What is a Save the Date? Do I really need one?
A Save the Date is a card that is sent out to all of your wedding guests anywhere from 6 to 12 months in advance. Traditionally, it simply states the names of the couple, wedding date, and event location.
It’s a good idea to send out Save the Dates if you are having a destination wedding, or if your wedding is taking place in a peak travel or holiday season. It these situations including information about accommodations, travel requirements, etc. will be helpful to your guests.
A Save the Date is not intended to take the place of the actual invitation.
Does the wedding invitation really set the tone for my wedding?
Absolutely! Your invitation is the first thing that your guests will see about your wedding. This is why it is so important to choose a design that is attractive and unique. Your invitations should give a clue as to what your guests should expect at your wedding, and create a sense of excitement. It can dictate how a guest should dress, or even whether or not they can bring a guest.
When should we order our invitations?
You should start the invitation process at least 4 months before your wedding. However, if you are working with a custom designer you should begin the design process at least 6 months ahead of time to allow time for design and assembly, and to avoid any additional rush fees.
How many invitations should we order?
This number can be determined when a guest list is decided. Remember, not every guest needs their own invitation! For example, if you are expecting 100 guests, you will probably only need 50-60 invitations. There is a catch to this idea though – most large invitation companies do have minimum ordering quantities and no matter what design you chose you’ll always have to buy more than you will need. Most custom designers allow their clients to order as many as needed, whether it is 22 or 117 but they may not be as generous with larger order discounts because of this flexibility.
You should always order 10-20% more than what you need for mementos, forgotten guests, or any emergencies that arise. It’s usually cheaper to order extra with your original order than it is to order extra after the fact.
What different types of printing methods are there?
Engraving – involves etching the text onto a copper plate. During the printing process, the plate is coated with ink and affixed to the press above the paper. Then TONS of pressure is applied forcing the paper into the die. The text is now a raised impression, letter definition is crisp, the ink color is true and there is a “bruise” on the back of the paper.
Letterpress – dates back to the Guttenberg Bible & is experiencing a major renaissance; it combines artistic capacity & old world technique with modern design & taste. Letterpress is created by hand-setting each raised letter, or by the modern technique of making a plate. Again the plate is inked & affixed over the paper. When printed, the type is pressed into the paper, creating a beautiful impression. Letterpress works best on the hand made papers, being they soft to the touch or museum board quality because these papers really highlight the depth of the impression. Letterpress is quite versatile and can look wonderful with formal script, modern type, or playful lettering & design.
Thermograph – a modern process using ink and a powder resin combined with heat to produce a raised lettering similar to the touch of engraving. Thermograph has a shinier finish & the definition of the lettering text is not as sharp as engraving. Often, thermograph is used as a less expensive alternative to engraving on formal invitations.
Flat – often referred to as off-set or lithography, the ink is printed by a roller & lays flat on the paper (unlike a raised or impressed image).
What information should we include on our invitations?
The 5 W’s are a good place start – who, what, when, where, and why.
This information should be printed directly on the invitation. Other information that may be included is the brides and groom parents, dress code, and reception details. However, if the ceremony and reception are being held at different times and different locations there should be an additional insert card included with the invitation, instead of printing it directly on the invitation.
Another essential is an rsvp card. This is a great budgeting tool, which can help you determine the headcount for your caterer and/or venue.
Should we include our registry information in our invitations?
No! This information should be spread word of mouth and never included in your invitations.
We really want to have an adults only ceremony and reception, should we print this on the invitations?
No! Your guests should get this hint from the way the invitation is addressed. If you have clearly addressed an invitation to a couple, and they rsvp for 3 I would suggest that you call them to express your wish to not have children in attendance. Be forewarned though, some parents really take offense to this and you may receive some expressions of disappointment and hurt feelings.
How do we stuff the envelope?
With the back flap of the invitation facing you, invitations should be inserted with the bottom down and printed side facing you. This way the guest will see the printed side once the envelope is opened.
If you are including an RSVP, a postage stamp should be placed on the envelope. The rsvp card should be tucked under the flap of its envelope. Next you’ll place the inserts in order of size face up in front of the invitation.
Can we use address labels on our invitations?
No! Guest addresses should be written out by hand. If you feel that your handwriting isn’t up to par, try seeking out a calligrapher that can do the addressing for you. Another alternative is to use a custom designer who offers “modern calligraphy,” which is printing of the guest addresses directly on the envelopes in a script font that matches the font on your invitations.
Most invitation companies will offer complimentary or low cost return address printing, and it is recommended that you take advantage of this service.
When should we send out our invitations?
6-8 weeks ahead of the date is what standard etiquette dictates. If you are having a destination wedding or expecting a lot of out-of-towners it is perfectly acceptable to send out your invitations 12 weeks ahead.
How much is it going to cost to send out our invitations?
This can really only be answered by an aficionado at the post office. More than likely they will cost more than an average letter or greeting card because of size and weight.
I would suggest that once you have your invitation suite in hand, to have it weighed and measured so that you are not in shock when you are ready for mailing. Since your invitations are more delicate than most other mailings, I would suggest that you splurge and have them hand canceled instead of having then sent through the post office machinery.
Contact NMWP’s invitation expert with further questions or to schedule a consultation:
Elva Marie’s Fine Paper 505.259.2195
