Wedding Invitations Primer: Wording Samples, Etiquette, Trends and Costs

Wedding invitations are the focal point of your wedding stationery, providing the first glimpse into the style and formality of the wedding. While save-the-dates can be flirty and fun, your Acrylic Wedding Invitations will be a true reflection of your event. Plan your wedding invitations with care with my complete wedding invitation planning guide.

The Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation:  

Clear Acrylic Wedding Invitations can include a number of enclosures, depending on the nature of your wedding and your stationery budget. (Obviously more enclosures means higher costs)

·         Outer envelope: Holds all enclosures, formally addressed to the recipient.

·         Inner envelope: Holds all contents of the formal, third-person invitation for protection during shipping.

·         Reception card: Specifies where and when the reception will be held - usually included only if the ceremony and reception take place at different locations.

·         Response card: On which your guests indicate acceptance or regrets.

·         Map/Directional: Optional insertion to help guests navigate and arrange for accommodations.

Cost & Budget Considerations:

Before you go shopping, become familiar with the Acrylic Wedding Invitation printing process and lingo; this will help you determine your needs in advance and avoid unnecessary costs. Price is determined per invitation, so if your guest list is huge - be prepared to designate a significant portion of your budget to wedding invitations. Costs can range anywhere from $1-$50 each. Bulky papers, colored inks and unique graphics all increase the cost. Custom designs can also be pricey. Printing options also affect the cost.

Invitation Printing Options:

·         Engraving- This is most formal and most expensive that results in raised print that is pressed through the back.

·         Thermography- It is less expensive than engraving that results in raised print that does not press through the back.

·         Lithography- less expensive than either engraving or thermography - results in print that is neither raised nor pressed through.

·         Laser printing- It is the least expensive option and produced on a laser printer and results in print similar to that of lithography.