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Specialising in bespoke designs for weddings and events, we strive to create timeless wedding stationery for couples across the UK, America, and worldwide. Based in London, UK, our paper artistry and calligraphy studio combines subtlety and old-world charm to craft heirlooms to cherish.

Semi-Custom vs Bespoke Wedding Invitations: Which Is Right for You?

Updated: Mar 12

When it comes to sending out invitations for your wedding, the choices can feel endless. One of the key decisions you'll face is whether to go with semi-custom or bespoke wedding invitations. Both options offer a personalised touch, but there are some important differences between the two that can help you decide. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between the two, their pros and cons, and help you decide which option is right for your special day.


Let’s break it down!


french-inspired wedding invitation

What Are Semi-Custom Invitations?

Semi-custom invitations are like the perfect balance between ready-made designs and fully personalised creations. The idea is that you start with a template that’s already been designed by a wedding invitation designer, and then you get to add your own personal touches. They often come with a fixed layout, but you have the ability to adjust key elements like;

  • Colours: Choose a palette that fits your wedding style and theme. Elements like envelope, font, and ribbon colours can be customisable.

  • Fonts: Pick a typeface that suits your style—whether it’s classic, modern, or whimsical.

  • Wording: The text can be customised with your specific wedding details, like names, dates and locations.


Why You Might Love Semi-Custom Invitations:

  • Budget-Friendly: Since the design work has already been done, semi-custom invitations are typically more affordable than bespoke options.

  • Quick Turnaround: No waiting months for a completely custom design—they are quicker to produce because the base design is already in place.

  • Tons of Options: Many designers offer a wide selection of templates, so it's easy to find a style that matches your wedding theme.


A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Limited Flexibility: You can tweak a lot of things, but if you want a completely unique design, this might feel a bit limiting.

  • Might Not Be Totally One-of-a-Kind: Since other people can use the same template, your invitations might not feel totally exclusive to your wedding.


elegant wedding invite with letterpress features

What About Bespoke Invitations?

Now, if you’re really looking for something special, bespoke invitations are the way to go. Bespoke invitations are fully custom-designed from scratch. This means every aspect of the invitation, from layout to fonts to the imagery used, is created specifically for your event. With bespoke invitations, you work closely with a designer to bring your vision to life.

We’re talking about everything from:

  • Layout: Completely customisable—whether you want something minimalist or elaborate.

  • Imagery: Want a custom illustration or a unique graphic? No problem!

  • Text and Typography: You can pick fonts, colours, and even the wording to reflect your personality and event style.


Why Bespoke Invitations Are Amazing:

  • Completely Unique: No two bespoke invitations are the same. Everything is designed exactly how you want it, meaning your invitation design will be 100% yours.

  • Fully Personalised Experience: You’ll work one-on-one with a designer to create an invitation that truly reflects your vision and the essence of your wedding. From the initial consultation to the final product, you’ll have the chance to infuse your personality and vision into the design.

  • High Quality: Bespoke invitation designs tend to be crafted with high quality materials and expert craftsmanship, giving your invites that luxurious touch and make them stand out.


The Flip Side:

  • Higher Cost: The level of customisation and the time involved in creating bespoke invitations means they are usually more expensive.

  • Longer Lead Time: With bespoke invitations, you’ll need to plan well in advance. Each design is made to order and therefore the design process can take a little longer.

  • Limited Availability: Not every designer offers bespoke services, so you might have to do a bit of searching. If you're looking for a wedding invitation designer to create a fully bespoke invitation suite, we're here to help! Get in touch to find out if we're the best fit to design your invitations!


semi-custom or bespoke invitations, which is the right fit for you?

So, Which Should You Choose?

Honestly, the decision between semi-custom and bespoke invitations largely depends on what's important to you, including your budget, timeline, and how unique you want your invitations to be.

  • Semi-Custom Invitations: If you’re working within a budget or have a tight deadline, semi-custom invitations are the way to go. They offer a lot of room for personalisation while still being cost-effective and quick to produce.

  • Bespoke Invitations: If you’ve got the time, the budget, and a specific vision you want to bring to life, bespoke invitations will give you the freedom to create something that feels totally unique and personal.


Both semi-custom and bespoke wedding invitations have their benefits, and ultimately, the most important thing is that your invitations set the tone for your wedding. Whether you opt for the quick turnaround and affordability of semi-custom designs or the one-of-a-kind experience of bespoke invitations, remember that the invitation is often the first impression of your wedding. Make sure it reflects the style, elegance, and personality of what’s to come.


Still unsure about which route to take? No worries! We’re here to help you choose the perfect option for your event. Feel free to get in touch, and let’s make your invitations as amazing as your event will be! We'll guide you through every step of the process!


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