Invitation Guide

Understanding Invitations

Addressing Invitations

Addressing Invitations - Writing
Invitations can be addressed using neat handwriting or calligraphy.

Handwriting can be done by a group of your friends and family, selecting those with the neatest writing. Calligraphy pens can add flair to your handwriting and make the addressed invitations look more professionally done.

For the best appearance, but at an increased cost, a professional calligrapher can be hired. The calligrapher uses artistic script, special pens, and ink to create beautifully addressed envelopes and invitations.

Computer printed labels are tempting to use for the computer savvy bride and groom, however, the invitations addressed using these labels will appear much less personal. Writing the addressing yourself, or using a calligrapher will add a personal touch.

Addressing Invitations - Basics
Wedding invitations are always addressed to both members of a married couple, even though the bride may know only one or knows that only one will attend.

Invitations to an unmarried couple who reside at the same address should be addressed to Ms. Nancy Smith and Mr. Michael Ball, with each name appearing on a separate line. This should apply for same sex couples as well.

Do not use abbreviatations in names or addresses when you are addressing the envelopes.

Announcements

"Save the Date" Announcement
Many guest lists contain family or friends that must travel from out of town to share in your special day. Because invitations are typically mailed between six to eight weeks prior to the wedding, there may not be enough time for the guest to make travel arrangements and find appropriate accommodations.

It is important that these out of town guests receive a "Save the Date" announcement several months prior to your wedding date.

The "Save the Date" announcement should include the Bride and Groom's name, wedding date, and contain information about pre-arranged hotel accommodations and special booking instructions.

Wedding Announcement
Printed announcements are used to communicate the news of your wedding to family and friends. Do not send announcements to guests that were invited to your wedding.

The announcement of a wedding is more formal, and typically matches, and is worded in a similar manner to the wedding invitation.

The wedding announcement is typically mailed the day of or the day after your wedding. It is typical to recruit the help of a wedding party member, family member, or friend to assist in the mailing.

Engagement Announcement
Printed announcements are used to communicate the news of an engagement or wedding to family and friends.

The announcement of an engagement is typically an informal notification, and lets family and friends know of your recent engagement and pending nuptials. The engagement announcement does not need to match the wedding invitations.

There are a few ways that you can announce your engagement. Call your local newspaper and ask them for a guideline for putting an announcement in the paper. Or you could have cards printed announcing your engagement and the wedding date if you know it already and mail it out to your friends and relatives. Announcements are usually announced by a family member other than the bride or groom.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy
Calligraphy is curvy handwriting that can be used when addressing the outer and inner envelopes. Calligraphy creates a special handcrafted look to your invitations. Calligraphy is typically done by a professional so it can be expensive.

Invitations can be done by family and friends using Calligraphy pens, the same pens used by Calligraphy artisans. To get true Calligraphy written invitations however you will probably need to contract with a Calligraphy professional.

Handwriting vs. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is used on invitations to create an elegant flair. A professional calligrapher is hired to do the addressing on the inner and outer envelopes. Pricing for calligraphers can vary widely based on your location, supply of talent, and regional demand. It is not uncommon to spend $100 or more for a calligraphy professional.

If you don't want to spend over $100 for an invitation calligrapher, you can get a moderately priced calligraphy pen and produce similar results. With some practice, neat handwriting and the right pen can produce lovely invites.

If you have handwriting that is not neat, and cannot find friends and family to pitch in, hire the calligrapher. Otherwise, we suggest you add your own flair and personal touch by addressing the invites yourself!

Enclosure Cards

Map Cards
Map cards are inserted in the invitations to direct guests to the locations for the wedding ceremony and reception. The map is typically hand drawn or can be done graphically on a computer.

Map cards are essential for out of town guests and will aid in them easily finding your ceremony and reception.

If you have reserved a block of rooms at local hotels for out of town guests, you can include that information on the map card.

