Archive for the 'Wedding Invitations' Category

Consider Color When Choosing Your Wedding Invitations

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008
When planning your wedding, deciding what invitations to send is one of the first big decisions you will have to make. The proper wedding invitation will set the tone for the entire wedding. Are you planning a formal or informal wedding? A lavish affair, or a casual get together? Often there is no need to explicitly state such a thing on your invitations; you can relay the message simply by choosing wedding invitations which reflect the style, theme, and tone of your wedding. There are a variety of ways to add personality to your wedding invitations. Adding ribbon, trinkets and photographs to your invitations are all ways to express your personality and the type of ceremony you are planning.

Another way to add sparkle to your wedding invitation is by the use of color. Adding color to wedding invitations allows an element of personality to shine through, as well as add some unexpected spark and levity to what is normally a formal and traditional announcement. Color can add an air of festivity to traditional invitations, introduce your wedding colors to your guests or add a touch of personalization to a stock wedding invitation.

How can color be added to invitations?

When deciding on where to place color in your wedding invitations, there are a variety of choices. You can opt for the traditional cream or white card stock and add a personalized color for the writing on the card. If this does not fit your style, the invitation itself can be your main color, and the script can be white. Many couples opt to include their color choice in the lining of the envelope. Thus, the invitation can remain the traditional black and white, but a touch of color can be found inside the envelope as the invitees open it up. Another way to introduce color to your invitations is through a ribbon adornment.

Do you have to use light colored card stock?

The selection of colors in card stock has never been wider. Cards are available in many shades of greens, blues, pinks and browns. Depending on the look that you are going for, you may choose a subtle pastel or a vibrant bold color for your card stock. Generally, couples who are looking for a more traditional wedding invitation will choose a lighter color, as will those planning a casual ceremony. For those planning a contemporary ceremony or a more formal affair, bolder colors are a more common choice.

Traditional Wedding: Can you still add color to your invitations?

There are no rules for what is right and what is wrong when deciding how your wedding invitations should look. While a traditional wedding invitation is typically understated, adding a hint of color through ink, envelope linings or ribbon adornments are all acceptable and attractive options. If you are certain that you would like a traditional wedding, you may want to choose an understated color for these accents.

Can you choose any color you want?

The color choices for your wedding invitations are vast. While it would be an overstatement to say that you can choose any color you want for your wedding invitations, it would be accurate to say that the selection of colors available for wedding invitations has never been greater. Between the different color selections of card stock, ink, ribbons and envelope linings, it is possible to make your wedding invitations 100% unique even if you are choosing only stock options.



What rules should I follow when adding color to my wedding invitations?

There are no “written in stone” rules when planning your wedding. It is your wedding and your invitations, and you want to choose an invitation that expresses both you and your fiancé’s personality and the atmosphere you plan for the wedding. Whether you choose bold or subtle color, vibrant ribbon adornments or delicate lace edged ribbon, the invitation is uniquely yours. While there are suggestions on how to choose color for your wedding invitations, do not allow yourself to get stuck into a rigid template for how your wedding invitations should look.

Do I have to add color to my wedding invitations?

Just because technology has made it easier than ever to add color to your wedding invitations there is no reason to force yourself to add color if you do not want to. White or cream colored card stock with black or dark gray ink is still a popular as well as a correct option.

No matter how you choose to personalize your wedding invitations, the addition of color makes it easier to do. The addition of color to ink, ribbons or envelopes create a special and personalized invitation that will serve as a keepsake of your special day for years to come.



By: Rachel Jackson

Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events. Ms. Jackson often writes about specific aspects of a weeding such as the wedding invitations.

Tips for Choosing a Style for Your Wedding Invitations

Saturday, October 4th, 2008
Wedding invitations come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, that means you may have a tough decision to make when it comes time to choose the wedding invitation that is right for you. You can choose from a wide range of colors, fonts and designs. These are all available in a variety of styles. Some styles that you can choose from are the following: classic, contemporary and destination.

The style of your wedding invitation should reflect the theme of your wedding. By choosing your wedding invitation style first, you can narrow down the options, making it easier to find a design that works well for you. Here are some great tips for choosing the perfect style for your wedding invitations.

First, consider that the wedding invitations are a reflection of the wedding theme. If you are going to have an informal beach wedding, choosing an elegant style for your wedding invitation might throw them off a bit. Similarly, if you want your wedding to be a black tie affair, sending out a bright colored modern wedding invitation may be confusing to your guests. Although you should be clear about the dress code and other elements in the invitation itself, the style really sets the tone. Even though you may really like one particular style, it may not be the best choice for your wedding if it does not match the theme you have chosen.

The theme chosen for your wedding affects the style you should consider when choosing a wedding invitation. Weddings can take place during any time of the year and color and styles reflect that. A fall wedding is usually more formal and a classic style invitation is an excellent choice for this type of wedding. Classic style invitations are usually white with black lace or a grey border. This provides your guests with the information that this wedding is formal.

