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Wedding Invitation Tips

 

Planning a wedding can be an exciting time in couples’ lives. All the dreaming and anticipation of the big day is thrilling, but with so many expectations and an endless list of things to be done, it’s crucial to stay organized and prioritize. Save the dates and wedding invitations do not have to be overwhelming or difficult and we are here to help! Once a guest list is established, a venue and date is selected and an overall theme of the wedding is chosen – it’s time to start sending!

Save the Dates

Traditionally, save the dates were always optional, however, more and more couples these days are choosing to send them as schedules are busier than ever. While the text within wedding invitations is generally more straight forward and traditional, a save the date allows a lot more freedom and creativity. It will be the very first thing guests see, so it should reflect the wedding’s theme and the couple’s personality and style. Save the dates can be sent anywhere from six to 18 months before the wedding day. They can be refrigerator magnets, bookmarks or even party poppers – it’s entirely up to the bride-and-groom-to-be. The only real rule behind a save the date is: those who receive them must be invited to the wedding! So be sure the guest list is finalized before sending.

 

Designing the Invitations

Many couples are choosing a cohesive look these days for their full invitation suite, from save the dates all the way to thank you cards. This is all a matter of the bride and groom’s personal style and how they want to represent their wedding. Whichever style is chosen, there are a few fundamentals to be included when designing the invitations. The invitations should include a:

Host line

Begin the invitation with those inviting. Traditionally, it would be the bride’s parents, but these days it could be the groom’s, a combination of both or the bride and groom themselves. Choose the wording which best fits the situation.

Request line

Nowadays whether the wedding will take place at a place of worship or not, informal wording is becoming very common. Traditionally, the invitation would “request the honor of your presence”, but couples are being more and more creative with this verbiage.

Bride and Groom Lines

These lines should clearly stand out from any other aspect of the invitation, as the bride and groom are what the celebration is all about. Be creative and bold.

Date and Time

The date and time on any wedding invitation is traditionally spelt out in full. For example, FIVE O’CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON. Numerals are used when the invitation design and style is more contemporary.

Location

It’s traditional for the invitation to not include street addresses for well-known locations, whether it be a place of worship or a residence. For contemporary purposes, numerals can be used when including a street address but zip codes should be left out. Always spell out the state.

R.S.V.P.

Many couples choose to include a separate card for R.S.V.P. purposes with a simple phrases like “Please let us know if you will be joining us by _________” accompanied by an envelope. This is not required but encourages a timely response. In this situation, many people will also include menu options for their guests to return back for catering planning.

Assembly Preparation

Before the assembling of the invitations begins, keep these helpful tips in mind:

  • Don’t rush! Consider the number of guests that will be invited and allow plenty of time
  • for the invitations to be assembled and mailed.
  • Order extra so when something goes wrong, there’s no need to worry.
  • Replies will likely be sent to the address on the outer envelope. If guests should reply to
  • an alternative address, be sure to include that address under the RSVP line.
  • Ask for help from family, friends and bridesmaids, especially if the guest list is long.
  • Create a master guest list and check for spelling errors.
  • Be sure the assembly area is clean. No drinks!

 

Addressing the Envelopes

Addressing guests properly is always flattering, but there are so many different circumstances to take into consideration. Is the guest single or married? Are they in a committed relationship? Do they have children? Are they a Doctor? These are all things that must be established before sending the invitation. Follow these guidelines for the outer and inner envelopes to ensure each guest is properly addressed:

A Married Couple

Outer envelope: Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Jessica Hanson

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Hanson or Samuel and Jessica

A Married Couple with Different Last Names

Outer envelope: Mr. Samuel Hanson and Mrs. Jessica Jones

Inner envelope: Mr. Hanson and Mrs. Jones or Samuel and Jessica

An Unmarried Committed Couple

Outer envelope: Mr. Samuel Hanson and Ms. Jessica Jones

Inner envelope: Mr. Hanson and Ms. Jones or Samuel and Jessica

A Same-Sex Married Couple

Outer envelope: Mr. Bob Smith and Mr. John Smith

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mr. Smith or Bob and John

A Married Woman Doctor or Two Married Doctors

Outer envelope: Dr. Amy and Mr. Pete Johnson

Inner envelope: Dr. and Mr. Johnson or Amy and Pete

Outer envelope: Doctors Amy and Pete Johnson

Inner envelope: The Doctors Johnson or Amy and Pete

A Couple with Distinguished Titles

Outer envelope: The Honorable Judy Allen and Lieutenant Alexander Allen, U.S. Navy

Inner envelope: Judge Allen and Lieutenant Allen, U.S. Navy

Invitations are also an opportunity to clearly define who is invited to the wedding. For example, if the guests are a married couple with children and the children are invited, specify on the inner envelope. Children 18 years and older should receive their own invitation. If a guest is single and allowed to bring a plus one of their choice, specify on the inner envelope.

A Guest plus One

Outer envelope: Mr. Frank Webb

Inner envelope: Mr. Webb and Guest or Frank and Guest

A Couple with Children Invited

Outer envelope: Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Jessica Hanson

Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Hanson

Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Lily

A Guest’s Child 18 and Older

Outer envelope: Ms. Lily Hanson

Inner envelope: Ms. Hanson

Stuffing the Envelopes

Opening a wedding invitation is unlike opening any other piece of mail. Each envelope is carefully stuffed and requires great attention to detail. The presentation of the invitation is equally as important as the design to many. Follow these tips when assembling the invitations:

  • Insert the invitations into the inner envelope folded edge first. If the invitation is a single card, insert the left edge first. Either way, the printed side should be visible when the envelope is opened.
  • Any reply cards, printed directions, etc. should be placed either on top of the single card or inside the folded card. Organize them in size order, smallest on top, with the printed sides up.
  • The inner envelope remains unsealed and is placed in the outer envelope with the guests’ names up.
  • Before sealing, double and possibly even triple check the names on the inner and outer envelopes match one another.

Return Addresses

The return address featured on the invitations will be where the guests send not only their replies, but likely also their gifts. Be sure to consider this when choosing the return address. Simply Stamps offers an array of personalized wedding stamps perfect for announcements, save the dates and invitations. Customize any stamp with the return address, wedding date and names of the bride and groom!

Mailing

It’s a great idea to bring a completed invitation to the local post office before adding the postage stamps. Ask the post office to weigh the assembled invitation to see if it will require additional postage.

 

Celebrate

Once the invitations are in the mail, the official count down begins! Celebrate this milestone in the wedding planning process. Days will quickly pass before the wedding day so remember to enjoy every moment. The long list of things to do may seem daunting, but remember, each and every task will be accomplished before the special day and it will soon be time to say “I do”.