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Wedding invitation

Your engagement is the beginning of an exquisite story, and choosing your wedding invitation is the first chapter you write together. Far more than a simple card, it is the very first glimpse your guests receive of your wedding day: refined, romantic or boldly modern. At Cotton Bird, every invitation is designed with meticulous care and crafted in our French workshop, on sumptuous premium paper, with the option of gold foil finishes or delicate laser-cut details. A timeless keepsake that turns your announcement into a true work of art. White envelopes are always included, at no extra cost.

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Wedding invitation: announce your union with elegance

 

You have just got engaged, and a beautiful new chapter begins: imagining how you will announce your wedding to the people you love.

Your wedding invitation is far more than a simple card. It is the first impression your guests will keep of your big day, the first glimpse of your world, the first tangible gesture that turns your plans into a shared moment. Romantic, rustic, chic, modern or wonderfully original, your invitation already tells a story: yours.

At Cotton Bird, we design personalised wedding invitations, crafted to bring together emotion, refinement and attention to detail.

 

At a glance: what to know about your wedding invitations

 

Before getting into the details, here are the essentials to keep in mind:

 

Why send a wedding invitation?

 

Sending a wedding invitation is how you officially announce your union to the people who matter most.

It is also a lovely way to set the tone for your celebration: elegant, relaxed, intimate, festive or wonderfully offbeat. From the moment the envelope is opened, your guests discover an announcement that reflects who you are as a couple.

Receiving an invitation printed on beautiful paper, carefully chosen, creates a particular kind of emotion. It becomes a tangible, treasured keepsake, often displayed on a sideboard or fridge long after the wedding.

 

Wedding invitation or evening invitation: what's the difference?

 

These two terms are often confused, yet they don't always serve the same purpose.

In practice, many couples today choose a single, clear and complete invitation. It is often the simplest, most elegant and most harmonious solution for their guests.

 

What should a wedding invitation include?

 

A successful invitation needs to be both beautiful and easy to read. It goes straight to the essentials, while giving your loved ones the information they need to plan ahead.

 

The essential information

 

 

Additional information, optional

 

The goal is simple: create an invitation that is as delightful to read as it is to receive.

 

How do you word your wedding invitation?

 

There is no single correct way to write a wedding invitation. There is only the one that sounds like you.

Some announcements are very traditional, others more direct, poetic or contemporary. You can choose a solemn, tender, light-hearted or even mischievous tone. What matters most is that the wording reflects the spirit of your relationship.

 

4 inspiring wording examples for your invitation

 

1. Chic and elegant style

 

Mr and Mrs Bennett and Mr and Mrs Clarke are delighted to announce the marriage of their children, Sophie and Thomas.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday 21st June 2027 at 3.30pm at St Margaret's Church, followed by a reception at Hartwell House.

Please confirm your attendance by 1st April 2027.

 

2. Rustic and romantic style

 

Under a July sky, surrounded by those we love, we've decided to say yes.

Lea and Max invite you to celebrate their wedding on Saturday 12th July 2027 at 4pm at Rose Barn Farm.

We would be so happy to share this moment with you. Please let us know by 1st May 2027.

 

3. Modern and minimalist style

 

Emma and Julian are getting married!

Saturday 20th September 2027

The Register Office, 2.30pm

Evening party from 7pm at The Old Warehouse

Please confirm your attendance by 30th June 2027.

 

4. Light-hearted and playful style

 

After years of putting up with each other, Camille and Roman have finally decided to make it official.

Yes, we're getting married!

Saturday 5th July 2027, 3pm, Meadow Hall.

Come one, come all, with your best smile and a taste for celebrating. RSVP by 1st May 2027.

 

Which wedding invitation style should you choose?

 

The style of your stationery gives the very first impression of your wedding. It creates emotion from the moment the envelope is opened.

 

The original wedding invitation

 

For an element of surprise from the first glance, opt for an unexpected die-cut, an unusual shape or an illustration that breaks with convention. The ideal option to announce your day with real personality.

 

The rustic wedding invitation

 

Delicate, natural and warm, the rustic style evokes dried flowers, wild foliage, soft watercolours and outdoor ceremonies. It suits weddings at a vineyard, in a garden, or in the countryside beautifully.

 

The chic wedding invitation

 

Sophistication, elegance and beautiful materials define this style. The chic invitation plays with clean lines, refined typography and precious finishes, such as hot foil stamping. A perfect option for a timeless announcement.

 

The modern wedding invitation

 

Graphic, minimalist and contemporary, the modern invitation wins hearts with its confident simplicity. It highlights the essentials with perfect graphic balance and contemporary colour palettes.

 

The vintage wedding invitation

 

Inspired by the charm of days gone by, the vintage style calls on kraft textures, soft tones, lace or retro details full of character. A poetic way to give your announcement a nostalgic dimension.

