Texture

Visual is Not All! Appeal to the tactile sense by including one or two or more of the following element.

Embossing:This offers a subtle impression on the surface of the paper. 

 

Foil Stamping – use of metallic foil to create an impression and a shiny surface.

Engraving  - creates a raised impression on the surface an indentation on the back.

    

    

Nautical

Do you love the harmonic sound of crashing waves, the smell of ocean, the view of the sun glistening off the water then look no further. A nautical/ beach theme is ideal for your occasion.

Growing up on an island we sometimes overlook the beauty of having an event near the ocean. As Trinidadians we can utilize the beauty of our surrounding to have an exceptional event. Let it begin with your invitation.

Make your invitation come alive by incorporating maritime elements such as anchors, shells, starfish, and ropes.  Captivate your guests by including hues of blues, coral and brown elements in your seaside influenced invites.

Glitz and Glamour

Sparkle, Sparkle, Sparkle. If you want the bling in your invitation then utilize metallic in your design element. This design includes: 

1.                                                                         

Bold and crisp fonts with a hint of calligraphy.

2. 

A colour palette comprising of hues of gold or silver and a complementary accent colour.

3.

Embellishments such as stones, jewels or rhinestones

Character Inspired

Ask any child and they will tell you who their favourite superhero or cartoon character is. As the parent/ host for a child’s event make it memorable by having a theme event after their idols. This will definitely be a crowd pleaser and talked about event. 

Character invites simply means including a picture of the character on the invite or elements of the show.

Don’t be left out as adult. You too can have a character/idol inspired themed event. Popular themes include club football and masquerade inspired invitations. 

Simplicity

This design element creates a simple but elegant end product. 

It includes clean, crisp font, simple patterns and does not include any embellishments. 

This design includes print patterns to create the awe factor. Popular patterns includes damask, floral and butterfly prints.

Destination

Are you a jet setter, love to visit new places. Then plan a destination theme event. Choose your destination and make it a reality by incorporating parts of the country, national colours and emblems.

Design Tips

A properly designed invitation is an extraordinary work of art which stimulates the senses to create the desired effect. By manipulating the design elements of layout, shape, texture, colour, sizing and font style you will be able to appeal to your invitees senses.

Design Tips:

• Choose a style and stick with it, use motifs and hues to complement your theme.

• Do not confuse you design my adding multiple elements.

• Use legible font and avoiding hard to read fonts as it takes away from the design.

• Be sure to center align text.

• You can explore various size and shapes, however bear in mind moving away from the traditional size 4.5 × 6.25 will result in a higher cost

• Do not overcrowd the invite.

• Proof read before printing, you do not want any embarrassments with typos

• Print on card stock – don’t use cheap paper as it takes away from the overall package

Birthday

A time of birth, a season for growth, the time we decide to make a change and set new personal goals. Celebrated in many cultures through a variety of functions and events. From a child’s 5^th birthday or the sweet sixteen bashes, to the milestone ages of 50 and 90, invitations are the first step in making the celebration enjoyable.

You’re invited, two special words that created a sense of inclusion. Once a surprise choose the invitation most suitable for the age and depicts the personality of the celebrant.

Type of Themes

Themes creates the mood and sets the atmosphere for any event. Choosing the themes enables you to have consistency and order while still having fun and excitement in your events.  It also adds to overall aesthetics of the event.

There are numerous themes available to you. Popular themes include the age old vintage which is always a classic, modern chic, floral, nautical, character, destination and masquerade to name but a few.

Be daring in your choice and feel free to mix more than one theme.

Stay tune and learn how to achieve this!

Occasions - The Meaning

Occasions may be classified as an exciting, special time in an individuals life or it may be categorized as a sombre events at times. Regardless at invite for all we show you how to celebrate life events through the expression of art in the form of Invite Cards. 

Special events worth celebrating includes birthday celebrations, anniversaries, baby showers and weddings. Sombre events also worth celebrating includes home comings and farewell. 

Let us celebrate with you and make your event a beautiful reality!!!

Pre Cut and Assemble

Another DIY approach which requires minimal effort and assembly is DIY invitation Kits.  Two options available with this method is utilizing a template from the provider or creating your own design via the adobe suite or publisher. DIY kits usually contains pre –cut card stock paper so if you are interested in this method be sure your printer can print various paper sizes. A benefit of this type of assembly is it allows you to add your personal touch to your invitations. 

