Come One, Come All: The Art Of The Invitation

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer NYCityWeddings)

You’ve announced your good news to the world and now your “itching” to invite them to your big bash. Ah, the formalities.

When it comes to weddings, even the simplest celebration tends to follow rules of protocol. And, it all starts with the invitations.

The Standard Size and Format: Typically formal invitations are still letter sheets, folded once, with a sheet of tissue placed over the type to protect it. The invite is then placed inside an unsealed envelope, featuring only the name of the guest and then that is placed in an outer envelope featuring a full address.

The most commonly used invitation sizes are 4 ½ by 6 ¼ inches, known as “classic” invitations or the 5 ½ by 7 ½ inches, known as “embassy”. They can come in the form of a single card or a folded sheet with printing on the outside or a double-folded sheet with the printing on the inside. Note, that for traditional style invites, the single-folded embassy must be folded again to fit into a smaller envelope. And, each invitation professional has his/her own unique selection to choose from, and can work with the bride and groom to “customize” certain details such as font and print.

Picking The Proper Paper: Professionals point out that invitations should, at least for close friends and family members, have the ability to serve as a keepsake of your special day. With that said, they suggest a paper that doesn’t disintegrate over time, with 100 percent rag, made of cotton or linen topping the list. They add that papers made of wood pulp, which tends to be highly acidic may discolor. And, there’s always the option of personalized handmade paper, which comes in a variety of interesting colours and textures…and is generally available in most art stores.

Weighing in: Stationary is generally measured in bond weight. And, a good letter sheet, according to experts is usually made of thirty-two or forty-pound bond. However, you may find some offset weights as well. Hundred-pound offset, we’re told, is about equal to forty-pound bond and heavy card are normally made of three-ply stock.

Finishing touches: Customarily, invitations feature a smooth vellum finish. More contemporary invites have a more ridged texture and cards often have indented panels with beveled (cut on a slant) or deckled (rough) edges.

Colorific characteristics: Depending on where you reside the “traditions” are different. Here in the U.S, ecru is the colour of choice but in Europe the preferred hue is white.

Type of type: Typically your stationer will provide you with a number of selections. Keep in mind that the oldest are generally the most traditional and formal. These include: Shaded Antique roman and London Script.

Putting it in print: A variety of printing methods are available, each with its own beauty, effect and process. In engraving, the process, results in raised images and indentations. Lithography on the other hand results in a crisp, clean, flat image. However, thermography allows lithography to be treated as and look like engraving. Blind embossing, another option, also allows for raised images, but without ink and is typically used for monograms, motifs, and addresses on the flaps of envelopes.

Stylizing your invites: The style of your invite often set the mood and tone of the party and gives guests a good idea about you both of you. With that said, experts suggest taking the time and putting in some thought into picking the perfect combination of paper, envelopes, colours, typeset, etc that will suit your personalities, love, and the party you plan on having.

Other “accessories”: While you don’t have to order them all at once, menus, place cards, table cards and often times, pew cards should, according to experts, be ordered via the same supplier or venue to ensure consistency in service, style, and materials. They add that place cards, especially with the many contemporary creative options available today can also double as a great “souvenir” for family and guests.

How about reception cards?: The type and amount of enclosures your invitation will warrant will depend on a number of things, including, primarily, whether your reception will be at a separate location from the ceremony. If the answer is “yes”, you’ll most likely want to incorporate a reception card into your invitation. However, it your reception will be an intimate affair and your ceremony the main event, you’ll want to include a ceremony card instead, and just for those invited to the blessed event.

Mapping it out: Both maps and direction cards can be printed in the style of the information by professionals. Also if additional information, such as transportation or accommodation arrangements is necessary or being supplies, they can be sent in a separate envelope after guests have responded to your initial invite.

RSVP: Reply cards are the last element of invitation. Most couples include a small card with a stamped, self-addressed envelope but realize that in such busy times they may have to conduct the “follow-up” themselves.