Everything
You Need to Know about Wedding Invitations
Useful information about wedding invitations including when to order, sources and pricing, enclosure options, wedding invitation wording, plus how to assemble and address invitations.
 Melissa Nyssen from www.formal-invitations.com announces
practical tips for ordering wedding invitations.
When to order
Invitations or blank printable wedding invitation supplies should be ordered at
least 3 months before the wedding date. It is wise to order at least
10 extra invitations for unexpected additions to your guest list
and keepsakes.
Sources for wedding invitations
Prices and quality will vary widely; generally,
the lower priced options will be made from a less substantial, thinner
paper and use a generic factory-made design. Samples should be ordered
well in advance to check paper thickness and color, avoid cheap flimsy
papers.
Under
$1 to $2 each
The internet is a great way to research options
for invitations. Specific keywords such as “wedding
invitations with calla lilies” or “chocolate
brown wedding invitations” will produce
better results. For an affordable invitations with a
posh look, invitations can be created with a home printer
using premium paper and embellishments. Visit www.formal-invitations.com
for high quality invitations supplies with instructions
and templates.
$3-7 each
Search online for “custom
printed wedding invitations” and “unique
wedding invitations”. Local print shops also offer invitations,
printed using lithography (flat ink) or thermography which offers economical
raised lettering, although it is not as crisp as genuine engraving.
$8 each and up
A local graphic designer or engraver can provide high end
custom invitations. Engraving is a method of imprinting artwork onto
heavyweight paper using a copper plate to produce a fine line and
raised matte lettering; the impression is also visible from the back.
Enclosure options
Reception Card
If the reception is held at a different location from the
ceremony, a separate card is ordinarily enclosed giving the location
and time of the reception.
Reply Card
Reply cards simply ask your guest to check whether or not they can
attend and include a stamped and self-addressed envelope or postcard
for them to return. Response cards might also include a selection
of entrees for the reception, allowing guests to indicate their preferences.
Two envelopes/tissue:
A second envelope is not necessary and today more brides are opting
to forego using one. Tissues are unnecessary,
but may be useful in protecting the envelope if you are using a hard
embellishment such as a charm or decorative
brad.
Wedding Invitation Wording
Proper traditional wedding invitation etiquette dictates that
the phrase "the honour of your presence" is to be reserved
for weddings held in houses of worship, while "the pleasure
of your company" is used for weddings in other locations.
Here are some examples of typical formats:
Hosted by bride and
groom:
Emma Margaret Johnson and Jack Warren Smith
request the pleasure of your company in celebrating their union of
marriage…
Hosted by bride's family:
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Johnson invite you to join them in a celebration of
love
as their daughter, Emma Margaret
is united in marriage to Mr. Jack Warren Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Smith...
Hosted by bride, groom and both families:
Emma Margaret Johnson and Jack Warren Smith
together with their parents (names of parents can be included here)
invite you to join them in celebrating their marriage...
Hosted by bride's and groom's families:
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith request the
honour of your presence
to witness the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony uniting their children, Emma
Margaret and Jack Warren...
Hosted by groom's family:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of Emma Margaret Johnson to their son, Jack Warren Smith...
Wedding hosted by divorced parents:
Mrs. Audrey Jones and Mr. Kevin Johnson
invite you to join them in a celebration of love as their daughter, Emma
Margaret
is united in marriage to Mr. Jack Warren Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Smith...
When one parent is deceased:
Emma Margaret Johnson, daughter of Audrey Johnson and the late Kevin
Johnson
and Jack Warren Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith
invite you to join them in celebrating their marriage...
…on Saturday, the fourth of
June
two thousand and ten
at five o’clock in the evening
St. Michael's Church Orland Park, Illinois
Wedding Announcements
Wedding announcements usually echo the style and format
of the invitation, with the substitution of words such as “are
pleased to announce” the wedding . They are mailed on the day
of the ceremony.
Assembling and Addressing
Wedding Invitations
If two envelopes are being used, the smaller
inner envelope is addressed with only the guest(s) name, such as “Mr.
and Mrs. Grant Thompson” “Miss Johnson and Guest”.
The outer envelope is addressed with the guest’s full name
and address. Avoid using abbreviations for streets and cities. Before
stamping, bring a sample of the completed invitations to the post
office to determine the correct postage.
When assembling your invitations, the reply card
with stamped envelope or reply postcard should be on top, then the
reception card, then the invitation. If two envelopes are used, all
of the enclosures are placed in the inner envelope face up. The inner
envelope is placed (unsealed) in the outer envelope, with the flap
facing back so that your guest sees his or her name upon opening.
Bring your sealed and stamped invitations to the
post office and send them on their way.
###
|
