Since your wedding invitation is the first thing your guests see in conjunction with your wedding, they should be selected and composed with care.
Invitation components: Your wedding invitation comprises more than just a request to attend. There are specific elements that guests should receive within your invitation.
The invitation itself invites guests to attend your marriage by listing your wedding date, time and location. It can include your parents' names or just your own. It can be worded formally or informally. Take a look at different wording styles, or ask your invitation salesperson to help you determine the wording most appropriate for you.
The reception card lists the time and location of your reception.
The response card gives guests the opportunity to RSVP for your wedding - accept or decline. The response cards are vital, since they provide an approximate guest count for the reception. Don't forget to list a "respond by" date approximately two weeks before your final head count is due to the reception facility and/or caterer.
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The response envelope should be stamped and pre-printed with the name and address of the individual(s) receiving the responses.
Maps with directions to the ceremony location and reception site should be included. You can have them printed or just run off informal copies. However, make sure the maps are clear - some reproduce poorly and are then hard to follow.
Inner envelopes contain all the components of the wedding invitation.
The inner envelopes are placed within the outer envelopes, which are addressed and stamped for mailing.
Depending on the circumstances of your wedding, you may also want to include the following enclosures:
Travel and accommodation information if you're inviting guests who are from out of town.
A schedule if the events of your wedding are spread out over a long weekend.
When to order: Order your invitations, envelopes, as well as reception and response cards at least four months before your wedding to ensure that you will be able to stuff and address them in time for mailing. Invitations should arrive in guests' hands approximately six weeks before your wedding day.
There are many options for ordering wedding invitations. Here are a few standards and some ideas you may not have considered:
Where to get your invitations:
- Large stationary chains have great selections of catalogs to browse through where you can find samples of many types of invitations. You can see first-hand the style that suits you best. Large stores work with professional printers and printing companies.
- An online stationary site or mail-order catalog allows you the convenience of invitation shopping from the comfort of home. You can find and select your invitation, submit the wording and information, and place your order without leaving home. With the hectic pace that comes with planning your wedding, it may be a relief to shop for invitations whenever you have a free moment. But, as when you order anything online or from catalogs, you may end up with invitations different than you expected since you can't see or touch a sample. Looks can definitely be deceiving, so order carefully.
- A small, local stationary shop/printer may have a smaller selection of invitations from which to choose, but they may provide exceptional service. They may have more options on the printing and collating side, such as multiple ink colors, as well as assembly and stuffing of the invitations and envelopes. This service can be especially handy if you have a large guest list and/or an invitation with a decorative element like ribbons that need to be tied. However, this type service will add to your expenses. And smaller shops may need more time to fill your order.
- Enlist a graphic designer whose work you are familiar with and who is capable of designing an invitation for you. That way your invitation is sure to be personal and unique. Keep in mind, you will need to find a printer, although the graphic designer may be able to recommend one. Since this process takes some time, start early.
- Log on to your computer and make your own invitation. There are many programs with different borders, fonts and colors you can use in your design. Use a good paper stock and go to a reputable printer. Although this option is personal and economical, it also may be the most labor intensive for you.
Printing styles: There are various types of printing processes available for invitations. Pick the style you like best and don't forget to make sure it fits within your budget.
- Engraving, the most formal, has slightly raised letters resulting from the paper being pressed on a metal plate. This traditional printing process is the most expensive.
- Thermography combines ink with powder to create raised letters on paper. Since there are no plates involved, the process is quicker - and less expensive - than engraved invitations.
- Offset printing is a standard printing process where the ink lies flat on the paper. If you're looking for a more casual option, offset may be the way to go.