Response Set/Respond Cards
Respond Cards, RSVPs, or Response Sets are sent to the guests so they may indicate in return whether they will be attending, and how many of the invited guests to expect. The respond cards include a card, and a stamped envelope that is usually printed with a return name and address. The card is typically imprinted with a phrase such as "The favor of a reply is requested", and a spot to indicate how many guests can be expected.

It is important to indicate on the response card that they be returned at least two to three weeks prior to the wedding.

Because response cards are often returned unsigned or illegible, it is a good idea to number or code each of the response cards on the back.

Reception Cards
Reception Cards are an invitation to the reception and is often sent when the ceremony and reception are held at different locations. The reception card is enclosed with the wedding invitation.

Envelopes

Ordering Extra Envelopes
When writing out addresses for your invitations it is likely that several mistakes may be made. Perhaps the handwriting doesn't meet your standards, or you wrote the wrong address by mistake.

By ordering extra inner and outer envelopes you can correct these errors easily without another order.

It is suggested that you order 30% more envelopes than the number of invitations.

Ordering Envelopes Early
Envelopes may be ordered for early delivery prior to the rest of the order. The outer envelopes need to be filled out with guests names and addresses, while the inner env envelopes need to include the guests names alone.

The name and address writing may be done by you, a family member, or a professional calligrapher. It is important to get an early start on the addressing of the envelopes because it can be a time consuming process.

By receiving the envelopes earlier than the rest of the order, you can address them at a leisurely pace while the invitations are being printed. If you do not have much time before your wedding, ordering envelopes early is essential.

An additional charge will apply for the delivery of envelopes prior to the rest of the order.

Inner Envelopes
Invitations come with outer envelopes but not all styles come with inner envelopes. Some more contemporary styles tend to not come with inner envelopes. This is perfectly acceptable. If your style does not come with an inner envelope, it is fine to address your outer envelope as you would your inner envelope.

Envelope Seals
Envelope Seals are used on to seal the outer envelopes. The envelope seals are available in a variety of colors and designs, including special seals which exactly match your invitation design. The envelope seals add a lustrous finishing touch to your wedding invitations, announcements and thanks you notes.

Return Addresses
A return address should be pre-printed on the flap of the outer envelope of your invitations. With the pre-printed return address on the outer envelope, any invitations that are undeliverable will be promptly returned to you.

A return address will also be printed on the envelope of the response set, allowing the invited guests to easily complete and return the pre-printed, pre-stamped RSVP.

Informal Cards

Informal Cards - Defined
Informal cards are used to thank guests for attending your wedding ceremony and for giving a gift. An informal card typically has the couple's name or monogram on the front of the card and the inside does not contain a verse. The bride and groom write a personal note to each individual guest or couple inside the informal card.

The informal card includes a mailing envelope.

Writing Informal Cards
Informal cards should contain a personal note to each individual guest or couple. The note should thank each guest for attending and include a thank you for their gift. Keep a list of who gave you what so that you are sure to name the gift on the thank you card and you can trace each gift back to the guest who gave the gift to you.

The informal card should be written and sent as soon as practical after receipt of the gift. If the informals are written as gifts are received, the task of doing perhaps hundreds of informals will seem less daunting.

Insertion of Invitations

Invitation Assembly
When two envelopes are used, the invitation (folded edge first for a folded invitation, left edge for a single card) and all enclosures are placed in the inner envelope, facing the back. The inner envelope is then placed, unsealed, in the outer envelope, with the flap away from the person inserting it. When there are insertions, they are placed in front of the invitation, so they face the flap (and the person inserting them). In the case of a folded invitation, they are placed in the same direction, but within the fold.

Invitation Postage
Once an inviation is assembled you should determine the postage necessary. The entire invitation should be weighed for overall postage. Any pre-stamped items such as the respond card should also be weighed for correct postage. It is embarrassing and time consuming if your invitations are returned due to incorrect postage so be sure that the postage is correct prior to mailing.

Invitations that you mail may contain different components. Some guests may receive respond cards, while others may not. Be sure to weigh each configuration for the proper postage.

