This document features a black and white picture of the couple getting married on one side, with the names and traditional wedding invite language on the other. The names at the top use gender oriented fonts for each of the names: Melissa is written in pink and a decorative, cursive font, while the ampersand and "Matt" is written in stern, roman, stark white, all caps letters. The text is white letters on a black background, which normally inhibits readability, but is used in this case as a stylistic choice. Also, the language is so traditional, that no one really thinks anyone is going to read it. Where did the tradition come from that the bride's parents announce to the wedding to the world? Also, 19th and 2008 are spelled out, which adds to the formality. The text is centered, which is another genre conforming design aspect. In terms of usability, the text isn't the easiest to read because of the white on black, centered, all caps font. But reading a wedding announcement isn't the point. The vital information (date, time, and address, names of the bride and groom) are the only real information necessary and the only information included. The announcement doesn't require much motivation to read it, and so the designer is free to include choices that would normally demotivate a reader.
Obituary
An obituary, as a genre, includes a few things, the name and a picture of the deceased, some vital statistics about the person (age and birthplace especially), the cause of death, some accomplishments in the persons life, names of close relatives, and information for memorial services. This document includes all of these.
The document is highly readable: the serifed font, fully justified columns, single spaced text, and short length make this a document that is easily read once through. However, it is not a document that is meant to be used. There are no headings to clearly outline the distinct sections. The only text that is meant to be read many times, the name (for later searching purposes possibly) is bolded, centered, and surrounded by white space; so it is highly usable in that regard.
Letter
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