Contemporary wedding invitations are similar to the classic style as they are also a great choice for a formal wedding. The main difference is that the contemporary or modern style provides more of a laid-back feel than the classic variety. Modern style invitations may contain an illustrated image of a wedding party, palm tree, or even a photo of the bride and groom. If you are not looking for invitations with fun illustrations, there are other options to consider within this category. There are also simple monochromatic invitations that are very similar to that of the classic theme.

If you are planning a destination wedding at the beach, you should not consider using a modern or classic style invitation. A wedding at the beach is very informal and this should be considered when deciding which invitations to utilize. One suggestion is to consider a photo invitation as this allows you to include a photo of the location. This allows your guests to get a sense of what to expect at the ceremony.

Another thing to consider when choosing the theme for your wedding invitations is your budget. Although you can find wedding invitations in all styles no matter what your price range may be, some styles may always be more expensive. Anything that is embossed, includes multiple elements, or is larger than a traditional size may cost more. Remember, although you want your wedding invitations to be reflections of you, you still need to set a budget when making these decisions. If you spend too much on wedding invitations, you may not be able to properly plan the rest of your wedding necessities.

With wedding invitation styles, your personal needs also come into play. Some minimalist styles, although very inexpensive, may not have all of the elements you need for planning your wedding. Consider whether your wedding invitations come with RSVP cards, save the card cards, and return envelopes. Some styles do not include these elements, which mean that you have to order them separately.

There are many styles available when choosing a wedding invitation. When deciding which is best for your wedding, be sure to consider the location, budget and theme. The theme is important as this helps narrow down colors and invitation styles and formality of the ceremony. For example, if you are choosing a destination wedding at the beach during the month of August, you should consider a light blue informal invitation that may also have an image of the ocean.

Classic and contemporary are also excellent choices to consider because they inform your guests of a traditional wedding that is most likely taking place in a formal location. Budget is also an important aspect to consider and this helps narrow down the list of possible invitation choices. Consider these tips when planning your wedding and you should have a better understanding of how to decide the right invitation style for your wedding.



By: Lisa Parker

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events, often focusing on a specific aspect of the event such as wedding invitations.

Hot Styles of Destination Wedding Invitations

Friday, September 26th, 2008
If you are planning a destination wedding, there are many great invitation styles available. Destination wedding, whether they are in a tropical location, a foreign country, or even Las Vegas can be really special, and although fewer friends and family members may be able to attend due to the travelling involved, you should still send invitations to everyone you want to attend. A destination wedding invitation can perfectly compliment your ceremony, reception, and honeymoon.

Many weddings are held in tropical location or at the beach. Beach weddings are fun and natural, so look for a destination wedding invitation that matches. For example, an Enchanting Sands wedding invitation or a Shells of Love wedding invitation informs your guests right away that you are getting married on the beach. Perhaps you love the sun and water but not the sand. If you are getting married on a boat, choose an invitation, like the Ocean Liner wedding invitation that matches your big day.

A beach wedding provides an excellent theme for your wedding invitations and this location is a fun place to host a wedding. That said, it is not very specific, since there are hundreds of beaches around the world. You can find wedding invitations instead that showcase the country or city you are visiting for your wedding. For example, a Bamboo Breeze wedding invitation is reminiscent of Asia. By alluding to your location with the design, you are also setting the stage of your destination-wedding announcement.

You can also choose to theme your destination wedding invitations around the weather you should be experiencing at your wedding. Not all wedding destinations are warm and sunny! You might love the idea of a Winter Wonderland wedding invitation for a wedding that is taking place in a beautiful icy location like Aspen. On the other hand, if your wedding is in a warm location, you can choose an invitation with a sunny design. It is up to you and your preferences!

Of course, you can get even more specific if you want and show off the exact city of your wedding with the design of your wedding invitation. Las Vegas is the most well known destination wedding location and if you are getting married in this city, you can choose a fun Vegas-themed destination wedding invitation design.

It is also popular to not be too overt with your destination wedding invitation design. Although some people like to be clear that they are getting married in the mountains or by the shore, you can also choose to pick a more traditional style of wedding invitation. Staying true to the mood of your wedding is important, but your wedding invitation does not have to be covered with seashells to give off a vibe that is casual, flowing, and fresh. You can search for a traditional-style wedding invitation instead.

Sometimes, colors work best. Are you getting married outside in a beautiful garden? Choosing bright greens and whites can make for a nice design. Are you having a wedding in the fall forests in a mountain setting? The burnt orange, brown, and gold colors of fall are perfect for your destination invitation.

Keep in mind that you may want to send two invitations in case you decide to have a small ceremony for those who could not travel at the time of the wedding. This can allow you to celebrate with friends and family members who could not afford the trip, had scheduling conflicts, or were not healthy enough to travel. So, when ordering your destination wedding invitations, keep in mind that you may be sending two invitations in the same envelope. You can also choose to send the invitations separately, but they should relate to one another to avoid too much confusion.

