Not all stationery is created equal. In fact, depending on the nature of the invitations, each style of special occasion stationery is vastly different. For example, you certainly would not want to send an average birthday invitation for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding event. Although beautiful options exist for every celebratory event in your life, your special day deserves wedding invitations and stationery in a class all its own.

Don't know how to tell the difference between a birthday invitation and a wedding invitation? Use this handy guide to help you select the right kind of wedding invitations for you and the unique event that you are planning.

Quality Sets Wedding Invitations and Birthday Invitations Apart

Modern wedding invitations are as rich in color and bold in pattern as everyday stationery, but there is one major difference between the two: quality. Printed on heavier cardstock, wedding invitations feel more luxurious to the touch. Wedding invitations that exude class and sophistication are hard to resist and complement a variety of wedding themes.

Because of the higher quality, elaborate design, and heavier cardstock, wedding invitations are typically more expensive than birthday invitations. However, considering that your wedding only happens once in your life, the pricier options are certainly worth their weight in gold.

Add heavy embellishment or a fancy envelope, and the overall price for the wedding invitations will increase. Often designed to match the invitation, the envelope may mimic the graphics printed on the stationery or may offer a monogram or flowers instead.

Event Details and Differences in Wedding Invitations

Limited space for text also separates some styles of birthday stationery from wedding invitations. Postcard and fold and seal birthday invitations are small in size and therefore cannot contain a lot of information. In contrast, regular wedding invitations can be printed in a variety of ways and make use of space by utilizing different sized fonts and graphics.

Some sample information printed on the wedding invitations includes:

The name of the bride and groom, the name of each person's mother and father, the date and time of the ceremony, the location where it is being held, a way to RSVP, and driving directions if space permits.

Inserted with the wedding invitation may be a sample menu for the reception. Guests get to choose what kind of meal they would like served to them in advance, which makes it easier for couples to plan for rehearsal and reception dinners.

In contrast, regular stationery and birthday party invitations are straight to the point. They often contain information about the party and nothing else. On the other hand, wedding invitations often use quotes and poetry to set the tone. Because of their nature, the content will most likely reflect a romantic saying versus a regular greeting.

Set Your Special Day Apart with Unique Wedding Invitations

Sent out once a year, birthday invitations lack the appeal that wedding invitations have. Due to the special nature of the event, wedding announcements are bold and lavish. Because of the details involved, wedding invitations can take weeks longer to prepare than birthday invitations.

When choosing invitations for your wedding, there are many things to consider, the most important being that this event is once-in-a-lifetime! You can be as unique and as luxurious as your budget will allow you to be. The key to success is finding the type of wedding invitations that will set you apart and excite your guests about your big event.