teal wedding invitation ideas with feathers

We love this gorgeous feather accent comb from twigs and honey, which features a lovely spray of feathers and swarovski crystals to accent your hair. Inspired by the beautiful hair accessory, the latest addition to the exclusive feather invitations from Formal-Invitations.com at http://www.formal-invitations.com/feather-invitations.html includes a teal and vellum card accented with a white marabou feather and crystal aquamarine brad for a luxe look. ($1.18 each which includes heavyweight teal card, vellum, feather, brad and envelope, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/AFD-TEAL-AQUA.html).

wedding invitation idea with feathers

Feathers are a chic trend and we used the idea to create these new stunning wedding invitations. A heavyweight pale gray-blue background card and printed white overlay were wrapped with a romantic lace and white grosgrain wrap. The wrap was embellished with a silky white marabou feather and pearl brad to add a magical, unique touch.

Invites are offered from Formal-Invitations as an affordable diy kit for $1.62 each or custom printed $212/100, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/AF-FROS-LCPE.html).

idea for zoo, safari or exotic themed wedding/event

Looking for ideas for your zoo, safari or exotic themed wedding or event? For a ultra-chic look, we used a heavyweight Jet black background card and white overlay, wrapped with an unryu sash and zebra grosgrain wrap from Formal-Invitations.com ($1.38 at http://www.formal-invitations.com/AY-JET-UNZEB.html).

This sleek cotton cady Misha dress from J. Crew is the perfect marriage of modern lines and timeless sophistication. The one-shouldered frock features subtle pleating and would make your bridesmaids very happy ($235 available in 9 colors).

sunflower color palette

For a late summer wedding idea, we used a vibrant sunflower as inspiration for a pretty color palette. For easy designing, use 60% of our  main color, 30% of the secondary and 10% for the accent color throughout your event. For example select bridesmaid dresses in clove brown, with a marigold colored bouquet and sparkling tourmaline green jewelry… or a table set with artichoke green linens, clove brown settings and gold and yellow centerpieces. Visit http://www.formal-invitations.com/yellow-wedding-invitations.html for invitation ideas featuring vibrant yellow and goldenrod.

Pink baby shower invitation ideas with brass carriage charm

A lovely idea for a baby girl shower invitations, these invites feature a heavy pale pink background card, layered with a white overlay, then wrapped with a metallic gold cord which was strung with a keepsake carriage charm ($1.22 each from Formal-Invitations.com, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/ACC-MAGN-CARR.html). The overlay was printed with vintage artwork which could also be used for favor labels ($14 for a book/cd of 1268 images also from Formal-Invitations.com).

For a sweet favor idea, the Vosges Pink Champagne truffles combine Piper Heidsieck brut rosè Champagne in 65% cacao dark chocolate, rolled in fragrant rose bud poudre.

Japanese inspired wedding invitation idea

Lyric scenes of exquisite beauty and a mastery of line and composition have characterized Japanese art for thousand of years. Dover Publications offers a treasury of permission-free Japanese clip art cd plus a printed book of the scanned images. We used the idea to create beautiful wedding invitations with decorative brads. We used a lovely crane design to print on our overlay, then fastened it to a Anjou pear green heavyweight background card with a Amethyst jewel brad. Supplies to create the invitation were only 78¢ each, including an envelope made from 100% post consumer fibers, from Formal-Invitations.com. They also offer the clip art cd and book for $14, which can be used for your wedding program, favors, menu cards and more.

military, patriotic, july 4th or campaign invitations

A perfect invitation idea for a military, campaign, July 4th or patriotic wedding and events, these elegant invitations feature a red, white and blue striped grosgrain wrap. The black heavyweight card is layered with a printed white overlay, then wrapped with an unryu wrap and the grosgrain ribbon for a substantial look and feel ($1.38 each from Formal-Invitations.com, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/AY-JET-UNRWB.html).

Shown with the Freedom Red Rose from Fifty Flowers (200 for $249), A large, lustrous bloom with gently rolling petals create this perfect rose. A traditional lipstick red, this rose will add a elegant charm to any event; lay stems across each place setting at an evening function, arrange vases to be taken home as party favors or carry them down the aisle.

Melon and Tiffany Blue Custom Printed Wedding Invitations with Medallion

We love the cool combination of coral and turquoise, shown in Instyle magazine, and used the idea to createa these chic custom printed wedding invitations from Formal-Invitations.com with Melon and a custom turquoise blue. A gorgeous vintage Indian medallion was also added from their artwork collection to complete the look. The heavyweight cards can be printed in any color and artwork combination and were an affordable $164 for 100, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/PC-ICON-MEDL.html. Beautiful!

premium invitation supplies & templates available at formal-invitations.com

Invitations with sashes are an great way to add a pop of color and pattern, perfect for weddings and special events. We have provided easy instructions how to create these  unique, layered announcements.

