You often hear the phrase ‘modern wedding invitations’ but what really classifies them as modern. 

We all know modern is the opposite of traditional.  Traditional wedding invitations brings to mind a simple invitation card, classic black ink, a standard lettering style and two mailing envelopes.  Modern wedding invitations, on the other hand, let you be more creative and unique which seems to be quite appealing to today’s couples who tend to look for ways to truly personalize their weddings including their invites.

Here are some trends that you may feature on your modern wedding invitations depending on the design you choose and the options available:

·  Multiple Lettering Styles – A larger and sometimes fancier font style is used to emphasize the couple’s names on the invitation compared to the rest of the wording.

·  Contrasting Ink Colors – A second distinct ink color can be used to highlight certain details on your wedding invitation like your names.

·  Pockets – Becoming increasingly fashionable, this style has a pocket for holding the wedding invitation and possibly a separate pocket for any enclosure cards, depending on the specific design.

·  Self-mailing – These invitation styles no longer require a separate mailing envelope since they turn into their own self-mailer piece.  Some designs have an envelopment, which may be colored, that wraps around all the invitation pieces for easy mailing.  Another self-mailer design option are seal and send wedding invitations that actually fold and seal up into their own mailing piece.

·  Bright and Bold Colors – Today it is easier than ever to make a personal statement with your invitation colors either through your paper, design or ink choices.  Beautiful color combinations are also abundant with colors you may not have considered as matching but actually create a stunning contrast when paired together.

·  Distinctive Sizes & Shapes – You can easily select a wedding invitation design that has a unique shape such as being square or is an unusual size such as tea length.

·  Patterns – As part of the invitation design, patterns are becoming stylish including paisley and retro motifs.

·  Colored Papers or Envelopes - Make your wedding invitations eye-catching by choosing a design that has colored paper stock or colored envelopes.  Just be sure to choose an ink color that will look good on the colored paper.

·  Recycled Paper – For those striving to be more eco friendly, there are now many beautiful wedding invitation designs that are printed on recycled papers.

·  Embellishments – Ribbon has become quite popular as an added special touch to wedding invitations. 

Everyone’s idea of what modern wedding invitations are may vary but the above trends are definitely options that will make invites look more contemporary.  Your invitations will surely reflect your own unique personal style using any of these options.

Custom wedding invitations are an essential part of your wedding planning but are you prepared for all the choices you will need to make when creating yours.  You will want to be as informed as possible in preparation for these decisions so designing your invitations will be easier.

Here are some things you will need to know:

• Budget – Before you begin your wedding invitation shopping, you may want to give some consideration as to how much you want to spend on them.  Knowing your budget and the quantity you will be ordering will also help you figure out how much you can spend per invitation as well as help narrow down your choices.  Also remember that response cards, reception cards, colored inks, return address printing, envelope lining, etc., will be extra costs if you choose any of these options and are not included in the invitation prices.  Those prices are listed separately.

• Theme refers to the appearance of the invitation such as design, pictures, colors, embellishments, etc.  Is there a specific theme to your wedding that could be reflected in your wedding invitations?  Themes can be flowers, beach or tropical, season of the year, specific colors, etc.

• Style relates more to the type of invitation.  Will you have a simple wedding invitation card or a folded piece?  Will it be made out of layers of paper attached together or will it include your photo?  A seal and send style is an economical choice that has a response postcard attached and simply folds up into its own mailing piece.  Growing in popularity, pocket wedding invitations are a more contemporary style.  You will also find that some styles look more modern than traditional or more formal than casual so your choice will depend on the tone of your wedding.

• Paper – This choice typically includes the size and color of your invitation paper.  Contemporary wedding invitations can come in unique square and tea length sizes. Keep in mind that larger sizes may require extra postage so you should check into that before making your final selection.  Colored papers have also become plentiful.  Another consideration is being eco-friendly with your wedding invites by having them printed on recycled paper.

• Verse Wording – There are many, many sample verses for custom wedding invitations or you can creatively write your own verse.  You will need to choose a verse based on who is hosting your wedding whether it is you and your fiancé or your parents.  Another decision will be having your reception details printed directly on your invitation if there is room or on a separate reception card.

• Lettering or Font Style – You will find there is an enormous selection of lettering styles from which to choose and the offerings will vary among printers.  One suggestion is to use a style that will be easy to read for your guests.  Simpler, less script fonts tend to be easier to read. 

• Imprint Ink Color – Usually you are provided with several ink choices based on the invitation you choose.  Keep in mind colored papers will affect how certain ink colors appear.  Black ink is typically included in the invitation price with colored ink choices costing extra.  Be sure to take notice of what color was printed on the sample as you may like how that color looks.

There are actually more things to consider as part of your custom wedding invitations ensemble but the items listed above pertain to the actual invitation itself.  Other related choices involve extra insert pieces such as response cards, map cards, etc., as well as envelope options.