As your guests eagerly open their wedding invitations, this will be the first hint they get of the fabulous day that you have in store for them. Your invitation sets the scene, so consider this when choosing your perfect invite design.

Picking the theme

As mentioned above, a wedding invitation is your guests first insight to the theme of your wedding. It's best to get an idea of what you want, ask yourselves questions like are we more traditional or contemporary? Begin with this theme in mind, but don't worry if it goes out the window once you see the invitation samples you love. It is great to have a scrap book with pictures from magazines, or a Pinterest board with all your ideas, so you can return to what first inspired you, but keep an open mind and let things unfold naturally. Don't let an idea restrict you, be flexible.
Email Wedding invitations

Even in this modern day and age, an emailed wedding invitation is not considered polite. People want to really feel your wedding, nobody wants to open an email and see distorted pixilated images inviting them to your big day. It's a bit underwhelming. This is your special day; so make sure the people you love the most will be just as excited as you are.

Facebook Event Invite
I shouldn't even have to say this, but there was a recent episode of 'Don't tell the Bride' where the Groom to be sent out invites to his wedding via a Facebook Event page. Do not, and I repeat, do not do it.

Cost
You may have taken a good look around at wedding stationery already, but if haven't then it may be fair for us to warn you that invitations can get pricey. It can also be quite difficult for you to compare different stationery prices. Some companies have a price per card, that includes everything you need with no hidden extras, but others have a price per card and then the insert paper, envelopes and personalisation costs are all extra. So make sure that you add in any hidden costs, from the beginning, when you compare the prices of your favourite designs.

It's also possible to have DIY invitations, where you buy the materials that you need and assemble the invitations yourself. You can save huge amounts by buying this way, they are much more personal and also when you're ready to assemble your invitations, what better excuse for a get together with your girlfriends and your favourite bottle of wine!

Invitation wording

The great thing about planning a wedding today is the fantastic personalisation you can put into your wedding invitation. Adding your own unique personality and style to the invitation gives your wedding that exciting little edge. Though, don't lose sight of the fact that your wedding invitation has a job to do. Your guests need to know exactly when and where to go, so make sure the text is clear, legible and has all the important stuff on it. These things include your names, the hosts, the venue, time, date and any RSVP details required. You'd be amazed how many people forget to include the time!

Time to send

The general rule for sending wedding invitations is 2 to 3 months before your wedding day. This is dependant on the time of year you're getting married. If it's a Spring wedding then you may want to post a bit earlier with the Christmas period. If it's a summer wedding then it's best to send save the date cards at least 8 months before your big day. You don't want an Aunt or Uncle losing money on that cruise they just booked or even worse not turning up! It's also good practice to give guests living abroad an extra month or two of planning.

The Do's and Do Not's of a Wedding Invitation

If you're making invitations yourself, or using one of the many personalisation websites available it's important to know exactly what to write on a wedding invitation. Below we list the Do's and Do Not's.

Do's

Do write everything on a wedding card in third person
Do write the time and date first
Do write the venue last
Do include children's full names
Do use the correct titles such as (Dr.)
Do use a strict cut off date for RSVP's
Do send save the date cards
Do add your unique personality and style to your invitation

Don'ts

Do not place the groom's name before the brides
Do not put names, times and places on the same lines
Do not forget to include a note if you can't accommodate children
Do not email your wedding invitation