Not every couple is lucky enough to have a destination wedding. While most would agree that a beautiful paradise destination would be a nice backdrop for one of the most important days of their lives, at the same time, it is also important that all of their loved ones be present at the ceremony, which is not always possible with a destination wedding. If you do choose to have your ceremony away from home, however, consider the hot new trend of destination wedding invitations. They can help to announce you wedding plans to your guests in a fun, beautiful way.

A destination wedding can take place anywhere and your wedding invitations should reflect this location. Colors are an important aspect of the destination wedding invitation. You should choose colors that reflect the area such as light blue for a beach wedding. Another option is to include a picture of the location, as this can help prepare your guests for what they should expect upon arriving at the destination. Whichever invitations you eventually decide on for your wedding, be sure to allow your guests enough time to plan the trip.



By: Lisa Parker

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events, often focusing on a specific kind of an event like a destination wedding. Ms. Parker also discusses important parts of the event such as the Posted in Wedding Invitations | No Comments »

How Much Should I Budget for Wedding Invitations?

Thursday, September 11th, 2008
The average wedding in the United States today costs more than $20,000 – before you keel over, you have to remember as you are writing those checks that this is going to be a special, once-in-a-lifetime day and that it’s worth spending a little extra to make it memorable! With that said, you shouldn’t spend a dime on your wedding until you know what your budget allows for each item. It is recommended that 5% of your budget be allocated to your wedding invitation package, which would include your invitation, response card, directions, reception invite, and all corresponding envelopes. If you’re also having your wedding programs, place cards, table cards and menus printed for your reception, bump that up to 8%. When considering that your Save the Dates and Invitation is the first glimpse your guests will receive into the grand affair that you dream your wedding to be, you want to be sure you’re sending the right message with the quality of your invitation. As a broad guideline, think of further allocating 10% to your wedding attire, 8% to your photographer, 5% to your cake, 8% to your flowers, 45% to your reception and the remainder to various costs and items you want to make it YOUR special day!

Atlas Designs can help you keep your wedding invitation package under budget!  We specialize in custom created invitations and announcements, working with the budget bride all the way through to the formal black tie affair.  We invite you to visit our website galleries at www.atlasdesigns.org and subscribe to our blog at www.atlasdesignsonline.blogspot.com.  We offer tips and advice to the wedding planning bride, as well as recommended vendors, customer reviews, and of course beautiful wedding designs that are sure to inspire!



By: Atlas Designs – Invitations & Announcements

Designing the Unique Moments of Your Life!

Wading Through Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
Invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of the nature of your event. Your invitation sets the theme and mood for your wedding. When picking out styles of invitations you need to remember the invitation may be the only clue your guest will have in deciding how to dress, what to bring and what to expect of the grand affair you dream your wedding to be.

Working with your Guest List

Make sure you count the addresses and not the guests when budgeting for your invitations. What special arrangements need to be made for your out of town guest? Should you send them their invitations earlier than local guests? The best thing to do is send your out of town guests a “save the date card” which contains information about the wedding as well as information about any special accommodations that have been reserved for them. This card should be mailed out as early as one year before the wedding so that your guests have time to plan and make flight reservations if necessary.

Can I Invite Some Guests to the Wedding but not the Reception?

Yes, this is perfectly acceptable. Your invitation can have a separate card used to invite special guests to the reception.

Sending out your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. The response cards must always be sent with postage. Make sure you have the right amount of postage on the response cards. You should never assume you are putting the correct postage on your invitation. Take one of your completed invitations to the post office and have it weighed. The correct postage will ensure prompt delivery with no postage due. Enclosing gift registry cards with wedding invitations should never be done…your family can get the message out about where you are registered.

Hand canceling your invitations is also a nice touch. It looks nicer and the envelopes tend to not get as damaged in the mailing process. Your local postal worker will frequently assist you with this. During the week mail gets set aside and sometimes misplaced so it best to mail invitations to your local guests on a Thursday. By doing this your guests receive them on a weekend and will be more likely to take the time to read and enjoy the invitation. Send invitations to out of town guests earlier in the week to allow for the extra mailing time. Always include your return address. This will guarantee that you know if your guest has not received their invitation.

Tracking Your Invitation Responses

Often one of the biggest headaches for brides is keeping tracking of who is coming, are they bringing a guest, are their kids tagging along, have they even responded? Atlas offers Invitation Tracking along with our design services. Your rsvp card would return to our office and we track every guest for you. You can receive daily or weekly reports of who is coming, who is not, and who you’re still waiting to hear from without the hassle of trying to keep track of it yourself.

Is it Mandatory to send a Thank You, even though I spoke to them already?

Yes, social etiquette says that you should always mail out a thank you note, regardless of if there was already a verbal thank you. A written thank you note should be sent out as soon as possible after receiving a gift. This is normally within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt. You do have up to about three months to send them all out.

Contact Atlas today and let us take care of all the details of your invitation, envelope printing, and guest list tracking. Email us at contact@atlasdesigns.org or by phone to 561.445.7630. We look forward to helping you Design the Unique Moments of Your Life!



By: Atlas Designs – Invitations & Announcements

Designing the Unique Moments of Your Life!