Invitations Designed!

This past week (okay, yesterday!) we finalized our invitations with our graphic design expert Chris! This is very exciting—especially since it only took 2 iterations! Well, technically 5 because he sent me 4 designs (all of which were very cool) and edited of one them, which we actually chose.

I would post it, but I feel like I want people to be surprised when they get them. Somethings should be kept secret I suppose. After the invitations get sent in May, I will be sure to post a picture so that people who follow the blog who aren't invited (sorry!) can see the invitation.

Some little details about the invitations:

• We decided to go with 5X7 size invitations. I had thought about doing "tea size" invitations (they look like regular envelope size) but decided that traditional size would be best. That being said, the invites are landscape not portrait in orientation.
• Paper: The invitations will be printed on white linen paper. We had toyed around with less expensive paper options and even pearlized paper (Erik's idea) but after seeing many many samples (thanks Chris for repeatedly sending us paper samples!) we decided on just plain jane white linen. It looks very classy, in my opinion, and the texture feels very nice on the hands!
• Thermography: We also decided to go with thermography as opposed to engraving (super expensive) or laser printing (just not formal enough). Thermography creates a raised print on the invitation, which will also look clean and classy.
• Envelopes: Now, I know that traditionally envelopes are white and there are two—an inner and outer envelope—but we are branching out from this mold! Our envelopes are going to be light blue (to match hydrangea blue and the blue in the monogram). The jury's still out whether the envelopes will also be linen—have to hear back from Chris as to the writing/printing ease before I decide. We also dispensed with the inner envelope for the invitations. Really, is it necessary? I say "no." Sorry to the traditionalists out there. As a side note: Emily Post (I consult her wedding guide on everything) said it was okay.
• Wording: Since our wedding is outdoors we decided to again part with traditional wording on the invitation. Our invitations will read "pleasure of your company" instead of "honour of your presence." Again, Emily Post said this was okay given the nature of the ceremony. I like it not only because it seems less stuffy but also because it gets rid of the British spelling of "honor."

So, those are the highlights and probably much more detail than you ever needed to know! Now, Chris has started working on the response cards. Updates later.