How to Make Wedding Invites for Your Central Iowa Wedding
- Countryside
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
As an Iowa wedding venue owners we know wedding planning can be stressful, here we've compiled a guide on making invites for your central Iowa wedding.
Understanding the Basics of Wedding Invitations
Before exploring design options and wording, it’s vital to grasp the essential components of a wedding invitation. A typical wedding invite includes these five key elements:
The Hosts: Traditionally, this is often the bride's parents, but it can be anyone hosting the event. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" or simply "Emma and Liam request the pleasure of your company."
The Couple's Names: The names should be prominently featured. For instance, “Emily Rose and Michael Johnson” should be the focal point.
The Date and Time: State the date in a clear manner. A good example is, “Saturday, June 5, 2023, at four o’clock in the afternoon.”
The Venue: It’s crucial to list where the wedding will occur. For example, “Central Iowa Botanical Gardens, 123 Garden Lane, Anytown, IA."
RSVP Information: Make it easy for guests to confirm attendance. For instance, “Please RSVP by May 1, 2023, to RSVP@example.com.”
Including these elements ensures your invite provides all necessary information, making it easier for your guests.
Choosing a Theme and Style
Your wedding invitation should mirror the overall theme of your wedding. Whether it's a rustic barn setting, a formal affair, or a relaxed outdoor celebration, your invites should match that vision.
Here are some styles to consider:
Rustic: Think natural materials like kraft paper paired with twine, complemented by soft floral designs. For a true rustic feel, incorporating elements like real pressed leaves or hand-drawn graphics can enhance this theme.
Elegant: Go for classic typography, gold foil accents, and high-quality cardstock. For example, a black-and-white color scheme with gold lettering can create a timeless appeal.
Modern: Utilize bold colors and minimalistic graphics. Bright hues like teal or coral combined with sleek fonts can provide a contemporary feel.
When you select your theme upfront, it also helps narrow down colors, fonts, and graphics, keeping the design process smooth.
Selecting the Right Materials
The materials of your invitations greatly affect their appearance. Here are popular choices:
Cardstock: A durable option that can withstand mailing and looks professional. Heavyweight cardstock is particularly appealing, ensuring your invite doesn't bend easily.
Parchment: Adds a vintage touch, perfect for an old-world charm. It can give your invitations a soft, elegant appearance.
Recycled Paper: A great eco-friendly option for couples who want to lessen their environmental impact. This choice is becoming increasingly popular, with about 10% of couples opting for sustainable materials.
Digital Invitations: For budget-conscious couples, digital invites can be a quick and effective solution. These can be sent via email or social media, cutting costs without sacrificing style.
Choose materials that not only fit your wedding theme but also align with your budget and practical needs for mailing.
Designing Your Invitation
With your theme and materials decided, it’s time to design your invitation. You can either design it from scratch or use readily available templates. Consider these tips for ensuring a beautiful design:
Choose a Color Palette: Pick two to three main colors that complement your wedding theme. For example, navy blue, blush pink, and gold can create a sophisticated look.
Select Fonts Wisely: Use a mix of fonts for names and body text. Ensure they are easy to read and harmonious together. A combination of a scripted font for the couple's names and a sans-serif font for other details can work well.
Incorporate Graphics: Add floral designs, borders, or illustrations that resonate with your theme. Aim for graphics that enhance rather than overwhelm.
Keep It Simple: Avoid clutter. Emphasize clarity by excluding unnecessary details and complex designs.
Wording Your Invitation
The wording of your invitation is equally crucial. Here’s a clear structure you can follow:
The Hosts: “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence…”
The Couple's Names: “...at the marriage of their daughter, Emily Rose, to Mr. Michael Johnson…”
The Date and Time: “...on Saturday, the fifth of June, two thousand twenty-three, at four o’clock in the afternoon…”
The Venue: “...at the Central Iowa Botanical Gardens, 123 Garden Lane, Anytown, IA…”
RSVP Information: “Please respond by May 1, 2023, to RSVP@example.com.”
Always proofread your wording to prevent any mistakes that could confuse your guests.
Printing Your Invitations
Once your design and wording are finalized, it’s time to print. Consider these options:
Professional Printing Services: Hiring a professional can give you a polished look. Specialty shops can often provide bespoke designs that match your vision perfectly.
Home Printing: If you're on a budget, high-quality home printing can work. Ensure you use premium paper and a reliable printer to avoid any mishaps.
Online Printing Services: Websites like Vistaprint or Shutterfly offer customizable options. On average, couples can expect to spend around $100 to $500 depending on quantity and quality.
Regardless of your choice, make sure the finished product meets your quality expectations.
Sending Out Your Invitations
Timing plays a key role when sending your wedding invitations. Ideally, aim to send them out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This time frame allows your guests enough opportunity to RSVP and plan their travel, if needed.
Here are a couple of important tips for sending out your invites:
Mailing: Use sturdy envelopes to protect your invitations during transit. Adding a “Do Not Bend” label can help ensure they arrive safely.
Digital Invites: If choosing digital, make sure the email template is visually striking and clearly conveys all essential information.
Follow Up: If you haven’t received RSVPs from certain guests, a gentle reminder can help facilitate responses.
Thank you!
We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include 5 to 10 locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue.
Comments