Wedding Planning Articles
Invitations
...."Setting the tone"
The style of your wedding invitation is the first indication of the tone of the wedding that your invited guests will see. Your invitation's style should generally reflect the style of your wedding. For a formal traditional wedding, a formal traditional invitation is appropriate. Casual but traditional wedding? Casual contemporary? Renaissance, American Indian, or other themed wedding? The possibilities of wedding style are limitless, as are the styles of wedding invitations that are now available. So before you begin to select your invitations, determine the degree of formality and the style of your wedding. Then identify a theme, or thread of continuity to carry through in your wedding invitation and all other associated stationery.
Wedding Invitation
The wedding invitation itself is generally a card presenting specific information: who, what, when, and where. This may be a simple unfolded card, or it may be more elaborate with folds and ribbons. When perusing wedding invitation books, you will see a variety of ways in which to convey this information. Choose a style reflective of you and your wedding's style.
The card may be printed on a variety of paper types, weights, and colors in a variety of ink colors. Traditionally, the invitation card is inserted into an inner envelope, which is inserted into the outer mailing envelope. The guest's name is written on the inner envelope, while the guest's name and address are written on the outer envelope. Don't forget to have your return address printed on the outer envelope.
Reception Card If your reception is being held at a location separate from the wedding site, a reception card is generally included. However, some less formal weddings include this reception information on the wedding invitation card itself.
Response Card Your guest's completion and return of these cards will give you an accurate count of the number of guests to expect at the wedding and reception. The cost for several of your wedding services is based on the guest count, so this card is important to your planning. The wedding invitation response card is printed with RSVP information, making it easy for your invitees to RSVP. The printed information should include a request that the card be returned to you by a certain date (i.e., at least two weeks prior to the wedding date). Have the response card envelope preprinted with your return address and pre stamped with first class postage.
Map Card Even if you do not expect any out of towners, your guests will appreciate inclusion of a wedding map directing them to the wedding and reception sites. You may have your stationer print these on the same stock as your other documents, or you may generate a map of your own. This choice is dependent on the level of formality of the wedding and invitation package. Either way, be sure that the map is clear, legible, and accurate.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitation
Everyone you ask to attend your wedding rehearsal will know first hand from you that they are invited to the wedding rehearsal dinner. But what about other friends and family who are traveling from out of town? Oftentimes, the only time you will see these loved ones who have traveled many miles to be with you on your wedding day is at the wedding and reception. Will this give you enough time to spend with them? One option is to turn your rehearsal dinner into a pre-wedding get together for those guests that you rarely see. If you choose to do this, be sure to send them a written invitation to your rehearsal dinner.
'Hold The Date' Announcement
Do you expect to have out of town guests or are you planning a Destination Wedding? If so, it is a great idea to send out a very early (at least 2 months prior) announcement of your impending wedding along with its date and location. This early announcement gives your guests plenty of time to arrange for advance fare flights and facilitates arranging time off of work. This announcement should follow the tone of the other elements of your invitation packet.
Thank You Notes
Your Thank You note cards are very similar to your Response Cards. Be sure to send one of these to each of the guests as you receive their gifts. This card is printed with your married names on it. Its envelope is preprinted with your return address and hand addressed to your guest.