"Go easy on the invite. People read it once and toss it aside, if not in the trash." This was advice from a wedding coordinator but it echos a lot of the advice a bride-to-be will find on forums, blogs or any other wedding-dedicated site.
Even if the above is true, it was not advice I took to heart.
I will admit that invites aren't as sexy as splurging on the photobooth with props or a unique backdrop. They aren't nearly as fun as booking a four-piece rockabilly band for your reception throw down. And, more than likely, they aren't nearly as necessary as the fantastic purple heels with sparkles that spell out "I Do" on the heels.
I'm not knocking the above as splurges and I applaud anyone who knows exactly what they need to make their big day complete. However, I believe creating a invite should be just as important as any of the above.
The invite is more than just telling loved ones that your big day is coming and that their presence is requested at the celebration. While it is a useful tool for communicating the pertinent information like the key players, date, location, time and type of wedding -- there is a bigger purpose.
Your invite is an announcement of the birth of a new family unit - the one between you and your partner (and children if applicable). It is more than the day you got married -- but the day you started your marriage and new family.
It's also the first impression that friends and family have of you and your partner as a couple -- and, in some cases, the first impression loved ones have of your partner if they have not previously met. This is an introduction -- a grand entrance, if you will.
It also communicates to your guests the mood of the wedding and what they can expect. Think of it as your promotional campaign for your wedding -- promoting your big day and the following bash. Is it a tropical-themed luau? Is it a three-course sit down reception? Should they be prepared for an outdoor ceremony in the middle of July? Is it a wedding weekend or a casual cake and champagne reception? Casual or traditional, big or small event, the invite gives your guests a sneak peek on what they can expect from your wedding so they can plan accordingly. But more than that, it will get them excited about your marriage start!
An invite also lets the guest know what is required of them -- time and commitment wise. Are there events booked for the entire weekend? Is it just a cocktail reception? Is there a welcome dinner for out of town guests? When should they arrive in town? How long should they stay? Is it formal? Is it casual? Do they need their own picnic blanket? Take the guess work out of the equation and tell them what you have planned, what is optional and what they should wear to either one.
Taking the time to create a unique and very personalized invite, whether you whether you order one online or do-it-yourself with stamps, ribbons, rhinestones and cardstock, makes it SOMETHING SPECIAL to your guests.
Think about when you have received homemade granola or a hand-crafted holiday card. Someone took the time to work their creative side in order to give you something very personal. It becomes an extension of them -- a personal connection to you.
Invest a bit in your invite. Use your own words to create the text on the invite. Go beyond just choosing a card stock in your color or selecting one of the available fonts. Insert a bit of yourself into the invite -- more than just the name, date, location. Own your invites.
Your guests will notice. It will become an extension of you delivered into their inbox or mailbox. It is a detail that will make them feel honored, special and it will become more of a momento and less of just "another invite."
Break the mold. Get creative. It's worth it.
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