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Cost-cutting tips for your wedding invitations

Your wedding invitations offer the first sneak peek into your wedding, and it is a reflection of your taste and personality. Hence, you should make sure you choose well.

Wedding invitations involve a lot of stationery, and this can quickly add up to quite an amount of money. There are DIY kits, which allow you to customize and create your own signature style invitations. However, you may not have the time to do it all. So, here are some tips to help you get the best for the money you spend, when choosing your wedding invitations.

Start early and find great deals

As with everything related to weddings, the sooner you start, the more chances you have at finding better offers. If you do not rush your wedding invitation supplier, you are more likely to get a good deal. Also, you will have time to search around and compare vendor prices, and choose the best on offer.

Opt for thermography, instead of engraving and embossing

Engraving and embossing are traditional styles of invitation printing. They are classic, but very pricey. If you cannot afford the huge price tag accompanying them, look at thermography instead. The print looks similar to embossing, but is much cheaper. The benefits do not end here. It can also be done much faster, and the look isn’t very different from the engraved one. Both feel the same to the touch, and the difference can be felt, only when you rub the front and back of the letters at the same time. Well, do you think your guests will bother to go into such details!

Check for package deals and buy in bulk

Most vendors can print all wedding stationery. This includes wedding invitations, rehearsal dinner invites, menu cards, place cards, programs and thank-you cards. Look at vendors who do this, and ask for a discount if you order all your printing from them. Since you will anyway be investing money for all this paper, you might as well do it at one place and get a better deal.

Pay attention to postage charges

Wedding invitations go through the mail, and this means you have to pay for postal stamps. The size of your invitation will determine the postage charges. So, do your research before you choose your invitations, and stick to an envelope size that will help you stay within budget.

Skimp on the extra bits

Each piece of paper that goes into your wedding invite comes at an additional cost. So, consider what is necessary and what isn’t. Avoid inset papers and extra decoration, and choose a simple, but elegant design that conveys all the necessary information. Draft your invite so it is comprehensive but uses less space. With a little planning, you can make your invitation an impressive bombshell of information, but within minimum space.

Check out this link on Best for bride for the various invitation options we have on offer. You can find plenty of inspiration, options for customizing your wedding invitations to match the wedding theme, and also contact us for placing your orders, here.

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The essential guide to Wedding Invitation Printing Techniques

Your choice of stationery, size of invitations and method of printing are what determine the total cost for your invitations. When printing your wedding invitations, you have several techniques to choose from. Being aware of these different printing options will allow you to not only choose a method that fits your budget, but also to achieve the desired look and effect. So, let us find out what our options are.

Engraving

This is the traditional style of printing that has been used for ages. It is an expensive method, as the letters are etched on the cardstock in thick and good quality ink, using copper plates. After the ink is applied to the plates and pressed on the paper, the card is subjected to high pressure so the letters are pressed down into it. Engraved text is sharp and raised on the right side, and there are depressions on the other side of the page. It looks sophisticated and classic, but comes at a considerable price. Having your invitations engraved will take at least four to six weeks. So, if you choose it, place your order early.

Letterpress

This is a handcrafting method, where the ink is manually pushed into the paper using a metal plate on which the text is prepared. The result is similar to engraving, but not as refined. Your invitation cards have to be bulky and soft, for letterpress to work. Although it is expensive, it is cheaper than engraving. So, if you want a textured and sophisticated invitation, consider letterpress. The complexity of the design you choose is what determines the turnaround time. A set of invitations can be completed in as little as two weeks, or may take as much as two months.

Thermography

Another formal style of printing, thermography uses heated ink with resin powder to create lettering. The print is very similar to engraving, and has a raised surface. However, it is not as fine. This technique is affordable and takes less time to complete. You may however, have limited options to customize your invitation with colors.

Offset printing

This is the standard flat-printing that we are all familiar with. It is a low-budget choice, but looks very good when done well. Here, the ink lies flat against the surface of the paper, and you can choose to print in any color, format or design. Offset printing can be done quickly.

Digital printing

The results are similar to offset printing, but digital printing is done on thinner paper. It uses a printer, instead of a press. The method is suitable for casual wedding themes and it is possible to do almost any design or use any color, with this technique. This is the cheapest and quickest option, and you can have your invitation cards ready in a matter of days.

The style of printing you choose should reflect the formality of your wedding. After all, your invitations set the tone for your wedding. Although there are no hard and fast rules here, it is better to go for engraved, letterpress or thermographic printing styles if your wedding is a black-tie event. For a casual or semi-formal event, you can choose offset or digital prints.

