Jeff Fain asked:


It goes without saying that if you are having a wedding, you need to purchase and send out wedding invitations.  But there’s an incredible amount of formality behind invitations that many of us don’t even realize.  It had to come from somewhere, though, so what’s the history of wedding invitations and how did it all begin?

It wasn’t until 1447, with the invention of the printing press, that wedding invitations even came to be.  Before this time, weddings were announced by someone known as a town crier.  This gentleman would walk through the streets announcing the news of the day.  Even after the printing press came to be, though, there was still a huge amount of illiteracy among the people of the Middle Ages.  Thus, wedding invitations became reserved for those of nobility.  Noble families would hire monks who were incredibly skilled in the art of calligraphy to write their notices.  When these were done, they would be sealed with wax and a coat of arms of the family.  Some people still will seal their notices with wax or put their family crest on their envelopes today as a mark of higher class.

As time went on, the printing press was still considered too poor quality to be tasked with something as noble and honorable as wedding invitations.  The tradition of announcing weddings in the newspaper did pick up from here, though.  But it wasn’t until 1642 when metal plate engraving was invented, that invitations could now be printed acceptably by a press.  This process required that an artisan write out the appropriate text backwards on a metal plate using engraving tools.  This created a stamp that could be dipped in ink and pressed onto the actual invitation.  Once complete, the press mark was then protected from smudging by being covered with a piece of tissue paper, another tradition that still rings true in our time.  Another interesting note is that invitations from this time were much more elaborate.  Often, each guest’s name was printed on the invitation.

These are the very origins of wedding invitations and in honor of their history, we still use some of the rituals and traditions that have carried through hundreds upon hundreds of years to appear in our newest invitations.  Now, when you are choosing if you’d like to seal your envelopes with a piece of wax or when you are selecting the tissue paper that covers your inside inscription, know that you are carrying forward traditions dating back to the nobility of the Middle Ages.



Steve

Grace1228 asked:


I know it’s proper to have the actual wedding invitations addressed in calligraphy, but is it ok to do the save-the-dates in regular handwriting? Is it ok if the handwriting is print instead of script, as long as it’s neat?

Thanks!

Jeanette

Sandra Hishinuma asked:


After setting the wedding date and tentative location, the next important decision is choosing your wedding invitations.  With a such a wide variety of wedding invitation  styles and price ranges, this decision can sometimes be overwhelming.  Here are a few ideas to help you choose the perfect wedding invitation for your big day.

How many people to invite.

You may not have specific numbers yet, but you should be able to set a number range of guests you expect to invite, such as fewer than 100 or between 200 to 300.  The  bride and groom each may have different ideas of how they picture their wedding day so it is very important to communicate your wishes and ideas regarding a large  wedding (with many guests) or small wedding (family and a few close friends).  With this guest estimate in mind, you will be able to decide on a budget for your wedding  invitations.

Budget.

When estimating the cost of wedding invitations, setting aside about 3% of your total wedding budget would be an adequate amount.  This means if you have budgeted  $20,000 for your wedding, you are able to spend up to $600 for your wedding invitations.  Costs for wedding invitations can range anywhere from $1,000 and up per 100  invitations on the high end or as little as $70 per 100 invitations on the low end.

Plan ahead, order early.

It’s good to start early when choosing wedding invitations.  You and your partner will need time to research and discuss the various choices available for your invitations.  If  you look early enough, you may even have time to request samples from various companies.  Ordering your wedding invitations  at least 6 months in advance will give you a  cushion of time to allow for printing of the invitations and correction of any errors that may occur in printing.  You also need to account for the time it takes to assemble your  invitations and mailing them out to give sufficient time for a response.  Plan on ordering 20 to 25 extra invitations in case they are needed because of mistakes in addressing  the invitations or if you find you need to add additional guests to the list.

Wedding invitation types.

There are three or four different types of stationery that are popular with most couples choosing wedding invitations.  Prices for these various types of stationery vary widely  because of the way the invitations are made.  The following are some common types of stationery used for wedding invitations:

Thermography.  This type of wedding invitation is relatively inexpensive, popular and easy to find.  This type of invitation can be used for a casual wedding.  Thermography  creates the illusion of raised text through a printing process that heats the ink and resin chemical in a combination that causes the printed text to appear raised while the  paper beneath it looks smooth.  Because of the heating process involved in creating this type of invitation, the proper combination of paper and ink must be used.

Offset Printing.  This type of wedding invitation uses normal, everyday print.  Although the print may seem common, this type of invitation will still announce your wedding  in an elegant manner.

Engraved.  This type of wedding invitation is usually very expensive and reserved for very formal weddings.  Engraved invitations are usually used to annouce a very  traditional style of wedding.  This type of invitation is costly because an engraver must first carve the image or message into a copper plate, ink the plate, and then push the  plate down onto the paper.  This creates the raised lettering on the paper.  Because of all the steps needed to create this type of wedding invitation, this method is time  consuming and you will need to wait weeks for your invitations to be ready.