Invitation Wording

Wording Etiquette
Invitation wording can be a daunting process. To make this task easier, we have created standard wording for just about any occasion. This wording will serve as a starting point for any occasion. Simply go to the section on our web site entitled "Wording Etiquette", select the type of wording you would like to use (Traditional or Contemporary) and specify who is sponsoring the wedding for you (yourselves, Bride's parents, Groom's parent's etc.). Wording suggestions are provided.

When you preview an invitation we will ask you to select who is sponsoring the wedding and automatically fill out the invitation for you using our preset selections. From this great starting point, you can then customize the preset wording to personalize your invitations.

Invitation Wording - Basics
Invitations are issued from the host of the wedding ceremony; the person who is typically paying for the ceremony. Traditionally, the invitations were issued from the Bride's Parents, who were paying for the wedding, requesting the honour of the guest's presence at the ceremony of their daughter and the groom. However, today it is more common for the invitation to be issued from both the Bride's and Groom's parents, from individual parents, or from the Bride and Groom themselves. Moreover, contemporary wording which includes poetry and is more casual is becoming popular. Many options are available for wedding invitations (see Wording Etiquette and Suggestions section). Select the invitation and wording that makes the most sense for you, matching your unique personalities, ceremony, and reception.

Invitations

Printing Styles
The printing on the invitations is available in several styles:

Engraving: this is the most traditional printing style for formal invitations. This method has been around the longest. Engraving results in raised print that is pressed through so that it can be felt on the back of the paper. It is also the most expensive form of printing.

Thermography: this results in raised print that is shinier than engraved print and does not press through the back of the paper. It is less expensive than engraving.

Letterpress: this is a hot lead process where molten lead is formed into shapes of letters using pre-cast molds. The letters cannot be made larger or smaller or set in a specific position (like c in McAllum)

Embossing: this is raised printing usually used for large initials or borders. Use this if you want fabulous looking initials on your thank you notes or formal stationery, or if your wedding is formal and want a border or other raised detail.

General Invitation Guidelines
Wedding Invitations provide the first indication to your guests that you are to be married, and provide the first impression your guests will have of your special day. Your invitations should match your personality and establish the tone you wish to set for your wedding celebration. The invitations you select can influence the attire guests choose to wear, and sometimes influence the gifts you receive.

The invitation planning occurs early, typically three to six months prior to the wedding day. If you have more than six months to your special day, congratulations on planning ahead. If you have less than six months left, don't fret, as you have much to do and we are here to help assure that you get the perfect invitations and receive them in plenty of time to address them and mail them to your guests.

Typestyle
Typestyle is the style of lettering that is used for the text on the invitations. Many options are available for typestyles from traditional to very modern. The typestyle selected should match the formality of the wedding, your personal style, and the tone you wish to set for the wedding ceremony and reception.

When selecting lettering we prefer simpler more refined styles over fancy scripts or lettering that uses very contemporary font styles. But these are our preferences, not yours. So be creative, and select a style that makes a personal statement about you and your wedding plans!

Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations are used to request the presence of the quest at the wedding ceremony. The wedding invitation is almost as old as the sacrament of marriage, and serves as the official announcement to family and friends of your pending nuptials. In early days, invitations were hand written on fancy hand made stationery, and delivered in person to those in the community. Today, most wedding invitations are printed or engraved commercially, and are mailed to guests near and far. For the invitation, many colors and styles are available and can be matched to the colors and theme of your ceremony.

Ordering Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations should be ordered at least three to four months prior to the wedding date. The wedding ceremony date and location, as well as the reception time and location need to be confirmed prior to placing the order. Ordering the invitations as early as possible will provide sufficient time to address, assemble, and mail the invitations.

From the ordering of the invitations to the arrival at your doorstep, it can take from as little as 3 days to as much as 2 weeks. The time frame depends on the mailing options, style of invitations, printing process selected and invitation options. For fastest arrival, please select a mailing option with the shortest time frame.