 

Which formats and papers should you choose?

 

The format, paper and handcrafted finishes all contribute fully to the tactile experience of your invitation.

 

The most popular formats

 

 

Exceptional papers and Cotton Bird finishes

 

 

Cotton Bird's artisanal finishes

 

Beyond paper and format, it's the finishes that turn a simple card into an exceptional object. At Cotton Bird, every detail matters.

 

Hot foil stamping (gold, copper and gloss)

 

A traditional technique that makes your names or key design elements shine. Artisanal hot foil stamping, applied in our workshop, adds a precious, timeless dimension to your invitation. A revisited classic for couples who love refinement.

 

Original laser die-cutting

 

The true Cotton Bird signature. Our exclusive die-cuts turn your invitation into a desirable object from the moment the envelope is opened. Delicate silhouettes, floral motifs, layered arches, geometric shapes — every die-cut is designed to surprise your guests and tell your story.

 

Artisanal accessories

 

Elevate your invitation with our carefully selected accessories:

 

Matching envelopes

 

Unlike many of our competitors, white envelopes in the standard range are always included in your order, at no extra cost. Only kraft or premium coloured envelopes are offered as an option.

It's our conviction: quality and harmony should be accessible, not charged separately.

 

How many wedding invitations should you order?

 

It's the classic mistake: ordering as many invitations as there are guests. You think in number of guests, but you should count in number of households.

According to national surveys, an average wedding in the UK brings together around 90 guests. However, many of these guests share the same household: couples, families, children.

 

Our workshop's calculation method

 

To precisely estimate your needs, you can apply the following formula:

Number of households = Total number of guests x 0.60

Then add a safety margin of 10% to 15% to allow for last-minute omissions, addressing mistakes, or simply to keep precious keepsakes for yourselves and close parents.

 

Concrete example for a wedding of 100 guests

 

 

What is the price of a wedding invitation?

 

The budget for your stationery depends mainly on the format, paper texture, artisanal finishes such as foil stamping or laser die-cutting, and the accessories chosen.

To help you estimate your budget, here is an indicative price guide:

 

A tip from our workshop

 

It is almost always more economical to order a sufficient quantity from the very first print run. Reprinting for just 10 or 15 additional units significantly increases the unit cost.

 

When should you send your wedding invitations?

 

Timing is key so your guests can save the date in good time.

 

Recommended timeframes

 

 

The ideal calendar depending on your wedding season

 

 

Who should you send your wedding invitation to?

 

The invitation is for those you wish to include in this unique celebration. Your guest list generally includes:

 

Which style suits which couple?

 

Still hesitating over the right direction? Here is our quick guide to help you decide:

 

Why choose Cotton Bird for your wedding invitation?

 

Because a wedding invitation isn't designed solely to convey practical information. It's created to spark an emotion in whoever receives it.

The French workshop Cotton Bird brings over 10 years of artisanal know-how to your service:

 

FAQ - Your questions about wedding invitations

 

 

When should I send my wedding invitations?

 

For a wedding celebrated in the UK, the ideal sending window is between 4 and 6 months before the big day. If you're planning a wedding abroad, or during a long bank holiday weekend, plan ahead and send them 8 to 12 months in advance.

 

How much does a wedding invitation cost?

 

The unit price varies depending on the level of personalisation and finishes. A classic, understated design starts from £1.00 to £1.90. For a premium Cotton Bird creation, with artisanal hot foil stamping or intricate die-cuts, expect £1.90 to nearly £2.95 depending on the quantity ordered.

 

What should be written on a wedding invitation?

 

The essential elements are the first names of the couple, the date of the union, the precise times and exact addresses of each ceremony, as well as your contact details and the RSVP deadline.

 

What is the difference between a wedding invitation and an evening invitation?

 

The wedding invitation is the main document sent to all your loved ones to officially announce your union. The evening invitation is an additional card slipped only into the envelopes of guests invited to the reception, evening party or day-after brunch.

 

Are the envelopes included in the price?

 

Yes, absolutely. At Cotton Bird, standard white envelopes are always included for free with your invitation order, at no additional cost. This is a major difference from many of our competitors, who charge for envelopes separately.

Only premium envelopes are optional: natural kraft envelopes for a more eco-friendly finish, or premium coloured envelopes to create a striking contrast or harmony with your design.

Our approach is simple: quality should be accessible from the start, with no unpleasant surprises when finalising your order.

 

Can I order free samples before finalising my order?

 

Absolutely! At Cotton Bird, we believe you should be able to feel and check the quality before committing.

That's why you can order up to 2 free personalised samples. You choose:

You'll receive your samples within 5-7 working days. No obligation to buy. It's the best way to discover the Cotton Bird quality in your own hands before making your decision with complete confidence.

Offer valid once per sample order.

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