Presented by Minted
Wedding invitations are not only a tool to inform guests to mark their calendars, but the beginning of how you communicate the aesthetic and vision for your celebration. “It’s usually one of the first pieces of design that your guests interact with, and can really set the tone for your wedding,” shares wedding planner Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events. “Subliminally, your invitation can communicate whether your guests should expect more of a laid-back casual atmosphere, a more formal, black-tie affair, and everything in between.”
Choosing your wedding invitation can be an exciting design project, but it also takes some understanding to know what goes into making a suite and how to send them to guests in a timely manner. Ahead, wedding invitation experts break down the process so you can craft your dream invites.
Choose Your Wedding Invitation Aesthetic
When beginning your wedding invitation design process, it’s always helpful to solidify your aesthetic goals for the suite. “Ultimately, your wedding is a reflection of your unique partnership,” says Anna Wibbelman, general manager of Minted Weddings. “Lean into what you both love and choose the details that resonate with you, even down to the smallest of details, like a playful shape, your favorite color for envelopes, or finding vintage stamps from a favorite place you’ve traveled.”
If design isn’t your forte, it’s understandable that you may need to do a bit of extra research to discover what you love. “If you don’t already have a specific vision in mind, try and find inspiration outside the wedding world to uncover your graphic preferences,” advises Hotchkiss. “Pay attention to design and printing details that you are drawn to in restaurants, hotels, advertising, and more. Do you like a more modern and minimal look? Or, are you drawn to bright colors, bold illustrations, and more of a maximalist vibe? Collect inspiration in one place, so you have a living collage of your style.”
Once you have a clearer idea of your design vision for your wedding, you can bring those ideas to a stationer to work on your suite. You may begin with your save-the-dates separately, but it can be helpful to think of your paper goods holistically. “Since save-the-dates are often sent before every wedding detail is finalized, many couples keep them simple or photo-focused; this allows the design to remain flexible while still pairing effortlessly with the final invitation suite later on,” says Minted concierge Micaela Ritschl. “Couples setting up a wedding website along with their save the date can also easily change the design of the site with one click once they select their invitation suite.”
“No matter what look and feel you end up selecting, consider incorporating similar design elements into future communication with your guests,” advises Wibbelman. “You can carry a theme forward into a free wedding website, invitations, and day-of stationery, like programs, menus, and place cards, through the use of color, illustrations, fonts, or even your monogram. For a truly bespoke touch, consider adding a design element and working with an artist to create a custom venue illustration or a signature crest that reflects your unique style.”
“That said, there’s no rule that everything must match exactly,” Ritschl adds. “Some couples choose to carry their invitation aesthetic through to day-of stationery for a seamless look, while others intentionally mix things up, opting for signage, programs, and menus that feel more relaxed, playful, or trend-forward.”
What to Put in a Wedding Invitation Suite
The typical invitation suite has a few key ingredients. “Invitations are typically accompanied by an RSVP card (either a mail-back or directing guests online), a direction or details card, and a reception card if the location is separate from the ceremony venue,” explains Ritschl. “Many couples also include a belly band to keep the suite neatly assembled.” Other common additions include wax seals, jackets, vellum overlays, and envelope liners to add an extra design touch.