Selecting Your Invitation (Invitations 101)

Your wedding or party invitation and accessories set the tone for your special event firmly establishing your style and taste. It is the first official message about the event, which a guest will receive from you, so make it special.

If this is a wedding, begin by determining whether you and your groom want a formal, traditional or more contemporary style wedding and make your invitation selection accordingly.

The traditional invitation is elegantly simple usually in black ink printed on a heavy white or cream colored card. The card may be either flat or folded with the printing traditionally on the front. The formal couple who loves tradition will find a wide array of suitable papers, plain or variously paneled, and be able to distinguish their personal style through the large selection of beautiful typestyles.

If you choose a more contemporary invitation, you have an immense selection of exciting possibilities. Many contemporary couples love the freedom modern invitations give to tailor the invitation uniquely to their personalities. If you have a theme or color scheme in mind (Garden Tulips, Gold, Silver...), look for invitations that echo this.

Last, but not least, determine your budget. Remember to include reception cards, response sets and thank-you notes (informals) in your calculations along with additional trousseau items like place cards, table cards, menu cards and so forth.

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