invitations

Because invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, they are the first thing your guests see. Think of them as a visual statement that generates excitement in your guests and reflects who you are as a couple. The paper, wording, letter font, and style all work together to proclaim the style, tone and formality of your wedding. There are so many options when it comes to colors, textures, printing types, etc. You can even create custom invitations if you have something particular in mind. Because of the wide range of invitations, it is risky to buy them online. When buying online, you are unable to tell the quality, texture, color, etc., unless they send out samples. If you are displeased with the results or if mistakes are made, sometimes there is very little, if anything, you can do. Mistakes can happen, but they are more easily remedied when working with a local stationer. A stationer is also able to walk you through the process of wording the invitations. Arranging the wording can be difficult, especially because of today’s blended families. The key is to rely on the professionals. In most cases they will point out the socially correct way to spell and arrange words. Their wealth of knowledge is helpful for many other aspects of the wedding as well.

helpful hints

1. Order invitations four to six months before the wedding. Make sure all details are secured before ordering (i.e. location, date, time, clear directions to the sites, etc.).

2. Find a store where the staff will spend enough time with their customers. Deal with people who know what they are doing. Not all people who sell invitations are professionals who know proper etiquette and wording.

3. Get everything—invitations, envelopes, announcements and any  supplements—at the same time. Be sure to have an accurate guest count.

4. To save headaches later, choose programs, thank-yous, printed napkins, place cards and other related items now.

5. Proofread the order form carefully before signing it. Printers will not usually correct mistakes unless you pay for them.

6. Mail Save-the-Date cards six to nine months before the wedding.

7. Mail invitations six weeks before the wedding (eight weeks if most of the guests are out-of-state).

8. After the invitations are sent, responses begin arriving immediately. Devise a system to keep track of replies. An alphabetized checklist, index cards, ledger or computer are all easy ways to keep track of who has and has not responded (keep in mind that statistics show you should only expect a 75 to 80 percent return).

inserting invitations

1.Insert invitation into the inner envelope along with enclosure card, reply card and any other enclosures. Always remember the front (printed side) of the invitation faces the back side of the envelope. The tissue that is placed over  lettering to prevent smudging may be discarded or left in place.

2. Place the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope. The front (addressed side) of the inner envelope faces the back flap of the outer envelope.