Wedding Invitations Set the Tone

Over the last few years, I have specialized in creating truly unusual designs using a couple's hobbies or love story to create something special that will make an amazing family heirloom.

What is/was your idea for creating wedding invitation cards?

A little over 10 years ago, I started out just posting my artwork online on a POD site for sale; but soon I started getting requests to create special wedding invitation designs . I loved what I was doing! Being a small part of a couple's day feels amazing. Over the last few years, I have specialized in creating truly unusual designs using a couple's hobbies or love story to create something special that will make an amazing family heirloom.

I had one couple whose first date was zip-lining in the mountains; so I created an invitation with the mountains towards the bottom and a 'zip-line' that connects the invitation and the response card.

What are some unique and alternative wedding invite ideas?

Another couple chose to get married at Castle Farms (in Michigan) - a venue that was very important to them. So as a focal point I did a sketch of the main building to tie in their wedding branding.

How to create my own wedding invitation?

If you are truly crafty, then I say go for it! Don't worry about doing it 'right' unless you are having a very formal wedding. However, if you get overwhelmed easily or have a lot of other DIY projects you want to do then teaming up with a stationery designer is the way to go.

What are some great fonts for wedding invitations?

I love to mix a script style and a more block style. Depending on your styling Bellatrix is a fun script and paired with Copperplate Gothic Light it looks young and modern. You want your font to reflect the feeling of your wedding though - if you are doing black tie formal - then use a more traditional and formal font.

You want your font to reflect the feeling of your wedding though - if you are doing black tie formal - then use a more traditional and formal font.

What do you need to include in a wedding invitation?

Basically - always answer the 5 Ws as they taught us in school. Who, What, When, Where, Why. There are, of course, a lot of etiquette rules (that your stationer can help you with). You will want to include RSVPs and possibly an insert or two.

Basically - always answer the 5 Ws as they taught us in school. Who, What, When, Where, Why.

What quotes can I write on my wedding invitation cards?

Quotes or lyrics on your wedding invitations are something you want to be very careful with - make sure that you get the rights to use it or that it is in the public domain.

What should I know before mailing my wedding invitations?

Double and triple check your weight and postage amounts - and keep this in mind when you are designing. Odd shapes (even square), extra thick or heavy will cost you extra at the post office.

I have a handy graphic that I send all of my couples to help remind them of deadlines - from when to order to when to mail.

How early should you send wedding invitations?

It depends. Typically, invitations are sent out about 8 weeks ahead of time with a reply by date about 3 weeks out. If you are doing a destination wedding or a lot of out of town guests this makes Saves the Dates and earlier invitations critical. I have a handy graphic that I send all of my couples to help remind them of deadlines - from when to order to when to mail.

Typically, invitations are sent out about 8 weeks ahead of time with a reply by date about 3 weeks out.