All About Your Invitations, Response Cards, Save the dates and More!
Writing out and sending your wedding invitations may not be the most fun part of your planning, but it doesn’t have to be a complete chore either. With a little planning, you’ll avoid any mishaps, or over-chargers. Yes, your wedding invites will take a lot of time and effort, so put your right foot (or hand) forward.
Make sure before sending anything out that the two of you have finalized the guest list. You don’t want any uninvited guests accidentally invited. Also, double check that you have the latest addresses of your loved ones—people move a lot, so if you’re not sure, call or e-mail and ask. Once you’re set on whose coming, order about 25 extras (including envelopes). This way, you’ll be prepared for mistakes you make, as well as any additional invites you decide on as the countdown continues. You’ll save money if you buy in bulk upfront.
The two of you should send the invitations, though if one set of parents is paying for the wedding (or a good chuck of it) their names should be listed as the hosts. If you’re handy with the computer, you can purchase software programs to help you make the invitations yourselves. Your other options are to look into a stationer (expensive), department chain (medium price), or web site (budget). If you want calligraphy, book someone about four months in advance, and be prepared to spend a couple of bucks for each note.
Wedding invites vary, but the basics options are as follows:
A First Envelope: The formal invitation inside the one you’re actually sending through the mail. It should contain the guests’ names and address, and you’re return address.
Reception and Response Cards: You don’t need a reception card if it’s at the same site as your ceremony. Otherwise, it simply includes the address of where the festivities will be taking place. The response card is a self-addressed, stamped envelope asking guests to RSVP. You can also add a “choice of entrée” box on this card.
Save the Date Cards: These are an especially good idea if your wedding’s being held over a holiday weekend or somewhere far away from where most guests live. Should you send these, do so immediately after you’ve finalized the date, so guests have time to prepare and make plans. You can also add extras like maps, rainy-day substitute sites, hotel information, even fun things to do in the area. Just remember, you’re paying for the postage, so keep it light and sweet.
Some additional tips to keep in mind: Find out the exact date the invitations will be sent to you from the printer; you need to make sure you have enough time to mail them. Before your invitations are printed, proofread them. Once you receive them, proofread them again. Mark off names as soon as they come in (decide ahead of time who’s job this is). Finally, have your invitations weighed so you know the proper postage. Never put a stamp on and simply hope for the best; those RSVPs might all be from you.