The Do’s and Dont’s of Wedding Invitations
January 20, 2007
Several centuries ago, a town crier announced weddings and there was no need for guest lists, reply cards and the related enclosures. A couple of centuries ago, a formal written wedding invitation was painstakingly prepared and delivered to guests by a courier on horseback. Although many options for wedding invitations exist today, there are certain basics that never change:DO order your invitations three to four months in advance. This is NOT too much time, there is never such a thing when it comes to wedding planning. Consider the number of variables involved – a bride, a groom, a printer, the postal service, family members, etc.
DON’T send wedding invitations by email, simply because some family members and friends may not be online yet (believe it or not).
DO order around 25 extra invitations with your original order to account for events such as long forgotten family members and preserving extra copies after the wedding. Ordering extra invitations later can become expensive and having extras around definitely comes in handy.
DON’T be afraid to show your creative side. If certain colors or designs appeal to you, go for it – it’s your day and everything about it should express what you are about.
DO proofread printed invitations carefully to ensure accuracy.
DON’T forget to include postage in the total cost for invitations. Also remember that postage needs to be placed on the exterior envelope, as well as on the reply card envelope.
DO create a master guest list that shows what invitations were sent and what replies were received.
DON’T “cheap out” on your invitations – with a bit of resourcefulness and imagination, beautiful announcements can be created on a tight budget.
DO consider shopping online for wedding invitations – it’s convenient, secure, can be done during any time of the day or night within your schedule and you can take as long as you want to browse around.
DON’T use a ballpoint pen for handwritten invitations. Flat-tipped pens and calligraphy pens create nicer invitations in around the same amount of time.
DO word invitations carefully – consider unique family relationships when wording the invitations and the envelopes. If necessary, consult with family members or etiquette guides to avoid stepping on toes.
DON’T forget to place the enclosures to the wedding invitation in order of importance, such as invitations, response card envelope, response card and then map.
DON’T hand deliver wedding invitations – it is still inappropriate, even in the modern world.
DO consider including directions and maps for out-of-town guests so they can easily locate your nuptials.
DON’T lose your cool if an error is made on your invitations. Proofread carefully along the way, communicate immediately and effectively about mistakes and your invitations will go out on time.
DO consider convenient bends in tradition. For example, your response card can simply request an RSVP by telephone or email, saving the bride and groom some postage fees.
DON’T let anyone else make up your mind for you. Printers, family members and friends can make useful suggestions but the ultimate choice belongs to the couple getting married.
DO enjoy shopping for your wedding invitations – it’s a fun way to start your incredible event and should be enjoyable.
Wedding invitations encourage others to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime day with you and should be as unique as you are. With a bit of common sense and a large sense of fun, selecting and sending your wedding invites can be simple and enjoyable.
Keywords: Do’s and Dont’s of Wedding Invitations, Weddingblog
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