Some
things to consider when choosing invitations are the paper color, paper stock,
borders, color ink and style of the writing. Take a look at several wedding
invitations or a sample catalog to decide on the right one for your wedding.
There are countless variations to choose from.
RSVPs are usually included with the
wedding invitation. The RSVPs should have an envelope that is stamped and
addressed. RVVPs should either be sent to the person/people who are paying for
the wedding or the engaged couple. Make sure you can keep track of whom you
have heard back from and who is attending the
wedding.
The following information
should be included with your invitations:
• Ceremony and reception
addresses
• Date and times
• RSVP information: name and phone
number or preaddressed envelope with RSVP card.
• Let guests know if
dinner will be served
• Map to the ceremony and reception
•
List of hotels. Make sure you have already checked with the hotels to make sure
they can accommodate a large group. If possible, block off rooms for your
guests.
After a few weeks, you
should call the people who have not yet responded. If a lot of people are not
able to attend the wedding, you may want to invite other family or friends. A
few weeks before the wedding you need to give a head count to the caterer.
When sending invitations, make sure
you:
• Use black ink only
• Use fancy stamps
• Write
out everything (no abbreviations) except Mr. Mrs. and Ms.
• Use your
guest’s formal name on the outer envelope.
• Use your
guest’s informal name on the inner envelope. Include the names of everyone
you are inviting on the inner envelope, even children’s names
•
If you are inviting someone who can bring a guest, make sure this is clear.
(Mr. Smith + Guest)
• Make sure the RSVP envelope is stamped and has
your address on it
Printing methods
There are a few
different types of printing methods that are common for wedding
invitations.
Engraving
• Most elegant form
•
Stamped from the back by metal plates to rise the letters off the paper
• Most expensive
Thermography
• Most popular
• Heat ink to create a raised letter look
• Almost
indistinguishable from engraving
• ½ price of engraving
Calligraphy
• Fancy formal script
• Computer
programs can reproduce calligraphy
Offset printing
•
Flat printing
• Most common form of printing
• Multiple ink
colors
Handwritten invitations
• Usually done when 50
people or less are invited
• Personal
• Time consuming
• Inexpensive
• Use black ink only
• Purchase an
invitation kit and use a computer to print them or write them by hand
Why are wedding invitations placed in two envelopes?
Pieces of mail that are placed in two envelopes are viewed as more
valuable since they are less accessible. Wedding invitations are an important
document and a valued piece of mail. Having two envelopes also serves a
protective role by providing cushioning. Another protective measure is a layer
of tissue that is placed on top of most engraved or printed invitations to
prevent smudging.
Why use calligraphy writing on wedding
invitations?
It is a very old tradition to have wedding invitations
written in calligraphy, a fancy form of script writing. During the Middle Ages
monks were the only people who were trained in calligraphy. They used
calligraphy to keep records. The upper class sought after monks to write
wedding invitations in calligraphy because it was very prestigious.
Stationary
There are other items of stationary beside
invitations that you may want printed, such as:
• Wedding programs
• Reception cards
• Thank you notes
• Menu cards
• Place cards
• Seating cards
Wedding
announcement
Wedding announcements should be mailed to everyone who
wasn’t invited to the wedding after the ceremony. The announcements are a
way to inform people that you are married and notify them of any name or
address changes.
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