Once you have set the wedding date and have secured the church and reception hall you can safely get to the task of ordering the invitations. Invitations come in many varieties and styles and range from inexpensive to very costly. The style you choose can depend on the amount of guests, how formal or informal the wedding will be and your budget.
For smaller weddings you may choose to print the invitations yourself. Today’s computer programs allow for many font choices and can accept all types of paper. Engraved or embossed invitations must be ordered from a stationer or printer. Engraved invitations have the letters pressed into the paper. Embossing uses gold or silver on some of the words or letters for a more formal look.
The Invitation
The invitation should include the time, date and location of the wedding, who is hosting the wedding, how formal the occasion is and any special information. The location of the reception can be either placed on the invitation itself or on a separate card included in the envelope.
Reception Card
This card is smaller than your invitation card. It should include all the information about the reception such as date, time and place. The time of the reception is generally immediately following the ceremony. In a case where that isn’t true make sure that the time is clear on the reception card.
Response Card and Envelope
Include a pre-printed response card with a stamped and addressed envelope. The card should have a space for the guest to indicate their name and a box to check if they are coming or not. Include a date that they should RSVP by, making sure that it gives you enough time to get the final count to the caterer. Expect to receive responses from about 80% of your invited guests. However, if you do not hear back from someone you can call them for their response.
Map and Directions
Include a small map with written instructions to both the church and reception. You can print these on your own printer and slip them into the envelopes with the invitations. Make sure you try out the directions yourself, as some computer programs are incorrect. Make the directions generic enough for everyone to understand and print them on small pieces of paper that will look professional when placed with the invitation.
Other Information Be sure to include any special information on the invitation. The way you address the outside envelope indicates to the guest whether they can bring a date or their children. If you have chosen not to allow children to the reception you can include a handwritten note explaining that you have chosen not to allow children to the reception. This is better than having the guest wonder or call to ask you or even show up with kids in tow.