Invitations inform guests of the date, time and location of your
wedding. Each invitation includes an inner and outer envelope. All
invitations should be mailed on the same day, about 4 to 6 weeks
before the wedding.
Tip:
Give yourself a cushion of extra invitations for last minute additions
to your guest list. You do not want to run short of invitations because
printing extra invitations later is more costly than printing extra
invitations with the initial order. (Remember, the price to reorder is
the original price, not the "Add'l 25" price.)
Tip:
In determining the number of invitations you need, remember that you are
usually inviting two people with each invitation. (Ex: Mr. and Mrs. James
Anderson). A good rule of thum is to divide the number of guests in half
and add 25. (Example: 250 guests / 2 + 25 = 150 invitations).
Tip:
Your invitation postage can vary depending on which invitation you select
and the items you place with it. We recommend taking your completed invitations
to the post office to be weighed. Then apply the stamps with the correct
postage.
An Announcement is used to inform old friends, co-workers, and more
distant relatives of your marriage. They should be mailed on the day
of your wedding and do not require a gift from the recipient. By just
changing the wording, any invitation in the catalog can also be used
as an announcement.
Tip:
When ordering announcements, use the same item numbers as the invitation.
An invitation normally includes an inside and outside envelope. If you order
a response card, a response card envelope would also be provided. The outside
envelope is the mailing envelope. It is gummed for sealing and the guest's
name and address should be placed on the front of it. The inside envelope
holds the actual invitation card. The front of the inside envelope will restate
the guest's name without the address (Examples: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Mr.
Anderson and Guest). After the items are inserted into the inside envelope,
it then slides into the outside envelope.
The response card envelope is a small envelope that holds your response card.
This envelope is pre-printed with your address for return mailing to you. Do
not forget to place a $.33 stamp on each of these envelopes as a courtesy
to your guests.
It is not uncommon to obtain the incorrect mailing address for a guest or two.
They may have moved, or the street number or zip code is incorrect. Do not run
the risk of offending your guests because they mistakenly assume you did not
invite them. You will want your return address on the back flap of your outside
envelopes.
A reception card is enclosed within your invitation to provide additional
information and instruction. It should include the time and location of your
reception and are a must if you are not inviting everyone to the reception.
An envelope is not required with a reception card.
A response card is also enclosed with your invitation. It should be filled
in and returned by the guest(s), informing you how many will attend. Response
cards are critical in obtaining an accurate head count for the reception.
Envelopes printed with your address are also provided with your response cards.
Tip:
The date of response should generally be around two weeks before the
wedding. Consider the date required by your reception facility or caterer
for your guest count. If you are reserving a block of hotel rooms, ask how
late the hotel will hold your block of unconfirmed rooms.
Printed with your names on the front, and informal card is a personal way
to thank your guests for their wedding gifts. Printed with "Thank You" on
the front, thank you notes are a gracious way to express your gratitude for
the gifts your guests have given you. These folded cards are blank on the
inside so you can express your individual thanks to your guests. Selected
along with your invitations, you can create a consistent theme between your
invitations and your informal cards or thank you notes. They can also be
used long after the wedding for corresondence and notes of thanks. They are
provided with matching envelopes.
Tip:
Start writing your notes as the gifts arrive. This will give you a headstart
on completing the task. However, they should not be mailed until after the
wedding.
The purpose of place cards is to allow relatives, school friends, co-workers,
etc. to be assigned seats together; assuring more fun for everyone. Normally,
the place cards are set out on a table just outside the reception room's main
doorway. They should be arranged alphabetically so the guests can easily
locate their place card.
