Tips for proofing your invites

When so much effort goes into creating these beauties, proofreading is an essential step to take before pressing the print button (or telling me to!). Because when you are so closely involved in the process and the details of your big day, it can be surprisingly easy to overlook very important details.

A good stationery designer will pick up on common typos, missing details and other things that could sneak past you. Because let’s be real, you’ve got A LOT on your plate, like actually taste-testing cake on your plate. BUT it’s important you do your due diligence too, because we can’t pick up every detail. Especially those that only you are privy to.

Block out 30 minutes

Make sure you have about 30 minutes completely blocked out, dedicated to this task. Ideally you will be viewing from your computer or printed copies (not on your phone).

Have someone else read it

After you’ve done your checks, it’s always a good idea to have someone not involved in the process (Bridesmaid, Mum) take a look over it with a fresh set of eyes.

Print it out

You’d be surprised what is noticed on a printed copy compared to on screen. Printing out a copy also allows you to tick each element or line as you’ve checked it.

Check for spelling

Copy the text from your proof into word or email with a spell-check function if you can. Keep in mind this won’t pick up errors like “or” when it should be “on”, or “they’re” when it should be “their”.

Read it backwards

You’ve read it a million times by now and may be skipping over obvious errors. Reading it in a new way helps your brain bypass this ‘auto correct’ function.

Check for consistency

You want to ensure consistent use of full stops, date format (wedding date/RSVP date), font style, tone of voice (formal/casual), and spacing between paragraphs.

(If I’m creating your stationery, checking for consistent design elements is a standard part of my processes before sending to print.)

Check it off

• Your names/parents names

• Date (day, month and year): Open up your calendar to ensure the day matches the date

• Time: If you want to cover for any late arrivals, consider adding a 15 minute buffer to your start time

• Location (venue name, street, suburb, state): Type it into maps as if you were a guest to ensure you’ve got it right

• RSVP (rsvp date, how to rsvp): Ensure your date is at least 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding if you need day stationery. If you’re using a wedding website or QR code, type it into a new browser or scan it to ensure it works.

• Envelopes: Consider whether you want to include a return address in case of lost mail (this can be added in the top left corner)
  Check over spelling of guest names and addresses (often you’ll notice errors on the design compared to an excel spreadsheet)
  Check you have addressed any international addresses correctly (the country name should be in capitals on the bottom line).