Wedding/Reception Invitations
When the wedding and the reception are being held in the same location and all guests are invited to attend both the ceremony and reception, a combination Wedding/Reception Invitation is typically used. The Wedding/Reception Invitation is identical to a Wedding Invitation, except that a final additional line is added which reads "Reception following the ceremony", "Reception immediately following", or other similar wording. When the reception is being held a different location then your ceremony, you would send out small reception cards with the reception location.

Number of Invitations Needed
Inviting 200 guests does not mean that you will need 200 invitations. Many of the invited guests will be married couples, single couples, and children who will not need their own invitations. Couples are typically included on a single invitation. Invited children under 16 years of age can be included on their parent's invitation.

To get a precise count of the invitations needed prior to ordering, review your guest list and determine which of the invited quests will be listed on the same invitation. Always order additional invitations and even more additional envelopes to account for late minute additions or possible mistakes when specifying addresses.

Reception Invitations
Reception invitations are used typically when the wedding ceremony is for immediate family and a close circle of friends, yet the reception includes many more attendees. The reception invitation is sent to those you are inviting to the Reception only. The invitation should match the wedding invitation in size, theme, style, printing and paper.

Reception invitations typically include a R.S.V.P. request. The request for a response can be printed on a reception invitation, or a Response Set can be used. The Response Set is a pre-printed card and envelope that can easily be filled in and returned by the guest. Traditional etiquette often frowns on Response Sets, but in today's fast paced world, the convenience to guests is welcome, and the likelihood of obtaining timely responses is greatly increased.

Mailing Invitations

Mailing Invitations
Invitations should be mailed to guests approximately 6 weeks prior to the ceremony.

For out of town guests, a save the date announcement can help in planning, since 6 weeks may not be enough time to make travel arrangements.

Invitation Postage
Once an inviation is assembled you should determine the postage necessary. The entire invitation should be weighed for overall postage. Any pre-stamped items such as the respond card should also be weighed for correct postage. It is embarrassing and time consuming if your invitations are returned due to incorrect postage so be sure that the postage is correct prior to mailing.

Invitations that you mail may contain different components. Some guests may receive respond cards, while others may not. Be sure to weigh each configuration for the proper postage.

Monograms

Monograms - Necessary Option?
Monograms add a special touch to informal cards and at home cards. The monogram uses the initial of the Groom's first name, The initial of the Bride's first name, and the initial of the Groom's last name. The monogram provides the most elegant presentation to your guests.

Monogram Basics
Monograms can be used on your invitations, your informals, or your thank you cards. The Monograms use the initial from the Bride and Groom's first names, combined with the Groom's last name.

There are a variety of styles to choose from and you can get the Monograms printed with your choice of ink color, embossed with ink, or embossed without ink

Paper

Natural and Parchment Paper
Paper for your invitations is available in many styles and options.

One of our favorite types of "paper" uses natural fibres such as cotton rather than paper. The paper looks and feels rich and has a handmade quality to it, with natural textures and variations. For an elegant wedding where a simple and traditional invitation is desired, the natural fibre papers make a great selection.

Another choice with a more natural look and feel is Parchment. Parchment paper contains natural fibres and has a handmade torn look to the edges.

Paper
The stock you choose for your invitation is a personal preference and can make a bold statement about your special day. Vellum is the standard paper used, while 100% cotton is a heavier stock and is generally used for engraved printing. There is also parchment paper that has the deckle edge and a very natural look. Paper varies in thickness and in grade so ordering a sample may be a good idea once you have narrowed your list of invitations you like.

In addition to the type and weight of the paper, there are various paper colors to choose from including ecru, ivory, white and bright white.

Printing

Traditional Lettering
Traditional Lettering is the most time honored method of producing lettering. The process starts by using pre-cast molds which shape hot lead to form your specific text.

The process is very cost effective, however, it does have some limitations. Because the letters are produced from pre-cast molds, the size of the letters cannot be changed. For most invitations, this is not an issue. The standard size is typically selected, but if you wanted to print using larger or smaller font sizes, traditional lettering cannot be selected. Also, if you wanted to utilize superscripted letters, such as the "c" in "McDonald", traditional lettering cannot be used.

