Illustrating Your Day

Invitations are crucial to your wedding because it sets the precedent of what is to come and who you both are as a couple.

We are moving more and more away from cookie-cutter weddings; we design our own dresses, we mix and match our bridesmaids' attire, etc. We can get outlandish and creative as we want without being labeled crazy, at least in the clinical sense of the word.

So who says our invitation has to be boring? I remember when I was getting married the second time around, we designed our invitations, and my husband even the artwork. It was an image of him and myself photographed with our children from our previous marriages. It was spectacular because it reflected both our families and the backyard where we held our wedding.  

World Bride set out to find the best way our brides can reflect their lives and personalities through their invitations.

The following are some exemplary companies we found in our hunt:

The Paper Knot:

Based in Kennesaw, Georgia, The Paper Knot created a set of "social stationery" in the fall of 2006. Their goal was to create modern invitations that reflected the vast "minority" and its interracial, multi-cultural lifestyle. The invitations are sexy, yet classy, reflecting the style and artistic views of the African-American population. www.thepaperknot.com

Rock Scissor Paper :

Sisters Heidi and Susie Bauer, started the company 1993, designing each invitation based on the needs of their couples. They not only design the invitations to suit each couple's personalities, but once the verbiage is decided on, they can translate it into Spanish, French or Armenian. Rock Scissor Paper not only services clients within the US and Canada, they also have clients in Europe and Japan as well. How's that for international service. Check out their website, which is as colorful and creative as their invitations. www.rockscissorpaper.com.

Bonnie Marcus:

For all the fashionistas, check out Bonnie Marcus' wedding and rehearsal dinner invites. It's a fresh new stationery line that's crafted with wit and sparkle. www.bonniesstylepress.com

Kate's Paperie :

For those who want options, Kate's Paperie has all the colors of the rainbow. It's almost impossible to go to Kate's Paperie and not walk out with a bag in hand. Stocked with wedding albums to wedding papers, you will not be disappointed. www.katespaperie.com

Kate's Paperie hosts a list of events that we encourage our readers to attend.

Finding the invitation that is right for you may not seem like a daunting task, but with so many options out there to tantalize ones creative imagination, invitation shopping can become overwhelming.

Some pointers in finding the one that is write for you:

1. Create a budget
2. Know your color scheme
3. What is the theme of your event?
4. What speaks to both you and your fiance? (Remember he is getting married too)
5. Paper quality, font, and quantity all play a major role in pricing
6. Spend a little extra on bi-lingual invites if your guests speak another language, it's a bit more personal