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It's All in the Presentation
The Invitations |
Wedding
invitations offer a great opportunity for you to introduce your wedding to each
of your invitees. Your invitations offer the ability to set the mood for your
special day months in advance. You can have people looking forward to the day
just by presenting them with a great invitation.
What is the best way to compile a
guest list?
Although the first
thing you'll have to do in the invitation process is compile a guest list, it
may also be the hardest part. There are many options and people to consider.
It's easy to fall into the trap of inviting every person you've ever exchanged
words with, but besides being extremely expensive, this route will lead you to
an endless list of names. Our suggestion is to have each person involved in the
wedding supply a list of suggested names - the bride, groom, bride's parents,
groom's parents. The next step is to translate these suggestions into a
manageable and meaningful list of invitees. You must also decide initially
whether you are inviting children to be among your guests, and whether single
attendees will be invited to bring guests. These decisions will significantly
alter your numbers.
To narrow down an
overwhelming guest list, prioritize each of the names. First, label those who
must be invited like immediate family, long-time friends, etc. Second, label the
people that you feel should be invited such as extended family and a larger
circle of friends and co-workers. Lastly, label the people that it would be nice
to have at your wedding. This group that you are left with is often a place
where cuts can be made. You must take into consideration how long you have known
each person, how well you know each person, and whether you see your
relationship with this person continuing into the future.
All of these
decisions should be worked through before you order invitations - these
decisions may increase or decrease your guest list and re-ordering invitations
can be quite costly. A good rule of thumb is to order 15-25 extra invitations.
This will cover any last minute changes to the guest list, errors in addressing
invitations, and a few extras as keepsakes.
What are the things I should
consider when choosing my wedding invitations?
Invitation designs
are endless. The best advice is to keep true to the style and look that you plan
to have for your wedding. Introduce your wedding colour scheme with invitations
that same colour as your bridesmaid dresses... or send out classic,
traditionally worded invitations if you plan to have a ceremony and reception
that will also be traditional.
Cost is an important
factor to consider as well. Postage is a cost that is non-negotiable - don't
forget about return postage for your R.S.V.P. cards - but you can definitely
keep costs down with other choices. Consider some of the less conventional
options below.
Traditional
invitations have several parts including the main invitation with envelope, a
separate reception card and a response or R.S.V.P. card with envelope including
return postage. It is also a great and thoughtful thing to include detailed
directions, maps and contact information for your ceremony site, your reception
site and local accommodations for out-of-town guests.
What less conventional options are
available to me?
Ordering of
traditional invitations is easier than ever and there are more possibilities
than one bride could ever look at. Decisions would include paper type, text
type, text colour, envelope linings, silver foil, envelope seals, etc. This is a
great, low-stress option that still gives you a choice many diverse styles.
Many brides are
using their own ingenuity to get the invitations they want for their wedding.
Consider making your own invitations, either by hand with a simple drawn design,
a stamp purchased at a craft store or purchase wedding invitation paper sets
from your local office supply store and use text to create custom, home computer
printed invitations. These do-it-yourself stationary sets are available in
simple styles but also in more elaborate embossed styles. These sets normally
costs about $50 for a full set of 25 with all pieces and envelopes. With these
customizable sets you can include a poem, a quote or lyrics to a song that is
special to you and your fiancée. A creative family member, maid of honour, or
bridesmaid would likely be honoured to help in this fun and special task.
Another option is to
use a photo of you and your fiancée as the cover of your invitation or as an
accent picture with your names and wedding date inserted below. Consider asking
your photographer about unique options that he or she may offer for your
invitations. Consider using an engagement photo, a casual snapshot, or have one
specifically taken for the purpose.
If even more unique
is what you are looking for, consider putting together a website for you and
your sweetie. You can include photos, your engagement story, a countdown to the
big day, directions for your guests, and all the details for the big day. This
is a great way to communicate the theme and style of your wedding to your
potential guests as well. You can send out paper invitations to direct family
and friends to the site, or even send out emails to everyone. People can R.S.V.P.
by email for an even faster head count.
What rules of etiquette should I
follow when addressing invitations?
There are certain
rules of etiquette that one should follow when addressing wedding invitations.
These things generally are in place for respect of the addressee.
• Be sure to include
proper titles of your invitees, such as Dr., Rev., Captain, Mr., Mrs., etc.
• If you plan to
have single invitees bring a guest, address the outer envelope with the
invitee's name and note their name 'and Guest' on the inner envelope
• For an invitation
to an entire household, it is generally important to list adult children
separately with their own titles, or better yet, send a separate invitation
entirely
• For younger
children, list first names after parents' names on the outer envelope |
