Archive for October 25th, 2011

25

Oct

5 Wedding Invitation Shopping Tips

Go ahead, Google wedding invitations and see what happens. Even if you try defining what you’re looking for, say, for example using a style descriptive like elegant, unique, affordable or modern, most online stationery companies offer it all. And, most couples will want a wedding invitation that is all things: “custom,” “high quality,” “unique,” “affordable. ” But can you have your cake and eat it too?

While it helps to decide on a definitive design style for your wedding before you start browsing online wedding invitations, the truth is many of us as brides aren’t quite sure how to choose a style. So don’t! Instead, focus on the following five areas we at www.LookLoveSend.com believe are more important to consider first:

Budget

Start here because you don’t want to waste time with browsing products you that will not be within your reach. Decide whether you have $250 or $1500 … your actual budget amount will depend in part by the number of guests (don’t forget postage), as well as the level of formality for your wedding. A more formal event that includes a sit-down dinner, for example, will probably necessitate additional invitation components, such as a separate reception card, response card, menu card and possibly a directions card. If your wedding date is a year or more away, or falls during a busy time of year, preceding your invitations with save the date cards so guests can plan accordingly will also add to your total invitation budget. Sending a save the date card has almost become a routine courtesy rather than an added, extra touch.

Format

Most couples still mail printed wedding invitations. The tradition and importance of the occasion maintain this formality, and the wedding invitation itself becomes an important keepsake. Other important pieces such as save the date cards and thank you notes should also be printed pieces. Nowadays email and websites can meet some of your more detailed informational needs, such as menus and directions, but just be sure your entire guest list can access this information if you choose to go this route.

Style

Classic or Modern? Vintage or Retro? Romantic or Whimsical? You might be surprised both by what you like as much as the blended styles available from today’s ultra-original designers. Design style is important insofar as it sets the tone of your event. And while choosing a design style is an opportunity to let your personality shine through, don’t feel that is has to completely encompass who you are as a person. After all, aren’t we all these things at least some of the time? So don’t sweat it; instead, consider the time of day, the season, your venue, and how you’d like your guests to feel as they anticipate your wedding. Don’t get hung up thinking your wedding invitation design style is a statement about your soul!

Customization

There are different degrees of customization available depending on how much additional thought and personalization you want. Some websites have you build your own invitation starting completely from scratch: choosing the paper, font, ink, words, border, images, and even types of printing (letterpress, embossing, etc.) Other websites, like www.looklovesend.com, offer ready-made designs by professional artists with easy personalization tools to upload your own photos, select font styles, color options and paper textures. It’s up to you to decide how much control you want over your invitation.

Quality

Even the most gorgeous design can underwhelm if printed on flimsy, mottled, lifeless paper. On the other hand, a very simple design can be gorgeous when printed on luxurious, fine quality, heavy weight paper. So don’t underestimate the importance of paper quality and print clarity when searching for a reputable wedding invitation source. All wedding invitation stationery printed by LookLoveSend is 130# weight paper, making it among the most substantial available online in the industry. Envelopes from the same premium paper are lined, and LookLoveSend prints all orders in-house on their state-of-the-art digital printing presses to ensure quality and 100% customer satisfaction.

Have fun plunging into the abyss that is the Internet to find your perfect wedding invitation. Or, save some time simply by visiting www.LookLoveSend.com, whose wide selection of design styles offers complete wedding invitation suites with components you choose and customize in addition to top quality paper and printing. Shipping is free when you order 50 or more, and your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.