For convenience and cost savings, select from premium diy kits which include pre-cut heavyweight background cards, standard sized overlay, pre-cut sashes, glue dots and envelopes at http://www.formal-invitations.com/sash-wedding-invitations.html, or mix and match components to create your own design:

• Select a heavy weight background card at http://www.formal-invitations.com/invitation-cards.html, available in 50+ colors and patterns, pre-cut to fit in our envelopes. If you are using your own stock, it should be at least 80-110# cover weight and cut down to 5.125″x7″.
• Laser and ink-jet Printable white opaque overlay 65# cover sheets at http://www.formal-invitations.com/CO-OVER-65WH.html, do not use text weight or translucent paper. We recommend purchasing water resistant ink jet ink or using a laser printer or copier, for better durability.
• Fine paper sashes in pretty florals, modern graphics and hand marbled designs, rustic zebra blockprint, delicate unryu, metallic accents, sparkling glitter or beaded textures at http://www.formal-invitations.com/invitation-sashes.html, pre-cut to wrap around invitations. If you are using your own sash paper, cut to 1.5″x11″.
• Ultra thin glue dots, three per invitation at http://www.formal-invitations.com/invitation-tools.html.
• Envelope, liners and seals http://www.formal-invitations.com/invitation-envelopes.html, use a 80# text weight envelope instead of the standard 70# (which are thinner and more see-through) if you are using your own.

Easy diy instructions how to make invitations with sashes, allow about an hour for setup, proofing, printing and cutting plus a 30 seconds each to assemble:

Papaya orange shower invitations with metallic cording and umbrella charm

April showers bring happy celebrations for chic brides and moms-to-be. For help in planning a shower, checkout the Knot’s guide for tips and ideas at http://wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/bridal-shower-ideas.aspx. For ideas and inspiration we made these super cute invites using a trendy orange card wrapped with sparkling metallic cording, then strung with a metal umbrella charm ($1.22 from Formal-Invitations.com, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/ACC-PAPY-UMBR.html.

wedding invitation information guide

Information about wedding invitations for the modern couple, including when to order, budget, enclosure options, wedding invitation wording, plus how to assemble and address invitations.

Calculate Invitation Quantity

After you have completed your guest list, order one invitation per couple or family, plus at least ten extra for additions to your list and for keepsakes. Friends living at the same address should have an invitations sent separately to each of them.

Invitation Budget

Prices and quality will vary widely; generally, the lower priced options will be made from a less substantial, thinner paper using digital printing. Samples should be ordered well in advance to check paper thickness and color. Also consider postage requirements, additional fees are added for square shapes or sets over one ounce.

Search online to get price quotes and use specific keywords such as “navy blue wedding invitation kits” or “gold party invitations” for better results.

$1 to $2 each

Premium diy wedding invitation kits offer excellent quality for a reasonable price. Select kits that include high quality papers and envelopes, avoid thin flimsy papers and perforated edges. Visit Formal-Invitations.com for layered invitation kits featuring heavyweight cards, printable overlay and unique embellishments, with easy instructions and free templates.

$2-4 each

Search online or visit local print shops for custom printed invitations using digital, lithography (flat ink) or thermography which offers economical raised lettering, although it is not as crisp as genuine engraving.

$5-10+ each 

A local graphic designer, engraver or letterpress printer can provide high end custom invitations. Engraving is a method of imprinting artwork onto heavyweight paper using a copper plate to produce a fine opaque line and raised matte lettering; the impression is also visible from the back. Letterpress creates a deep impression into the paper, producing an appealing texture.

When to Order Invitations

Wedding invitations or blank printable wedding invitation supplies should be ordered 3-6 months before the wedding or event date. Invitations should be mailed 6 six weeks before the event or eight weeks if the date falls on a holiday or for out of town guests.

Wedding Invitation Wording

Wedding Announcements

Wedding announcements usually echo the style and format of the invitation, with the substitution of words such as “are pleased to announce” the wedding . They are mailed on the day of the ceremony.

Enclosure options

Reception Card

If the reception is held at a different location from the ceremony, a separate card is normally enclosed giving the location and time of the reception, modern brides are even adding a QR code to direct guest to the wedding website or reception location for details. If the reception location wording can fit on the invitation, you can skip the card.

Reply Card

Reply cards simply ask your guest to check whether or not they can attend and include a stamped and self-addressed envelope or postcard for them to return. Response cards might also include a selection of entrees for the reception, allowing guests to indicate their preferences. A wedding website can eliminate this card by having your guests reply online.

Two envelopes/tissue:

A second envelope is not necessary and today more couples are opting to forego using one. Tissues are unnecessary, but may be useful in protecting the envelope if you are using a hard embellishment such as a charm or decorative brad.

Assembling and Addressing Wedding Invitations

If two envelopes are being used, the smaller inner envelope is addressed with only the guest(s) name, such as “Mr. and Mrs. Grant Thompson” “Miss Johnson and Guest”. The outer envelope is addressed with the guest’s full name and address. Avoid using abbreviations for streets and cities.

Before stamping, bring a sample of the completed invitations to the post office to determine the correct postage.When assembling your invitations, the reply card with stamped envelope or reply postcard should be on top, then the reception card, then the invitation. If two envelopes are used, all of the enclosures are placed in the inner envelope face up. The inner envelope is placed (unsealed) in the outer envelope, with the flap facing back so that your guest sees his or her name upon opening.

Bring your sealed and stamped invitations to the post office and send them on their way.

summer wedding colors in blueberry lavender & yellow

Fresh for summer, we created this chic color palette inspiration in vibrant blueberry, twilight and helios. Follow the 60-30-10 design rule for easy application… use 60% of the main color, 30% of the secondary and 10% of the accent color throughout your wedding or event. We applied this design rule to the bridesmaids attire using Jcrew’s Macie silk chiffon dress in casablanca blue, a lush hydrangea bouquet and sparkling yellow earrings.