and plan to spend £1,000 on invitations, you can allocate around £20 per invitation.

Step 2: Create Your Guest List

Before ordering invitations, finalise your guest list. This will help you determine the number of invitations needed and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Tips:

Remember that one invitation usually covers a family or couple.
Discuss with your partner who you want to invite.
Collect your guests' addresses for mailing.

Example: If you're inviting 50 guests, but most are couples, you'll need around 30 invitations.

Step 3: Choose the Style of Your Invitations

The style of your invitations should reflect the overall theme of your wedding. Here are some popular options:

Classic Style

Elegant serif fonts.
Pastel colours (ivory, gold, blush pink).
Minimalist decor.

Example: An invitation printed on thick paper with gold foil detailing, placed in a silk-lined envelope.

Boho Style

Natural motifs: leaves, flowers, feathers.
Warm earthy tones (terracotta, olive, beige).
Textures: kraft paper, linen, wooden elements.

Example: An invitation made from folded kraft paper with dried flowers inside.

Minimalist Style

Simple geometric shapes.
Monochrome palette (black, white, grey).
Focus on typography.

Example: A black-and-white invitation with bold typography and a single gold accent line.

Step 4: Write the Text

The text of your invitation should be clear, informative, and stylistically consistent. Be sure to include:

The names of the couple.
Date and time.
Venue (with address).
Dress code (if applicable).
RSVP details.

Example text:

"Dear Friends,
We are delighted to invite you to our wedding, which will take place on August 15, 2024, at 4:00 PM at 'Summer Garden,' 12 Tsvetochnaya Street, Moscow.
Dress code: Evening attire.
Please RSVP by August 1 to +7 (999) 123-45-67."