The Perfect Invitation
by Laura Paladino - Laura Paladino Invitation Design

You've spent years dreaming up the perfect day, your perfect dress and your perfect mate. Now that the dreaming is almost a reality, the planning has begun. You're probably overwhelmed trying to make decisions you've never had to make before. If you're at the invitation selection stage, use these general guidelines to help you with your decisions.

For centuries an invitation has been a way to communicate not only the details of an event, but also the personality of its sender. Every invitation is a reflection of the event and its host. The invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have into your big day. It will convey a multitude of messages about the type of event, the hosts, and the ambiance. You'd be surprised to learn just how much is revealed even before the invitation is opened, just by the style and colour of the envelope! The texture, the colours and design of the invitation itself, reveal even more?

One cannot underestimate the importance of style, elegance, and presentation. Much of our subjective opinions are formed around appearances and impressions. A perfect event yearns for the perfect invitation-no matter what type of function.

A formal event calls for a "formal" invitation. This doesn't have to mean traditional, but it should have some sort of indication that your event will be a somewhat formal affair. For example, you wouldn't buy paper napkins for your wedding if your guests would be eating off fine china and silver-it just wouldn't make sense. This isn't to say, however that formal means a rigid, old-fashioned invitation. In fact, never before have there been so many variations on the "formal" invitation. Different papers, styles, ribbons, seals and envelopes have all added a twist to the formal invitation-making it a true departure from the traditional.

An informal event calls for a more "informal" invitation. Now, casual doesn't mean bland, or ordinary. In fact, informal invitations have the most flexibility in terms of style, colour and sizes. Informal invitations have become extremely popular as couples are opting for less formal weddings. They allow for more flexibility, more variety and maximum impact.

Above all, an invitation should reflect you and your spouse. Understand that this is your day to shine. Everything you choose for this monumental occasion should be something that you love; that inspires you. After all, when else will you have the opportunity to let this many people catch a glimpse of your unique style?