The styling of your invitations isn’t to be disregarded; remember this will be the first glimpse your guests will get of the style of your wedding. Make sure your stationery reflects the theme of your day and your guests will use it as a guide of what’s to come.
Begin the design process anywhere between three to six months before you would like to send them out. Once designed and guest lists are finalised mailing the invitations happens traditionally six to eight weeks before the big day. However due to people’s ever increasingly busy schedules we suggest 12 weeks may be the safest time frame.
Wedding invitations should include the full names of the couple marrying and those of the hosts (if they’re different), the place and time, and that’s it. Don’t list gift registry information on the invitation— this should be placed on a seperate card or family can spread the word. “Street,” “Post Office Box,” and “Apartment” should all be written in full. The same is true for city and state names and house numbers smaller than 20. “Mr. and Mrs.” generally are abbreviated.
Remember the number of guests you are inviting is not the quantity of invitations you need. Some will go out to families or couples. Do your guest list and work out who you’ll group together on an invitation. Ordering extra than what you need is obviously costly, but finding out you are short and needing extras printed can cost you more. Make sure you check and double-check your proofs. It’s always handy to have a fresh set of eyes look over them as well.
With so many elements to your stationery you may not require all of the below but here is what we would list as a complete package, this is to give you an idea of what you want to be looking for when planning for your wedding stationery.
Save The Date – Unless you are planning a destination wedding or you are expecting a lot of international guests, save the date cards aren’t really necessary. However, if you are choosing to send them, they should be sent ideally five to six months prior to the wedding to allow your guests time to organise flights and accommodation.
Wedding Invitation – If either sets of parents are paying for your wedding it would be nice to list there names on the invitation as well, formally inviting your guests to your wedding.
Back of Card Choices – You may want to choose to have a message or image on the back of your invitations or ceremony program.
Reception Details – This card is sent to guests who are invited to both ceremony & reception.This card will be inserted into your invitation envelope.
Direction Card – If your wedding is in a location that requires your guests to travel, or it is hard to find, we always suggest providing directions to make it easier for guests.
RSVP Card & Small Envelope – Provide a small card and envelope for your guests to return their RSVP. This is also inserted into your larger wedding invitation envelope along with your reception card and wedding gift registry card – we also suggest a return stamp.
Printed envelopes – These are nicer than hand written envelopes.
Your envelope can also look lovely with a themed lining (inlay) inside.
Ceremony Program – Help your guests follow along with the order of your ceremony with this program.
Table number – When your guests arrive to your reception help them find their table with a clear number displayed.
Place Card – If you would like your guests to sit next to or apart from other guests it is helpful to arrange your seating so everyone can easily find where they belong.
Menu – We all love to know what will be served at meal time and a menu is a great way to build anticipation for your delicious spread.
Thank You Cards – When your wedding is all said and done and the wedding is finally over it is polite to send a thank you card to your guests for sharing in the momentous occasion with you. Thank-you notes should be treated with a sense of urgency. Send them within two weeks of receiving the present to express your true appreciation.