Couples have a blank sheet when it comes to creating wedding invitations. From elaborate boxes sealed with a bow or cut-out invitations in the shape of a bride- and groom-to-be, the options are endless.
However, for couples who want to remain traditional or slightly modern, stationery specialists Kat Chan and Virginia Ho share trends in creating Chinese wedding invitations.
'If you want a traditional look, pick red paper with the 'double happiness' characters gold hot-stamped on top, along with gold lettering and Chinese phrases.'
About 10 years ago, Chan says couples started wanting more of a modern twist. 'They crossed over to [paper] colours like sharp pink, yellow, blue and green. Most of the contents will be in English, and we'll create the couple's initials with a logo and put it on the front cover,' she says. And, while modern features such as semi-circle die-cut or Western flower patterns have emerged, the 'double happiness' characters have remained. 'People like the double happiness [characters]. Even if you are sending the cards to friends overseas, everybody knows what these characters mean,' Chan explains.
According to Chan, in the past five years, more couples are choosing to create their own design. 'Before they would pick some standard card and we'd only put in their content, then print it. But couples want to have their own style of invitation now. They are willing to pay more, it's more personal and shows their character.'
To order a custom design, Chan suggests confirming your look about one month in advance. She says prices range from HK$10 to HK$60, depending on the design and quantity.