Designing Custom Invitations That Wow Your Guests

Chicago cityscape at night to prepare out-of-town guests for the exciting city vibe.

Planning a wedding is like orchestrating a beautiful symphony - every detail matters, and the invitations? Oh, they’re the opening note that sets the entire tone. I’ve been in the trenches of wedding invitation design for a while now, and let me tell you, nothing beats the thrill of creating something that truly wows your guests - after it has wowed you! If you’re wondering how to make your invites stand out in a sea of envelopes, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the art of designing custom invitations that will have your guests buzzing with excitement before the big day even arrives!

Why Customized Invitation Design Is a Game-Changer

You might be thinking, “Why bother with custom invitation design? Can’t I just pick a template from a website and call it a day?” Well, sure, you could. But here’s the thing - your wedding invitation is the first glimpse your guests get of your celebration. It’s like the trailer to your favorite movie, but better because it’s real life! Custom invitation design lets you:

• Show off your unique style - Whether you’re a boho dreamer or a classic romantic, a Star Wars fanatic or a big city lover, your invites should scream you.

• Set the mood - Rustic, elegant, quirky, formal or modern - the design hints at what’s to come.

• Make guests feel special - When you add personal touches, it’s like saying, “Hey, you’re important to us!”

Crafting Your Customized Invitation Design: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you actually create a custom stationery design that wows? Here’s my tried-and-true process:

1. Start with Your Story

Every couple has a story, and your invites should tell it. Think about:

• How you met

• Your favorite shared hobbies

• The vibe of your wedding venue

• The culture of your heritage

  
  

For example, if you’re having a garden wedding, floral motifs and soft pastels might be your jam. If you’re city slickers, sleek lines and metallic accents could be the way to go.

2. Choose Your Palette and Fonts

Colors and fonts are like the outfit of your invitation. They say a lot without saying a word. Pick a palette that complements your wedding colors and fonts that reflect your personality. I'll keep them organized in a unique design library so we can keep continuity with all the other stationery items and signage. Pro tip: mix a fancy script font (that's still LEGIBLE - take a look at this blog) with a clean sans-serif for readability and flair.

3. Add Personal Touches

Brooklyn painted the view from the balcony where Jake proposed

This is where the magic happens. Consider:

• Custom illustrations (think: your pet, your venue, a meaningful symbol, drawing or painting of something that's unique to your love story)

• Unique paper textures or shapes

• Belly bands or wax seals to add a personal luxury touch

4. Keep It Functional

Beautiful is great, but your invitation also needs to be clear. Include all the essential info:

• Date and time

• Venue address

• Dress code (if any)

• RSVP deadline (keep this wording to only the date - use an additional card to provide details to prevent your invitation from becoming crowded)

  
  

And don’t forget to make it easy for guests to respond. I handle RSVP responses where they can be mailed directly back to my office and I even call guests who forget to reply - because who has time to chase down RSVPs?

5. Think Beyond the Invitation

Your invitation suite can include:

• Save-the-Date cards

• RSVP cards

• Direction/Enclosure cards

• Wedding website info cards

  
  

Coordinating these elements keeps everything cohesive and polished.

Wedding invitation suite with matching RSVP and details cards, menu and thank you cards

The Bride's Secretary Secret Sauce

Here’s a little insider scoop. Designing invitations is just the beginning. I also take care of coordinating with the printers, individually addressing envelopes, mailing and managing RSVPs. Why? Because I want couples to enjoy their engagement and wedding planning without the stress of chasing guests or worrying about lost invites.

Imagine this: you send out your beautiful custom invitations, and then... crickets. Panic sets in. But with me on your team, I’ll gently remind those forgetful friends and family members with a friendly call. It’s like having a personal secretary who loves weddings as much as you do.

Plus, I help set up your wedding website and include the link or a QR code on your RSVP or enclosure card, so guests have all the info at their fingertips. It’s all about making the process smooth and fun.

Ready to Wow Your Guests?

Personalized invitation design is a journey, and it’s one I love taking with couples. From brainstorming your story to handling the nitty-gritty of mailing and RSVPs, I’m here to make sure your invites are as special as your love story.

So, why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Let’s create invitations that not only inform but inspire, delight, and get everyone counting down the days with you.

If you’re ready to start this fun adventure, check out my services and let’s chat about how to bring your vision to life. Because your wedding deserves invitations that wow - and I’m here to make that happen!

Happy planning and may your invitations be as unforgettable as your big day!