Check out elegant wedding for DIY kits and the eternal stationary link on assembly.

https://www.elegantweddinginvites.com/shop/diy-wedding-invitations-affordable/ 

Look out for upcoming post on creating your design in Adobe and Publisher !

Foil Printing

DIY foil printing is quick and will cost you cheaper than having it professionally done.  All that is required is a laminator and DECO foil which can be sourced on Amazon. Unfortunately I have not found a local supplier of this foil but I will update you once I locate a vendor.  Check out the steps and video below to get your project started. 

1. 1Print your design on a laser printer (foil will not stick to inkjet prints) and place print with design side up
2. Add your deco foil (Available in a range of colours) on the printed element you will like foiled. Clear part on the design and foil side facing up.
3.  Place in between the card holder to avoid direct heat transfer to the invitation.
4.  Send it through the laminator, sealed end first
5. Remove the foil from your invitation. 

Templates

Have no fear if it is your first time and you don’t know how to design an invitation. There are numerous websites which offers a variety of templates for multiple occasions.  This DIY option is for beginners and does not require any special crafting machines or skills.  If you are sending an invitation via the internet, then you do not need any equipment,  however if you choose to print then a printer, glue and scissor are required:

Step 1:

Find a free printable invitation site. Listed below are two popular websites which you can utilize

https://www.greetingsisland.com/invitations/wedding/

https://www.canva.com/templates/invitations/

Step 2:

Choose a template suited for your occasion and theme.

Step 3:

Edit the template

Step 4:

Print your invitation

Step 5:

Deliver

Do It Yourself Essentials

You have an upcoming event and want to prepare your invitation yourself then you require the following DIY essentials. Off course some variation will occur based on your design style and themes and whether the invitation will be printed or sent out via electronic medium.

Essentials:

• A Laaserjet printer which offers high quality printing. If you don’t have a printer don’t be alarmed, you can simply save your file as a jpeg/ pdf or a format suitable for a local printer.
• Guillotine/ Scissors for precise cutting.
•  Paper- A printed invitation isn’t possible without paper. To give that professional finish to your invitation be sure to use Card Stock which is heavier than regular copy paper. Check out Bricha Limited in San Juan for an extensive range of paper and paper products.

          http://brichaltd.com/

• Embellishments- Looking to add texture and details then turn towards embellishments such as rhinestones, ribbons, feathers and twine. Check out Tullip Productions in Port of Spain and Samaroos Carnival in San Juan and San Fernando for the acquisition of these items. Off course you will also be able to acquire glue guns, glue refills and other application materials.

          http://www.samaroosgroup.com/gallery/
          http://tulipproduction.com/index.php?cPath=133

• Laminator – suitable for foil printing.

DIY - Is it for You?

DIY takes a lot of time from you. Therefore if you have numerous commitments it may be difficult to add another project.  DIY is a fun endeavour and your invitations should not be completed in haste or under stressful conditions. Before embarking on this journey on creating your invitation reflect on the following:

• Experimenting & selecting your design Ideas – Researching your design idea is ideal. You may have a general idea but take time to peruse a variety of websites and forums.
• Sample- It is always ideal to prepare a sample of your design. If you are ordering pockets or card stock remember it will take approximately 2 weeks to reach to Trinidad. Order enough to run multiple print
•  Cost – Consider the overall cost of your project. Take into consideration printing material, tools and accessories. Compare with purchasing items from a professional.  

Comfortable with the Above: Then DIY is for You!

Bundle of Joy

A special time celebrating the arrival of a bundle(s) of joy. A perfect event starts with invitation and continues with the favours, décor, food and so much more.  As the host, be mindful of the expectant mother’s preference on the selection of the invitation as it sets the tone for the event.

• Electronic invitations -Facebook, Whats App, E-mail allows for ease of delivery and RSVP
•  Printed invitations – allows for customization
• Handmade invitations gives it a personal touch

Remember printed and handmade invitations can be kept as keepsakes and are a perfect addition to the Baby’s Album.

Celebrate A Retirement

After working a number or years it is always wonderful to celebrate a person’s service to an organization. Creating an environment of achievement by treasuring the individual work commences with the invitation of guests to a retirement function/party.

Choosing the right type of invitation enhances the moment. Formal invitations are always welcomed once the event is hosted by the organization, once hosted by the family remember you can -

Be bold, Be Adventurous and Make the invitation Memorable!