Some invitation selections require that photolettering be selected because the paper and typesetting do not allow traditional lettering to be used.

Custom Imprints
Custom imprints can be applied to most invitations. A custom imprint can be artwork or a photograph. If you have camera-ready artwork and copy that you want to have printed on your invitation you can send it in with your order. The printer will reduce or enlarge your artwork at no charge to fit the stock you have chosen.

For custom imprints we suggest that you contact our customer service department directly and speak with an agent about your special requirements prior to placing your order. We can provide valuable advice and assistance to make sure your personalized custom imprint delivers all you want it to and more!

Photo Lettering
Photo lettering is produced using computer technology and photographs of the text allowing precise control over lettering size and placement. Photo lettering provides a more flowing script presentation of the wording.

Special Accessories

Placecards/Table Cards
Placecards are used when you have assigned tables at your reception. The placecards are placed on a table in the lobby of your reception and the guest picks up the card that has their name on it. The placecard will also have the table number they have been assigned to sit at. Table cards are used when you have assigned seating at each table. They have the person's name on it and are set at each place setting of each table. The placecards and table cards are available personalized, or may also be ordered blank. Call customer service for more information on placecards.

Bookmarks
Bookmarks are additional items which can be used at the ceremony to mark pages in the Bible, or after the ceremony as a valued keepsake. Bookmarks are customized with the Bride and Groom's name, and the wedding date. Please call customer service for more information.

Thank You Scrolls
Say Thank You to your guests and decorate your reception with unique personalized thank you scrolls. Scrolls may be arranged at place settings or handed to each guest. Roll up and tie with a ribbon, and bow or place a gold or silver ring around them. Please call customer service for more information.

Programs
Programs are provided to your guests as they arrive at the ceremony. They describe the events of the day and come in a variety of styles and are a nice added touch. Please call customer service at 1-800-215-4992 for details and pricing information.

Napkins
Napkins come in a variety of colors and typestyles with your choice of design. The napkins are customized with the bride and groom's name, wedding date, and are often adorned with a graphic. The napkins are available in luncheon size or beverage size, and can be ordered in supersoft or linen paper. Please call customer service for more information.

Matchbooks
Matchbooks come in a variety or colors, typestyles and designs. Each is customized with the bride and groom's name and wedding date. You can easily coordinate the matchbooks to match your invitations and napkins. Please call customer service for more information.

Special Options

Non-English Wording
Invitations can be printed in any language. At the current time we only support English ordering via the internet. But any invitation you see is available in the language of your choice. Please call a customer service agent to learn more.

Foil Imprints
Foil imprinting provides a special custom look to any invitation. The lettering done in foil will have an irradescent shine to it. You can get foil imprinting on your invitation and enclosures in any standard foil color. Presently, we cannot provide foil imprints.

Accents on Type
Sometimes, names or locations will require an accent to be placed above or below the letter on the invitation. We provide a variety of accents available on lower-case letters. To specify these items on your order, please indicate the type of accent and the placement in the special notes. You may also contact a customer service agent to discuss the special requirement and specify the accent type and placement.

Typestyle
Typestyle is the style of lettering that is used for the text on the invitations. Many options are available for typestyles from traditional to very modern. The typestyle selected should match the formality of the wedding, your personal style, and the tone you wish to set for the wedding ceremony and reception.

When selecting lettering we prefer simpler more refined styles over fancy scripts or lettering that uses very contemporary font styles.

Ink Color
Black ink is the typical color for most invitations and does not incur an extra charge. Black ink is the most traditional and formal color selection.

For more contemporary or casual invitations, or to match a special theme, other ink colors may be used for the entire invitation or for accents. Most invitations are available with standard colors. Each printed item using colored ink will incur a separate charge.

