Wedding

Your Wedding Invitation Card

There will be some of us that will want to be more creative and expressive with our wedding invitation cards.

Tradition however may dictate that there be certain colours that are compulsory for anything that is related to weddings. To us, it's all your call. After all, it's your wedding.

Of course, need we mention that this is according to our informal survey one of the most contentious issues - the design of the wedding card - how it looks, what colour it is, the tone and manner of the words, the theme, etc… and did we mention that first both of you have to deal with each other then parents on both sides? Based on feedback from friends who have been down the road before it is best to sort out the decision making on this before proceeding to conceptualising and designing the card. Start by informing parents on both sides that your invitation card will be such and such because both of you would like it to be so and so. That way you manage their expectations.

We suggest these 7 almost foolproof ways to getting your wedding card printed without arguments and delay:

Manage expectations of parents and future parents-in-law. If you are the lucky few that has gotten a you-guys-go-do-whatever-however-you-want-it-to-be-it's-your-wedding, go ahead then; Congratulations! Skip this step. For the rest of us, inform them politely that you want it to be a little different, so you want to design your own card. Assure them that it will be tastefully done and meaningful (and something both of you can remember for the rest of your life - this is an important line use sparingly).
Once that is through, both of you should brainstorm. The best way to start is to theme it. How would you like it to be? Fun, elegant or witty? What do you want to say? How you met? An important milestone in your romance? For example, if you want to tell how you met in a fun way it maybe done with caricature of the both of you. Invite some very close friends to help brainstorm.
Narrow down these ideas to a maximum of 3. Run through these ideas with the folks again (remember, manage expectations?). Tell them what it says, why it is that way and how it is it meaningful.
Get a card designer to complete the work for you. Make sure you see it and approve it before it is given to the printer. If you cannot find a designer, your printer usually has the contact. Ask them for advice. Speak to a few designers and ask to see their work first before commissioning them. Make sure you inform the designer that your card should be designed in standard paper cut size and that it fits the standard envelope sizes. You will have problems fitting your card into an envelope if it is cut differently. Your printer and designer can advise you on this. If budget is a problem for you, ask your designer to limit the usage of colours. The more colours you use the more expensive your printing cost. Remember to include RSVP contact persons and phone numbers in the card.
Almost there. Now take your card design, information on the quantity you want printed, the type of paper you want it printed on to the printers and ask for a quote. Shop for at least 3 printers to ask for competitive quotes. Print extra (40 maybe sufficient), taking into account errors, people you have missed out and last minute invites.
Sometimes your printer does not supply the envelopes. Scout for them at stationary stores.
Write your invites and send them out.

OK, we may make it sound like a hell of a task but really it isn't that tough. Enjoy designing your own card. It is really something to remember.