Tips to make the process go smoothly

Start early! Choosing your invitation can be mind boggling. Walk into any stationary store or party store and you will see albums; lots and lots of huge albums! Don’t let the size scare you. Album companies have carefully paired invitations and accessories into categories.  The first few pages will include special instructions and will show you examples of colors and fonts. You will find verses and examples of unique wording. Most companies will print in foreign languages and most will customize any invitation, including those using your own art work. Extra costs may apply and will be reflected in these first few pages. Use sticky flags to note the pages of those items you like. 

With so many choices some brides-to-be may be overwhelmed at even the thought of finding the right invitation. Bridal coordinators and event planners can help with this task and may even include this as part of their fees. If you choose to do this on your own, take your time. Once you receive your invitation order you will need time to address the envelopes and apply the postage.    Wedding invitations should be mailed 8-10 weeks before the date. Planning ahead and staying organized with greatly decrease your stress level.

Determine your budget. There are beautiful invitation sets to fit any budget. Engraved invitations are classic and very formal and are higher priced because of the process involved. Thermagraphy is a time honored technique as well and has the look and feel of engraved invitations. Do-it-yourself kits are now available, too.

Write your guest list. Besides a headcount for the caterer, your list will tell you the number of invitations you will need to order. To determine that number, take a full count of all your guests and divide in half then add 25. For example, your guest list has 150 names. Divide that number by 2 to equal 75, and then add 25. Your order should be for 100 invitations. This will allow for extras and errors when addressing envelopes.  

Work with a reputable dealer. Ask your friends for recommendations. Searching the web is a good place to start but you’ll want to find someone that will help you with the wording and placing your order. A referral from another satisfied customer is your best bet. You will see literally hundreds of different types of invitations and hundreds of companies. A reputable dealer or bridal consultant will work with you within your budget, your theme and your time frame.

 Determine your style. Decide if the upcoming event is formal or causal. The type of invitation you choose will help your guests decide on their attire. It sets the stage and tells your guests what to expect. Although classic and traditional, white and ivory are not your only choices. Card stock comes in all colors and almost any design you can think of.  If you have a theme or color combination in mind, choose an invitation that relates to the theme. This will give your guests the first impression of what to expect at the event.   You will need to choose a font style and color ink. Pick those that are pleasing to the eye and easily read.  Narrow your choices to two or three invitations and ask for quotes and card stock samples. Some companies charge separately for all the extras while others will add them into the costs. You may be expected to pay shipping and handling costs as well as sales tax, if applicable in your state.

 

Save the Date cards are used by some brides to announce their marriage as well as tell their guests to save the date! Although not part of the official invitation, those receiving this card, postcard or magnet will expect an invitation when the event is near.

The Invitation Card will hold the information for the actual marriage ceremony. Formal invitations will include an inner and an outer envelope. The inner envelope is used to note the names of the persons you intend to invite.  Ex. Mr.; and Mrs. Barry Jones, or you may use the first names. Ex. Barry and Kathy. If children are invited, their names would go underneath the parent’s names. Adult children in the same household should receive their own invitation. You may choose to have your single guests bring a guest. You would then address the inner envelope, Barry and Guest. The outer envelopes are formally addressed to your guests, and postage added. Some companies now have online addressing services and will print your envelopes for you. Calligraphy is still used  for more formal events. Expect to pay $1-$2 per envelope. 

The Reception Card tells your guests where the reception will be held and at what time they may arrive. This card is left out of the invitation if you choose to invite people to the church only.  Although considered an etiquette no-no, some brides opt to have the reception information placed on the left or right corner of the invitation, thus eliminating the need and extra cost for this item.

The Response Card is the card your guests will return as the RSVP. A self-addressed stamped envelope is included with this card.   Include a date for the return of this card 2 weeks before you actually need to let your caterer know the head count. You may include menu choices on this card.

Directions and maps may be included in the invitation.  It is not recommended that you include registry notices in the invitation. Tissue papers are usually included but are now more of a tradition then a necessity. Engraved invitations should have the tissue included.

When you are ready to place your order, review the wording and spelling very carefully. You will be expected to pay in full.  Request a proof so you can see exactly what the invitation will look like. Most companies will email this information. Changes can easily be made at this point. Errors can be costly if they are not caught before the order is printed. Printing and shipping time may vary, depending on the company. Custom artwork or special instructions will also take a few days longer to process. Ask for a tracking number so you know when to expect delivery.

Once your order has arrived, count the pieces and report any shortages or errors to your dealer right away.  An error in printing can delay your schedule for preparing and sending out your invitations.

Your next step will be to assemble one invitation set and have it weighed at the post office for postage requirements. Don’t forget the postage for the response card envelopes.   This will spare them from the machinery that can mangle or tear them.  Once addressed, sealed, and posted,  your invitations should be mailed 8 to 10 weeks before your wedding day, giving your guests plenty of time to plan and prepare.  If possible, ask your post office to hand cancel your invitations

 

Kathi Iacovelli is the owner of Kathi’s Party Shop, a unique shopping service for busy brides and party planners. . She has been helping brides for over nine years to plan and shop for their invitations, decorations, and accessories. Visit her website at  www.KathisPartyShop.com