Every engaged couple has a different vision of what their dream wedding is: For some people, it’s a sophisticated black tie dinner; for other brides and grooms, it’s a charming outdoor garden party. The scenarios are limitless. What is true about all of these situations is that each bride and groom sets the tone for the wedding – and the very first impression that they make about it is through their wedding invitation.

A wedding invitation gives details of where, when and who – but it also projects a mood, style or feeling that guests can expect at the ceremony and reception. Along with the wording used and the design of the invite, the font also plays a strong role. Take a look at these examples to see just how much a font makes an impression!

Casual and Cheerful
Keeping things light and airy? Bucking tradition to simply have a fun party for your closest friend and family? A wedding invite with a font that isn’t stuffy but still special will help communicate this to your guests. Think about a handwritten look that isn’t overly fussed with cursive formality. If this is the style of wedding you are planning, fonts such as Brandywine, FG Cheryl and Frivolity will represent your ideal wedding day well

Romantic
For many couples, their wedding day is the height of their romantic feelings for one another and so they plan an event to reflect this. Their reception may be a lit entirely by candles and include a rich five-course meal and classical music accompaniment. Or perhaps the bride has envisioned her day as her perfect fairy-tale wedding, complete with a princess-style gown and tiara. If this type of wedding sounds anything like yours, choose an invitation font that is very cursive, exaggerated and feminine. Free fonts such as Jane Austin, Free Booter and Miss Brooks could work very well in this regard

Retro and Period-style
Perhaps you and your fiancé have decided to host a retro-chic cocktail party instead of a traditional sit-down dinner for your wedding. Or maybe you’ve become inspired by the art deco period and are looking to bring elements of 1930s style to your reception. Using typefaces that would have been popular on signage in that period is an excellent way to give your guests insight on what they can expect at your wedding. Vintage-inspired fonts like Feena, FontDinerDotCom and SharonAClassic would each give your wedding announcement a distinct (but different) retro feel

Once you have picked out your font for your wedding announcements, be sure to incorporate it into your wedding day where ever you can. Printed items like your menu, signs, table cards – and eventually thank-you cards – are an opportunity for you to put a consistent and personalised stamp on your wedding that will surely make a memorable impact with your guests.