Wedding invitations

When you start planning for a major day like this, don’t you want to share your news in a way that feels not only special but also true to who you are? Using photo wedding invitations offers a simple yet engaging way to show your story, giving your guests an idea of your style before the event even comes.

If you’re trying to decide which layout to go with, you’ll notice that today’s more popular photo invitation styles differ in look and shape, though several clear choices stand out. “Single photo” invitations, which use just one well-chosen picture to create a mood, are now picked by most couples (around 74%). Sometimes you may want to show a range of moments, so a “multi-photo” design—selected by about 8%—is there to let you put together recent shots, images from childhood, or just simple pictures that really match your story. In terms of shape, some people go with the classic “portrait orientation,” while others, if the photo fits better, may choose the wider “landscape” version. You’ll also see a handful of design names (such as Portsmouth, Hartington, and Brodie) appear again and again among top picks, mostly because they look good and give space for personal detail.

Often you’ll ask: Which photo works best for our invitations—and is there a standard the printer needs? The picture you pick does more than look nice; it helps set how people will feel about your wedding.
Choose a high-quality photo—at least 300 dots per inch—so there’s no blur on the final paper. Natural daylight helps show faces in a warm, open way, and professional lighting can also work well. If your card design is a tall shape, find a photo that matches that, which gives the best look in print. Make sure there’s enough open space around your faces or bodies so words or details won’t cover anything important. Most of all, let your photo be real. If you’re playful, show it; if you’re close, let that come through.

Sometimes a clear, simple card is best—it keeps the photo at the center, just as you want. Still, what small details might add value? A few choose cards with a soft curved “arch” above the picture or a fine decorative frame (each of these are less common, but still available), especially if you want to bring out the shape or feature of your photo. Choosing colors from your photo itself can make everything look connected. A good choice of text—as is, whether classic or modern—can show your personality just as much as the picture.

Planning ahead helps. You’ll want to pick engagement photos about five or six months before the wedding. If you want to compare types of paper, order a set of samples at least four months ahead. Most orders are placed about three months out, which gives time for changes or to fix any issue that might come up. Send invitations six to eight weeks before the day, using sturdy mailers so your cards arrive safely.

Why all the talk about high quality and daylight? It’s because professional printers actually need sharp, well-lit pictures for every detail to stay clear on the card. Avoid heavy editing—in print, soft changes often look best. Always ask to see a digital proof before giving the final approval, so you’ll know your picture and words sit just right on the paper.

Choosing photo wedding invitations gives you a keepsake—a real thing to hold on to—that not only tells your story but also sets the mood for a happy day to come.