Today is one of those days that's filled with many, many little projects for me. Some are bigger in scope than others, but all together they comprise a very random workday that truly tests my ability as a multi-tasker.
One of the first things on my "to do" list was creating a custom map for one my clients. The act of drawing lines and shapes in itself isn't too difficult, but the whole idea that some guests may be relying on this one map to get to your once-in-a-lifetime wedding makes me take the art of map-making very seriously. Take Google maps for example. When I need to drive to a neighborhood I've never been to, I love that I can map it out on Google. What I don't love is the sometimes illogical routes that the Google gods suggest I take. No way around that, I guess.
Anyway, thought I'd share some tips about making maps for your wedding (whether you're doing it yourself or having a professional design it for you):
1) Get the address correct. Yeah, sometimes I receive wrong addresses with transposed numbers, or misspelled street names. Check it once, twice, three times.
2) Figure out where most of your guests will be coming from - east, west? It makes a difference in the directions you'll want to include.
3) Do your guests a favor and make sure that the directions you include are clear and concise...and accurate. If you're mapping it out on Google/Yahoo/Mapquest, check if this route is logical and avoids any known problem spots. Generally, if your venue can provide you with their standard issue directions, these are the best and most reliable.
4) Include major streets and important landmarks. No need to include every single little street on your map unless you have lots of empty space you want to fill up. Choose the important ones and any landmarks that will make it easier for your guests to find you.
5) Make it easy to read, please. You know that pretty, script that you used to spell out your names on the invitation? It has no place on your map card....seriously. Okay, maybe you can use it for major headings or the name of your venue, but don't use it for the tiny bullet-point directions or to identify street names. Please.
6) North, south, east, west. Mauka, makai, Ewa, Diamond Head. Determine if your map will benefit from a directional icon. Most of the maps I create are for Hawaii venues and I have the added benefit of being able to add in a lovely coastline for 99% of those maps. Lucky we live Hawaii.
7) Sometimes the little stuff goes a long way. Think of anything else that would be extra helpful to your guests. Do you want to designate a driving route with arrows? Indicate one-way streets that could be problematic? Provide mile markers or approximate driving times?
8) Just information or a pretty design? A map's sole purpose is to provide information, but that doesn't mean it can't be pretty, too. It's a part of your invitation set and I'm strong believer that it shouldn't stick out like a sore thumb. Can you carry over design elements from your invitation to your map card? Absolutely. Print it out on nice cardstock? Of course. You don't need to go overboard with your map, but it can be a wonderful addition in creating a cohesive look for your invitations.
One of the first things on my "to do" list was creating a custom map for one my clients. The act of drawing lines and shapes in itself isn't too difficult, but the whole idea that some guests may be relying on this one map to get to your once-in-a-lifetime wedding makes me take the art of map-making very seriously. Take Google maps for example. When I need to drive to a neighborhood I've never been to, I love that I can map it out on Google. What I don't love is the sometimes illogical routes that the Google gods suggest I take. No way around that, I guess.
Anyway, thought I'd share some tips about making maps for your wedding (whether you're doing it yourself or having a professional design it for you):
1) Get the address correct. Yeah, sometimes I receive wrong addresses with transposed numbers, or misspelled street names. Check it once, twice, three times.
2) Figure out where most of your guests will be coming from - east, west? It makes a difference in the directions you'll want to include.
3) Do your guests a favor and make sure that the directions you include are clear and concise...and accurate. If you're mapping it out on Google/Yahoo/Mapquest, check if this route is logical and avoids any known problem spots. Generally, if your venue can provide you with their standard issue directions, these are the best and most reliable.
4) Include major streets and important landmarks. No need to include every single little street on your map unless you have lots of empty space you want to fill up. Choose the important ones and any landmarks that will make it easier for your guests to find you.
5) Make it easy to read, please. You know that pretty, script that you used to spell out your names on the invitation? It has no place on your map card....seriously. Okay, maybe you can use it for major headings or the name of your venue, but don't use it for the tiny bullet-point directions or to identify street names. Please.
6) North, south, east, west. Mauka, makai, Ewa, Diamond Head. Determine if your map will benefit from a directional icon. Most of the maps I create are for Hawaii venues and I have the added benefit of being able to add in a lovely coastline for 99% of those maps. Lucky we live Hawaii.
7) Sometimes the little stuff goes a long way. Think of anything else that would be extra helpful to your guests. Do you want to designate a driving route with arrows? Indicate one-way streets that could be problematic? Provide mile markers or approximate driving times?
8) Just information or a pretty design? A map's sole purpose is to provide information, but that doesn't mean it can't be pretty, too. It's a part of your invitation set and I'm strong believer that it shouldn't stick out like a sore thumb. Can you carry over design elements from your invitation to your map card? Absolutely. Print it out on nice cardstock? Of course. You don't need to go overboard with your map, but it can be a wonderful addition in creating a cohesive look for your invitations.
