Invitations 101
At first, ordering a wedding invitation might sound simple, and although it can be quick and easy, the options for creating this wedding masterpiece are quite varied. There are typestyles, ink colors, printing options, paper weights, and more to consider when selecting your wedding invitation.
Ordering your invitations from four to six months in advance (it all depends on the printing and details) will allow enough time for the invitations to be printed, received, assembled, and addressed. Custom-designed invitations will require more time for the design process. Finally, always ask to see a proof (sample) of everything so you can proofread for typos and incorrect information before approving the final printing.
Be sure to order an extra set of invitations and envelopes. Invitations are typically sold in increments of twenty-five to fifty, and it is much less expensive to order a set or two now, rather than later. Having to place an order of just twenty-five (or fifty) invitations after the original order has been placed will incur the same charges as a first-time order; tacking them onto the original order is much less expensive. You will also need extra envelopes to account for any mistakes you may make when addressing them.
Here is a list of the basic information you should know as you begin researching wedding invitations:
What is the overall style and formality of the wedding? (Your invitations should reflect this.)
How many invitations do you need? You can usually count one invitation per household.
How will you word your invitation? Will your parents' names appear on the invitation? What about your fiancé's parents? Will you be using a poem or verse or other unique wording?
Confirm and reconfirm the details. Be sure you have the correct ceremony start time, the correct spellings of all people and locations, the address for the ceremony and reception.
When is your response deadline? It is usually two to three weeks prior to the wedding. If you are using an RSVP service, you will need the company's designated phone number and website information.
Are you providing guests with a meal choice? You will need to indicate the choices on the response card.
Printing Methods
There are four main printing options to consider when shopping for wedding invitations.
Engraving is the most formal and one of the most expensive options. A metal plate of the invitation is made and the paper is pressed onto it, raising the print, on which a layer of ink is then printed.
Letterpress is the reverse process of engraving; a plate is pressed into the paper from on top, leaving the letters depressed into the card. These invitations are fairly equivalent in price to engraved invitations.
Thermography is an extremely popular and cost-effective option that offers a similar look to engraving. Ink and powder are fused together to give the letters a raised appearance on the front of the invitation.
Lithography or offset printing is a flat printing process that is the least expensive option.
If you are having fifty guests or fewer, it is acceptable for the invitations to be handwritten (although few brides do this, as there are so many cost-effective options). If you choose this route, use your best handwriting or find a friend with beautiful handwriting to reflect the occasion.
Components
The components of the basic wedding invitation include:
The invitation, which invites the guest to the wedding and provides the necessary details; bride's and groom's name, host, date, time, and ceremony location.
The response card and envelope, which allows the guests to indicate whether they'll be attending and if they're bringing a guest (if a guest is invited). If you are offering a choice of entrées, you may also need to include space for the guest's entrée selection.
The reception card, which directs the guests to the location of the reception. If the ceremony and reception are in the same location, a reception card is not always necessary. You may print “Reception immediately follows” in the lower left corner of the invitation.
The map or direction card, which provides guests with the address and driving directions to the wedding venue/venues.
The inner envelope was part of a traditional presentation, but it is often skipped to save paper. The stacked and completed invitation ensemble is inserted into the inner envelope with the text facing the back flap.
The outer envelope contains the complete invitation, whether inserted into the inner envelope or stacked on its own. Print the return address on the back flap, and then stamp and mail this outer envelope.
INVITATION INFORMATION
