How to Choose Formal Wedding Invitations

Your wedding day is very special and the invitations you send set the mood for the entire event. Follow these steps to choose formal wedding invitations that will impress your guests.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Wedding details
• Newspapers
• Bridal magazines

1. Determine what details you want for your invitations, including color, style and paper.

2. Look through bridal magazines, newspapers and the Internet (see Resources below) for formal invitation ideas and companies. Be sure to scour advertisement sections for names, phone numbers or Web sites.

3. Attend a bridal show or fair. These events often have many options from local vendors that can help you decide what you want.

4. Check out local printing shops. Many of these places create custom designs or offer formal and informal invitations similar to those from large invitation companies.

5. See a wedding planner or bridal consultant to determine whether you need formal wedding invitations.

6. Ask your family and friends to give you advice and even shop with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Formal invitations come in a wide variety, and many companies are willing to cater to your needs. Shop around and take some time before coming to your conclusion.
• Formal invitations tend to be very traditional. If a traditional invite is not something that appeals to you, you may want to consider something a little more casual or original.
• Consider printing the invitations yourself if you don’t like anything you find.
• Keep your budget in mind. Invitations can be a place to scrimp or splurge.
• Shop early: Etiquette says invitations should be mailed no later than six to eight weeks before your wedding day, so make your decision early enough that your invitations arrive in time to mail them.