Other than the optional save the date cards, your wedding invitations are often the first insight and information that most of your family and friends will receive regarding your wedding day. While many of them have heard that you are getting married, usually only those involved have been privy to the secretive and exciting details about the wedding including its formality, date, and location. While the invitation itself will offer a great deal more information than the words written on it, the style and formality of the invitation will often telegraph the actual style and formality of your wedding day.

A few years ago, all wedding invitations looked very similar, and personalizing your wedding invitation was just a distant dream in a brides mind. The paper was card stock in white or ecru, the font was calligraphic, the ink was black and the lettering was raised. Even the slightest touch of color was a departure from the conventional, and inevitably marked the bride as “non-traditional”. Today, the bride and groom have an enormous range of wedding invitation designs from which to choose, with color being the least of the non-traditional elements. Wedding invitations may now feature artwork, poetry, embellishments such as ribbons, colored inks and many more personalization options. With all of the available options, it is very easy to create wedding invitations that are completely unique and personal. Below are just a few of the many ways that you can personalize your wedding invitations.

Color

The most obvious way to personalize your wedding invitations is by choosing colors that express your personality. There are many different ways to use color in your wedding invitations. You may choose colored ink for the main text of your invitations, and have it match the foil envelope liners, or you can choose a colored card backing for the invitation itself. If you choose an invitation with a printed motif, such as the contemporary Two Hearts as One style, with a bold splash of Apple red color and a pair of linked hearts printed on the card, you can further personalize the invitation by choosing envelope liners in Apple red and wrap the invitation in an Apple satin ribbon. It is important, however, to remain within the overall color scheme of your wedding and to utilize your primary colors in your invitation as well.

Wording

Most wedding retailers will use whatever wording you choose on your invitation. While there are traditional forms for the invitation wording, and templates available to help you say exactly what you want to say, there are also many ways to personalize the words to reflect your personal vision of love and marriage. You may even choose a personalized introduction for the actual invitation. Many couples choose a short, two-lined verse about love or marriage, or a traditional Bible verse printed above the formal invitation to the wedding. Folded invitations offer at least one surface where you can print a poem or sentiment as well. You can also use the wording of the invitation itself to reflect your own personality. With all of the amazing options available, choices for personalized wedding invitations are endless.

Photographs

It does not get much more personal than a photo invitation. You can choose a do-it-yourself invitation kit for the ultimate personalized wedding invitation. A wedding photo overlay invitation that features your own favorite photo could not be easier. Choose your own photo, print it on the backing card provided in the kit, print your invitation on the semi-transparent vellum that is also provided, tie the two together with a beautiful satin ribbon in your choice of color and your invitations are complete! An invitation that is completely and totally unique that shows your guests just how in love you and your significant other are.

Embellishments and Finishing Touches

You can personalize your invitation further by adding embellishments to both the invitations and the final assembly of the envelope. You can choose from many different embellishments and trimmings to give your overall invitation a personal touch. The available options range from clip-art churches and wedding motifs to calligraphic flourishes and geometric figures.

Give your invitation an elegant wrap to make it stand out even more. Imagine the effect of a beautiful floral wrap with bright red flowers around a simple white-card wedding invitation, with a red border. Slip a pre-tied white or red satin ribbon over the entire wrapped invitation and slide it into a white envelope with a matching red liner for a completely coordinated and personalized invitation. You can also embellish a simple card invitation with a vellum overlay, or print the overlay itself, and use it over a special photo or piece of artwork. Add an organza ribbon slipped over the side of the invitation to emphasize a plain border, or choose a raffia tie for a more casual wedding invitation.

The above discussed are only a few of the many ways that you can personalize your wedding invitations and make them extraordinarily unique. You can find endless amounts of other inspirational ideas at an online wedding invitation vendor, and well as other established wedding retailers. Play around with the various tools to mix and match styles and create your own special wedding invitation.

Tags: Invitations, Personalizing, Wedding