DEARBORN — A wedding invitation is no ordinary piece of paper. It can set the entire mood of a wedding. It informs friends and family of the important details of the day. It comes in myriad shapes and sizes.
A piece of paper this important requires much thought, planning and detail.
"The invitation is the first statement of your event," said Roslyn Reeves of Sophia's Giftique, 1033 Mason St. "It sets the mood for what your guests will expect, what they'll wear, everything."
Invitations have become increasingly detailed in recent years, offering a wide variety of colors, shapes and styles. Distinctive folds are gaining popularity because they offer a functional solution to organizing the many components of an invitation. The pocket-fold style is fashionable and efficient, as it organizes important information such as directions, R.S.V.P. cards and photos.
Metallic papers also have become very popular in recent years, from glittering golds to shimmering silvers. Many couples choose to pair iridescent papers with special accents, in order to add dimension to the invitations.
"Embellishments are always great, anything that can make the invitation appear 3-D," Reeves said.
Popular embellishments include rhinestones, ribbons, beads, foils and personalized seals. Live elements, such as sand and seashells, also can be used to add dimension to the invitation, as well as to establish a theme. Themes can work well for weddings set around holidays and seasons. They also can work very well for destination weddings.
"A theme should run through everything, including the invitations, the shower, decorations and music," Reeves said.
Invitations also are moving toward an emphasis on personalization. Addresses should be printed directly on the invitation envelopes, not on labels, Reeves said. Calligraphy also can add a classy, personalized touch. Monograms also are making a comeback, giving a customized feeling with the intertwining of the happy couple's initials.
Timeliness is another important element to remember when dealing with invitations. Invitations should be mailed approximately eight weeks before the event. Save-the-date reminders can be mailed up to a year in advance. Save-the-date cards can come in a variety of styles and ideas, including magnets, calendars, scratch-offs and stickers.
While all these little "extras" might seem costly and unnecessary, remember that this is no ordinary piece of paper. It is the first statement of one couple's forever.
Nicki Schlehuber is an account executive with Dearborn-based Press & Guide Newspapers.
