Serif fonts are known for their stylishness, class and the traditional, dependable character they infuse in designs. They are identified by characteristic “feet” or “tails” on each letter. Within an invitation, a serif font is often utilized for main details as they are very readable fonts. A serif font pairs well with a sans-serif font to create diversity and interest within a design.

Opposite to serif fonts, sans-serif fonts do not feature the “tails” or “feet” of the serif font. Sans-serif fonts tend to be very clean and highly readable and lend a modern feel to a traditional design. Sans-serif fonts create visual interest within a design through the use of a thin or bold stroke. They pair well with serif fonts and with handwritten typefaces.

Handwritten, or script, fonts have a tendency to feel informal and artistic, which makes them a great choice for invitations when paired with another font. Characteristics of the letters can vary widely. Traditional script fonts tend toward an elegant, classic appearance that is more predictable in size/spacing. Both often are accented by swashes and flourishes.

Of all the different styles of fonts, display is the most unique. Decorative display fonts are typically used for attention-grabbing headers rather than large amounts of text. They tend to be bold and/or playful, so best used for whimsical or eye-catching designs. As they vary considerably across font families - pairing with other fonts is dependent on the style of the decorative font.