To check out our collection of wedding invitation styles, as well as for all your other wedding needs, visit us on Best for Bride.

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Using Etsy for Wedding Décor

Etsy is a fantastic tool to use when you are planning your wedding. There are so many options available that you will be able to find a wide range of wedding décor on the site. Along with this, you may even be able to snag some items at discounted prices. Etsy is a great way to discover unique wedding décor that will make your wedding look beautiful.

Monograms

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photo source: etsy

One of the best things that you can find on Etsy for weddings is monogrammed items. There are a number of vendors who create a variety of shapes and styles to choose from. You can even find colors to match your wedding and display your new initials that you will have after your wedding. Plus, these items can easily be transformed into a decoration piece for your front door or inside your new home as well.

Signs

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photo source: etsy

Wedding signs are another personalized item that you can find a good variety of on Etsy. There are plenty of styles to choose from and you can pretty much create any style of sign that you are looking for. So, take some time and come up with an idea for your wedding sign. This is a fun item to add to your wedding and many couples have discovered fantastic ideas for them.

Reception Décor

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photo source: etsy

Regardless of the style of your wedding, you will be able to find personalized décor on Etsy. These items will most likely be handmade, which will add a special and memorable quality to them. You will have the benefit of them being unique and beautiful at the same time. Plus, both you and your guests will love the fantastic look that they give to your reception.

Art Supplies

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photo source: etsy

If you are looking for some unique art supplies to use in order to make some of your own wedding decorations, one of the best places to find them is on Etsy. Here, you will be able to find a wide range of art supplies, so whether you are looking for sea shells or long straight branches, you will probably find what you need on this site.

Candles

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photo source: etsy

Many brides choose to add candles to the design of their wedding and you will find many different styles on Etsy. From rustic to modern and everything in between, there are options available to fit with any wedding design. You can even find special glass jars that can be fitted with a flameless candle or a tea light candle as well.

Conclusion

Etsy has decoration ideas for every occasion and a wedding is something that can benefit greatly from the homemade designs that are found here. So, if you are looking for something unique to use to decorate for your wedding, don’t forget to look at the options that can be found on Etsy.

Best for Bride

At Best for Bride, you can find a great number of décor items that will fit with the homemade options that you will find on Etsy. Be sure to stop by to check out your options and to complete the perfect wedding day design for your big day.

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Trends for Brides

The wedding season is in full swing, and many interesting trends are taking place this year that are pretty exciting in the wedding world. While many brides choose to stray from the norm, the popular trends this year are attractive to most brides and help create a beautiful experience for the couple, the wedding party and the guests. Consider some of the following if you are getting married this year.

British Style

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Due to the popularity of Princess Kate and Downton Abbey, many brides are choosing to go with a British flare for their weddings. This new design is centred around an afternoon tea or a garden party. Frequently, tables are left uncovered, or brides may cover them with a vintage lace cloth. Garlands and loose floral centrepieces are also a popular addition. Blooms like English roses, dahlias, peonies and hydrangeas are the most common at these weddings.

Champagne and Signature Cocktails

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Another popular trend this year is to forgo the traditional drinks and the open bar. Instead, brides choose to go with champagne that can be mixed with fruit puree or signature cocktails. These not only are easier on the budget, but they create a customized and fun addition to the receptions.

Tasting Stations

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Tasting stations are also becoming quite popular with signature cocktails and special champagne. However, these tasting stations focus more on food than drinks. These allow couples to show off their favourite foods in small and fun ways. Some of the most popular additions are make-it-yourself taco stands, oyster shucking stations and macaroni and cheese bars. Some couples have even chosen to have local food trucks present for their wedding rather than going for a traditional formal dinner arrangement.

Fancy Cakes

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Another popular trend this year is cakes that dare you to touch them. These cakes are created with unique textures and designs that make them appear as though they are not a cake. Herringbone, geometric patterns and three-dimensional lattices are popular designs for today’s wedding cakes. However, many brides are still choosing lace patterns, textured buttercream frosting and pleats to add a more romantic feel to the occasion.

Photos

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In the past, photo booths were a popular addition. However, these days, couples are choosing something a bit more interesting. Many couples have decided to hire a silhouette artist who will create memorable portraits of their guests. Not only is this a fun idea, but it also gives guests something they can bring home to remember the special occasion.

Conclusion

2015 is going to be an exciting year to become married. With the many trends that are taking place, you can easily create a beautiful wedding with some fun modern twists.

Don’t forget to stop by Best for Bride so that you can have all of your wedding day supplies in one location. Here, you will find all the best dresses for the year and will be able to choose your wedding décor as well.

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