Top Wedding Invitation Mistakes to Avoid
Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, and your wedding invitations are one of the first glimpses your guests will have into your big day. As such, you want them to be perfect! Here at June and Opal, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you navigate the common pitfalls that can occur when designing your wedding invitations. So, let’s dive into some of the top mistakes to avoid, ensuring your invitations are as flawless and sophisticated as your love story.
1. Overloading with Information
Pitfall: Trying to cram every single detail about your wedding into the invitation.
How to Avoid: Keep your wedding invitation concise and to the point. Include the essentials: who, what, when, where, and an RSVP. For additional details like dress code, directions, and accommodations, include an insert card or direct guests to your wedding website. This keeps your invitation elegant and uncluttered.
2. Ignoring Proofreading
Pitfall: Overlooking typos, incorrect dates, or misspelled names.
How to Avoid: Proofread, proofread, proofread! Then, have someone else proofread. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might miss. At June and Opal, we also meticulously review each proof, but the final approval is up to you. Taking the time to ensure everything is correct will save you from any last-minute reprints and stress.
3. Choosing Illegible Fonts
Pitfall: Opting for fonts that are too fancy or difficult to read.
How to Avoid: While it's tempting to choose ornate calligraphy, legibility is key. Ensure your chosen font is stylish yet easy to read. Combine a decorative font for names and headers with a simple, clean font for the main text. This maintains elegance without sacrificing clarity.
4. Forgetting to Include RSVP Details
Pitfall: Failing to provide clear RSVP instructions.
How to Avoid: Make it easy for your guests to respond. Include an RSVP card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope or provide an online RSVP option with a clear deadline. This helps you get a headcount on time and plan your wedding more efficiently.
5. Sending Invitations Too Late
Pitfall: Mailing your invitations too close to the wedding date.
How to Avoid: Timing is everything. Send your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings, give your guests a bit more time—around 3 months. This allows them ample time to make travel arrangements and RSVP.
6. Overlooking Postage Costs
Pitfall: Underestimating the cost and requirements for postage.
How to Avoid: Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office before buying stamps. This ensures you get the correct postage for the weight and size of your invitations, including any additional inserts. Remember, square or bulky envelopes may cost more to mail.
7. Not Ordering Extra Invitations
Pitfall: Ordering exactly the number of invitations you think you need.
How to Avoid: Always order extra. It’s better to have a few left over than to realize you need more after you’ve sent them out. Order about 10-20% extra for unexpected guests, keepsakes, and addressing mistakes.
8. Ignoring Your Theme
Pitfall: Invitations that don’t match your wedding theme or colors.
How to Avoid: Your invitations set the tone for your wedding. Ensure they reflect the style and colors of your event. Whether it’s a classic black-tie affair or a whimsical garden party, your invitations should give guests a hint of what to expect.
9. Overcomplicating the Design
Pitfall: Adding too many design elements and making the invitation look cluttered.
How to Avoid: Embrace simplicity. Focus on a few key design elements like a monogram, a venue illustration, or a special foil detail. Less is often more when it comes to maintaining a sophisticated and elegant look.
10. Neglecting to Keep a Guest List
Pitfall: Losing track of who has received an invitation and who hasn’t.
How to Avoid: Maintain a detailed guest list and check off names as you address and send invitations. This helps ensure no one is accidentally left out and makes tracking RSVPs much easier.
Final Thoughts
Creating your wedding invitations is a joyous and creative part of your wedding planning journey. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your invitations are a beautiful and seamless reflection of your special day. Remember, at June and Opal, we’re here to help every step of the way, making sure your stationery is as perfect as your love story.
Ready to start designing your dream invitations? Contact us today to get started!
