Articles: invitations

The articles here follow the order in which the decisions usually come: style and format first, then wording, then getting the design ready. That order is worth keeping. Changing the style once the text is written tends to turn the whole layout upside down.

Style, paper and format

Classic, modern and rustic designs differ in more than ornament - they call for different paper and different lettering. Decorative papers have a texture of their own, so the artwork can stay calm; the material does the decorating. Choose the format to fit the amount of information, not the other way round.

• folded, single and pocket versions - each holds a different amount of text,
• unusual formats: squares, concertina folds, card sets and cut-out designs,
• smooth paper with gloss, matt or Soft Touch foil, or a decorative paper,
• a photograph of the couple or the child, as long as it is a good one,
• a QR code linking to the event page, directions and an RSVP form.

Wording that leaves no questions

Most of the confusion comes from missing details: the time, how to get there, where to stay, the party the day after, or the request to confirm attendance. The guides show how to put those points gently and gracefully, where to place an extra card and which turns of phrase to avoid. Personalisation is a thread of its own - beyond the name you can change the form of address, an added note or the accommodation details meant for one particular guest.

An invitation rarely travels alone

Place cards, menus, table numbers and thank-you cards look their best when they repeat the motif, colour and lettering of the invitation. If a full set is on your mind, the stationery articles are worth reading as well. Designing everything in one go is easier than matching pieces one by one.