Embossed.  Embossed invitations are very classy but also very expensive.  Similar to engraved invitations, the raised print on this type of wedding invitation looks  impressive but may be hard on your budget because of the technique used to create this type of invitation.

Calligraphy.  This handcrafted invitation is elegant and refined but needs to be done by a skilled calligrapher who may be difficult to find.  You can also look for a printer who  creates the look of calligraphy on printed invitations.  Obviously, the printed calligraphy is more affordable than the hand-written calligraphy but may not be as elegant as  the hand-written one.

Once you have decided on your wedding invitations, make sure you order all the wedding stationery you will need, such as response cards and thank you cards, together for  uniformity.

Choosing your wedding invitations should be an exciting and fun task in preparation for your big day.  Keep in mind some of the ideas discussed above and choosing your  invitations will be a bit easier.



Bruce

Jimmy asked:


If one thinks to hire a calligrapher for wedding invitation addressing envelope, the name write on your unique wedding place card and to create one seating chart for the wedding ceremony, then you should keep some of points in mind before go to the calligraphy expert.

First of all does the calligraphy expert have any type of educational background and training in art or calligraphy? Do he / she belong to any professional organizations of calligraphy or not? How many customers does the calligraphy expert work every month? If the calligrapher is overburdened or overbooked, then one might not receive the special personal attention for work of addressing wedding invitation.

Does the calligrapher use a program of computer or use of handwritten for wedding invitation wording? If one is specifically looking for handwriting type of calligraphy then he/she might look out for calligraphy expert websites with phrases and words and likes of “100’s of characters to choose from”, “cheap”, or “fast turn around time”. With realization of computerized calligraphy writing style , such as handwriting calligraphy comes by its special pitfalls likes the envelopes invitation getting jam with the printing machine, smudged ink and lack of professionals for misprints checking, etc. If one thinks to consider about money savings by getting well meaning artistic friend for addressing wedding envelope invitation cards with calligraphy rather than hiring some of professional calligrapher Stop! Don’t do it, because it will cut down with your overwhelming amount of stress and with hiring a professional calligrapher that knows what to do exactly. So due to your special day and one deserve the best it should go for professionals.

The nest big question after deciding to go with professional calligraphy experts, what is the pricing policy for invitation envelope addressing or unique wedding place card handwriting? The one who hire the professionals have all right to know what they are going to pay and what going to receiving. Sometimes it is difficult to estimate cost, as calligraphy is art and but they need one type of price range where they can go for that. Let’s take one example of cheap wedding invitation card, wedding invitation addressing envelope starts around 1.75 dollars and increases as varieties. And writing names on place cards begins at $.75.

Is the calligraphy expert willing to sign the contract for the services they will be providing client? Make sure the contract contains the following things:

The services one orders that is number of addressing envelope, and the amount per envelope. At what time one will be able to pick the completed order.

The amount to be paid, the method of payment and duration of time for payment Always go by the receipt for the deposit or the final payment with sign our by date. Note down that does the calligraphy experts writes with a marker or the fountain pen?

Leroy

Kelly Mellott asked:


ften referred to as the “most important day of your life,” your wedding day should be perfect and exactly what you imagined it to be. And what better way to insure that everything turns out precisely how you wanted it without breaking the bank than to have a DIY wedding? Becoming increasingly popular, the handmade wedding (also called a homemade wedding or do-it-yourself wedding) is a great way to save money, bond with your bridesmaids or spouse-to-be as you create all the wedding elements, and still have the wedding of your dreams. Here at FaveCrafts.com, our Wedding Craft Editors have put together this comprehensive guide to our favorite homemade wedding centerpiece ideas, do it yourself wedding invitations, how to make your own wedding cake, and other great wedding craft ideas!

Favorite handmade Wedding Invitations:

Create these gorgeous wedding invitations using craft punches and calligraphy pens.

By Sue Eldred for Uchida of America, Corp.

Materials:



Clever Lever Super Jumbo Scalloped Heart Punch

Clever Lever Jumbo Daisy Punch

Clever Lever Standard Daisy Punch

DecoColor™ Extra Fine Silver

DecoColro™ Silver Calligraphy Pen

Paper Trimming Buddy: Straight Blade

Mini Glue Tape

Wedding Faded Paisley (Dé ja Views )

Vellum 40 lb.

Adhesive Pearls (K & Company)

Black & Grey Cardstock

Accu-Cut Die A-7 Card Foldout #4

Xyron Sticker Machine with Permanent Adhesive

Glue Stick



Steps:



Cut Invitation base out of black cardstock using an Accu-Cut Die Cutting Machine and the Accu-Cut Die A-7 Card Foldout #4.



Size computer generated Wedding Information so that it can be cut 4 ½” x 6 ½. Print Wedding information onto 40lb. Vellum and run through Xyron Sticker Machine to get an even coat of adhesive on the back of the vellum. Adhere to the Wedding Faded Paisley scrapbook paper and cut to 4 ½” x 6 ½”. Add glue tape to back of paisley paper and adhere to a piece of dk. grey cardstock 4 ¾” x 6 ¾”. Adhere to inside of black wedding invitation base.



