The Top 10 Tips To An Irresistable Invitation

So he popped the question and you’ve said Yes! Now it’s time to let the world know that you’re planning to tie the knot and leave your friends and loved ones in eager anticipation of your special event. Nothing does that better than an enticing invitation. It sets the tone and announces the theme of your special day, as well as, gets the recipient ready to celebrate. Here are ten secrets to creating an irresistible invitation sure to flood your mailbox with favorable RSVPs.

1. Keep the wording simple. The simpler the wording, the easier to understand and more information is likely to be retained. You want your event to stick in their minds and leave a  lasting impression.
2. Ensure that fonts are legible. Limit your font choices to no more than three per page to maintain a clean consistent look and maximize readability.
3. Choose a theme and/or colors and tie all of your paper elements back to it. Items such as Save the Dates, Invitations, Programs, Menu Cards, Bridal Party gifts, Guest Books, Party Favors, etc…
4. Plan to add 10-15% extra units to your order. This will allow for addressing errors and changes in the guest list. It will also help to alleviate rush order charges. Trust me, it’s a lot less expensive than setting up the printer’s press again in order to print an additional ten copies or finding out there is a backorder on the ribbon in the exact shade of coral needed to match.
5. Use professional photos. Although it’s tempting to just grab the digital pocket camera and go to the park or beach to snap photos for your invites, there’s a lot to be said for professional photography, which takes into account lighting and staging. These elements, combined with a creative eye, help to compose a wonderful shot and evoke emotion in your photographs that would otherwise be lost.
6. Give the recipient a tactile experience by using texture or embellishments to enhance the written word.
7. Don't go overboard with trends. You want your wedding keepsakes to have a timeless quality.
8. Number your response cards in pencil on the backside, just in case Aunt Helen forgets to sign her name when she mails her RSVP. This way, you’ll know to whom the card belongs and can save time otherwise spent on phone calls to confirm.
9. Place the return address label on the back flap of an invitation. This is how it is traditionally done.
10. Lastly, send an invitation to everyone who is coming to the event, even your wedding party and the officiant. Also, send one to yourself to make sure that it arrives in the manner and condition you intended.

With these helpful tips, you will be well on your way to setting the tone for a spectacular event. If you’re crafty, even be so bold as to create your own invitations with a personalized touch.  Don’t be afraid to experiment, oftentimes the best creations are the fruits of creative chaos and happy accident. Make a few mock-ups and sit with them for a week or so before committing to buying any bulk purchases. That way you are sure to still love it when the big day comes. Enlist the help of a professional if your vision is beyond your scope or capabilities. A talented calligrapher and/or graphic designer will go a long way in helping to translate your ideas and vision into something tangible and truly spectacular.