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Formal wedding invitations follow very specific traditional guidelines, and is governed by the rules of etiquette. The paper quality, paper colour, print style and typeface, number of envelopes and how they are addressed are all very specific. The wording of formal invitations is also very specific and is covered under its own topic in this module.
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Formal or traditional wedding invitations follow very specific guidelines. Formal invitations are made of thick, quality paper in white, soft cream or ivory. An acceptable modern alternative is colour paper for a formal wedding, but it is no longer traditional.
The invitation is traditionally a double thick sheet of paper that is folded in half—the printing is on top and the inside is blank. It has engraved or raised printing. A modern formal alternative is a single sheet of thick quality paper that is not folded.
The printing for a formal invitation is traditionally engraved or raised printing. A modern formal alternative is thermography which is a raised print created through fusing powder and ink to the paper.
The typeface for a formal invitation is always shaded and antique roman faces. Simple typeface is in better taste than more flowery typefaces. Other than the invitation text, the only acceptable ‘decoration’ is a family crest or coat of arms of the bride’s father’s family. This may be used without colour at the top centre of the wedding invitation.
Formal wedding invitations have two envelopes. The first envelope holds your invitation. The individuals who are invited to the wedding are written in calligraphy on the inner envelope. In particular, the names are written in a less formal style like Aunt Helen and Uncle Joe, or Bill and Barbara Smith, or if the children are invited ‘George and Samantha Jones, Susan, Sally and Robert.
The RSVP card or any other add-on like maps is added to this envelope. Then this whole envelope is put into the outer envelope, which is addressed in the traditional fashion of Mr. and Mrs. George Jones. Always include your return address on the outer envelope, and of course, affix the correct amount of postage.