Cut a 1” x 11” strip of Wedding Faded Paisley, adhere to 1 ¼” x 11” piece of black cardstock, then adhere layers to a 1 ½” x 11” piece of grey cardstock. Gently fold around invitation so that each end of the layers meet in the middle of the invitation. Adhere ends together.



Punch two Super Scalloped Hearts one from the Silver Wedding Texture scrapbook paper the other from black cardstock. Glue the two hearts together. Using the Silver Calligraphy Pen, add a thin silver line around the front of the scrapbook heart. Add small dots with the Extra Fine Silver Deco Pen in each scallop.



Punch two daisies from both the standard and jumbo daisy punches. Adhere both daisy sets together so that you can see all petals. Glue smaller daisy on top of larger daisy, add small adhesive pearl to middle of daisy. Adhere to middle of the Invitation Band to cover seam.



Do It Yourself Wedding Centerpiece Tips and Video

Click here for great tips and ideas for DIY wedding centerpieces ­- http://www.favecrafts.com/Wedding-Crafts/Homemade-Wedding-Centerpieces-DIY-Budget-Receptions

How-to Make Pick a Vase for a Floral Wedding Centerpiece

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA_bT_oICG8

Make your Own Wedding Cake Tips and Video

Click here for great tips and ideas on how to make your own wedding cake – http://www.favecrafts.com/Wedding-Crafts/Homemade-Wedding-The-Cake-DIY-Thrifty-Reception

DIY Wedding Cake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBZ1lMrP43g



Minnie

Lindsay W asked:


I am getting married next May and the budget is tight. I know traditionally people have calligraphy for the addresses on their wedding invitations, but I am trying to save money and wondered if anyone had seen any nice looking wedding invites without calligraphy?

Dawn

Sarah Beldo asked:


Your wedding invitations can help set the tone for your nuptials and create a style or theme that may be carried through in everything from the decorations to the wedding photo album.

 Formal or informal?

 Are you tying the knot in your own backyard or at a church? Let the formality of your ceremony be your guide when selecting invitations.

 Traditionally, formal invitations have a white or ivory background and are engraved with centered type. However, you need not stick to these constraints. Contemporary couples have as many choices for invitations as they do for designing the wedding albums.

 Printing styles

Traditional engraving is one of the most popular printing styles for wedding invitations, but it is also one of the most expensive because it requires a copper plate.

Many bargain-hunting couples opt for thermography instead, which can create a similar look for roughly one-third the price of engraving. Thermography mixes wet ink with a powder compound and then applies heat so the design rises off the paper.

Letterpress invitations, in which a design is pressed into paper, have been recently experiencing a revival. These invitations are often custom-made by a shop that specializes in the relief printing technique.

Offset printing is another low-cost option, while some brides and grooms opt for the hand-drawn elegance of calligraphy.

Colors

A formal wedding invitation might stick to an ivory background with black lettering, while many contemporary couples choose to incorporate their wedding colors into their invite style.

You may also consider letting the season or theme of the wedding inspire color choices – with spring/summer nuptials calling for warmer hues and cool tones suiting fall/winter events. A sunset ceremony on the beach may suggest orange or red to evoke the striking pictures in the wedding album. Meanwhile, an elegant hotel wedding may suggest deep purple or blue.

Your personal style may also influence color choices. Many people choose a light-colored background with a single shade for the design, but if you want to be bold, why not experiment with a darker background or an unusual color combination?



Duane

Jasmine Macdonald asked:


Did you know when it comes to ordering your wedding invitations, the type of print you choose is a big factor in the cost?

Here is a list of the common types of print you will find when you visit your printer.

Engraving

This is the most traditional for of printing. It is also the most expensive. An engraved invitation has raised lettering on the front which is pressed through so you can feel it on the pack of the paper. Engraving is usually used for very formal invitations.

Thermography

This is a good alternative to the costly engraved printing. You’ll get the look of engraving for half of the cost.

A thermographed invitation has raised lettering that is shinier than engraved print and does not press through the back of the paper.

Lithography (Off Set Printing)

This type of invitation is printed with ink but does not have raised lettering. It is less costly than either engraving or thermography.

Laser

If you’re on a tight budget this is a great idea. Invitations can be produced on a laser printer, either at a professional print shop or at home. The result should be very similar to that produced by lithography.

If you are a creative person and want to make your own invitations, here are some tips to keep in mind:

 

Buy high quality blank invitation forms. (Don’t forget to buy some extras for practice!) Choose a typeface that is formal, crisp, and easy to read to make it look like professionally produced print. Be very careful that the invitations are fed through the printer straight and evenly.

 

Calligraphy – Handwritten

If you are having a small intimate wedding or want to personalize your invitations a handwritten invitation on lovely stationery is a nice idea.

Handwritten invitations can be used for a formal or informal wedding.

You can hire a calligrapher if you do not have beautiful handwriting. If you cannot afford to hire a calligrapher, a visit to you local printer can solve this problem. Most printers are now able to reproduce handwritten calligraphy using special software for half the price of a professional calligrapher.



Clyde