Corner Copy
Corner Copy is used if you are having your reception at the same place as your ceremony and you would like to indicate this directly on your invitation. The corner copy can only be placed if there is adequate space on your invitation. In the corner of your invitation you would print 'Reception immediately following ceremony'.

Corner Copy may also be placed on Reception Cards, indicatings items such as R.S.V.P. or other special instructions regarding the reception dress or format.

Thank You Cards

Thank You Cards - Basics
Thank You cards are mailed after the wedding ceremony to thank guests for attending and providing you with a gift. Thank you cards contain an inside verse, which is what differentates them from Informal Cards. Timely mailing of thank you cards to your guests is a sign of appreciation. They should be mailed within two months of receiving the gift.

Writing Thank You Cards
Although thank you cards contain a verse on the inside, the bride and groom should still personalize each thank you. The note should mention the guest and gift by name. Be sure to mail your thank you notes within 3 weeks of receiving the gift.

Printing and Paper

What is the difference between engraving and thermography?
Engraving is the most expensive of print methods that are typically offered for wedding invitations. The printer uses a metal plate engraved with the text you have provided to stamp the words onto the paper from behind. The final product is textured, with raised letters in the front and "cavities" in the back. Engraving can be applied to the invitation, or it can be applied for accent touches such as the return addresses on envelopes.

Thermography is the most popular method for wedding invitations in that it produces raised print, but is not nearly as expensive as engraving. The print is raised and is "shinier" than the raised print. The letters however do not press through the back of the paper to form raised lettering.

Can I use offset printing for my wedding invitations?
Offset printing is very common, but not typically used for wedding invitations.

Offset printing is flat printing that is used on most letterhead and birthday cards. A rubber cylinder is used to press the ink onto the paper. The lettering is not raised as with thermography or engraving.

Typically offset printing is used on ready made invitations or thank you cards.

Offset printing provides the most economic form of printing, however our personal opinion is that offset printing is not special enough for wedding invitations. This of course is subjective, and if budget requires, although many will say never use offset printing, we say, do what you need to to stick within your budget and enjoy your special day.

We do not offer offset printing services, but would be happy to help you find a provider and discuss the options with you.

Can I use a laser printed invitation for my wedding invites?
Laser printed invitations are special paper products that can be formatted and printed on a regular laser printer, either at a professional print shop or at home. A word of caution: great care must be taken to ensure that the forms are fed through the desktop printer straight and evenly. You should also use a typeface that is formal, crisp, and easy to read, duplicating other professionally produced print.

Laser printing is the least expensive form of printing, and when it is used for a formal wedding it can also look inexpensive. Be sure to print out a few practice invitations to get the look you want before it is too late to have your invitations professionally printed.

We do not offer laser printed invitations. We would be happy to assist you in discussing laser printed invitation options and providing assistance to overcome some of the issues involved in printing your own invitations.

What is embossing and when should it be used?
Embossing is a raised printing method usually used for large initials (monograms) or borders. Embossing is an expensive process and is used if you want spectacular looking initials on your thank you notes, return addresses or if your wedding is very formal and you want a border or other raised detail on you invitation.

Some invitations contain embossed flowers, figures, and other ornamentation, adding a special touch of class. Sometimes the embossing contains a sheen to it, called varnishing, which can add drama to any invitation.

However, the border between drama, and over dramatic can be crossed easily when too many elements are combined on a single invitation. Embossing should be selected and used sparingly to create a dramatic yet restrained look for your invitations.

There are several different printing styles. They differ in quality and price. Lithography is a printeing process in which an image is depicted on a flat surface and treated to retain ink wile the nonimage areas are treted to repel ink. this style is relativel affordable and productes a high quality replication. thermograhy is another style of printing. Isk is pressed on paper and a fine plastic powder is sprayed on the wet ink then blwon off. the powder is absorbedinto the ink The paper is ten heated until the plastic powder melts leaving a raised in. engraving is et another style of printing. Photographic engraving plates are made using a typesetting macine. the plate is exposed to a copper plate then acid etched.