Seeking Service with Invitations?
Not only are weddings a joyous and special event for the bride and groom, it truly is an event that brings family and friends together to celebrate this momentous occasion. The invitation you send to your guests will set the tone for the entire celebration and is a true reflection of your style and personality.
Which route should I go? Do I order via mail order, online or in-person?
There are numerous catalog request post card forms available in virtually every wedding magazine publication. You fill it out and check the desired invitation catalogs and within days you will receive a lot of catalogs to view. The same holds true with an online search and viewing the invitations online. You browse the catalogs…and browse….and then…. you ask yourself, will it be the right color? Is the paper good quality? Most often, couples are disappointed with the outcome. Meeting with an experienced and qualified wedding consultant is always the best and practical choice.
Things to Consider when Ordering Invitations
- It is customary to send invitations six to eight weeks prior to the wedding. Even some credible sources are recommending mailing them eight to ten weeks prior to the wedding. Consider ordering your invitation ensemble four to six months prior to the date so you have adequate time to assemble, address and affix postage.
- Unless you have done a lot of research including selection, have all the necessary wording and information typed (including the name and addresses of the ceremony, reception site, and hotels, map directions, etc.), it is not something that can be completed in 15 minutes while on your lunch break. Plan at least 2 hours. (Of course, if you have all the necessary info for ordering, it will take less time, but definitely more than 15 minutes).
- Your invitations will generally include: The outer invitation envelope, an invitation, a reception card, a response card, an envelope for the response card, hotel information for guests, detailed directions and addresses for the church and reception. It is also a good time to order additional items such as personalized napkins, thank you cards, etc.
- How many wedding invitations you order has nothing to do with how many guests you intend on inviting. Many guests are couples or families and receive only one invitation. It is acceptable to offer an invitation to a single friend addressed as “Miss Jennifer Lewis and Guest”. However, if no children are invited, do not include the general “and family” or issue the name of the children on the invitation. Always order extra invitation envelopes and response card envelopes. There will inevitably be a few mistakes when addressing these and you'll want to have a few extras on hand. Reordering can be very expensive after the initial order has been placed.
- Helpful hint!! On the respond cards: number the back of each card to correspond to your list to make it easier to check off. This also helps determine the “owner” of response in the event they accidently omit their name, add more people than invited or believe it or not, jokingly put a fake name – because “you will know it is me” (forgetting you have three other friends who love to prank you, too).
- With technology, it is acceptable to utilize a computer to generate a calligraphy style addressed envelope. Be sure to order extra envelopes and run a few through to ensure they do not crinkle. An alternative is to hire a professional calligrapher. The rates vary but can run approximately $2.50-$4.00 per set (outside and inner envelope). While some resources recommended your bridal party addressing the envelopes, unless they have extraordinary handwriting, why waste money on such beautiful invitations to convey “cheap” with the look of a sloppy envelope?
- Postage. It is what it is. Be prepared to pay extra – quality paper is just that – quality. Quality weighs more. Plus, most invitations do not meet the postal service rate sheet on dimensions, so you will pay a surcharge for a square or oversized invitation.
Weck Events & Weddings offers several different styles of wedding invitations (as well as other party invites) from traditional, contemporary, pocket folds, including Save-the-Dates. Discounts range from 15% to 25% of the listed price depending on the line - a savings which truly can add up quickly! Plus, you get personalized service-something a catalog doesn’t offer.
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