Invitation advice

Summer brides, it’s the time of year when all our lovely graphic designers and stationery creators are working on getting your invitations out. Invitations are the first glimpse people get on your wedding theme, color and taste; it gets people excited and their imagination going on what they think your wedding will look like! Here are some simple tips on making sure you create your ideal invite either yourself or with one of our local designers:

Do it yourself or hire a graphic designer?

Some of us are lucky enough to imagine exactly the layout and look you are going for in an invitation, and put it onto paper themselves. You can find some great templates online and wonderful online companies that do a fantastic job with your final touches. Some of us need that extra help from some great designers. I have been lucky enough to work with some fantastic ones who can simply take exactly what you pictured in your head and put it onto paper, adding extra touches, that make you say, “man why didn’t I think of that, it’s perfect!” Depending on your budget, your creativity and available time it is worth it to pay a little extra and get the help you need.

(Photo: Royce Sihlis Photography) Dandelion Willows Invitations & Stationery

Proof it.

Now if you have gone online and ordered your invitations please, please pay the extra fee and get a proof sent. In the end if there was a mistake on them you have saved yourself the entire cost of another run of invitations. Many custom stationery designers will include a complimentary first round of edits. Show the proof to as many people as you can. Many eyes are better than two. Double check addresses, times and the spelling of names. The last thing you want to do is approve a proof and then notice a mistake after printing! We are human, it happens!

What do I need to order and what information do I need to include?

For your invitation be sure to have your names, the names of the people hosting the event (your parents, or your in-laws perhaps), the date and time of the ceremony as well as the name and address of the ceremony location. Other pieces to include would be your RSVP card. If you are having a plated, pre-selected choice menu ensure that you leave four spaces for guests to write their names as well as a place to indicate what they are eating (most commonly a beef, fish and vegetarian option). Don’t forget to number the back of the RSVP and make note on your guest list in case one of your guests fills it out incorrectly.  This way you know who the RSVP was from. Also include a separate reception card with the reception details, times and addresses. If you have a large number of guests travelling to your wedding consider arranging a block of hotel rooms and give them the details on an accommodation card. You may also want to include a map from the ceremony to the reception and separate invitation cards to pre- and post-wedding events such as the rehearsal dinner or the gift opening.

Order early.

It can be unnecessary to order early, but like I mentioned before, we are human and things can happen. For instance, maybe you received your proof and something is wrong, it might take someone some time to adjust this, or maybe the paper you chose is out of stock and it will take a few weeks to come in. It’s just easier to be safe than sorry and getting them early can relieve some pressure of timing. Ideally you should place your stationery order 8-9 months in advance of the wedding and mail them 5-6 months in advance of the wedding.

(Photo: Royce Sihlis Photography) Dandelion Willows Invitations & Stationery

A few of my favorites:

Local designers: Dandelion Willows Invitation and Stationery

Online DIY: Uniquity Invitations & Wedding Paper Divas

Now we have our invitations out and the excitement begins! People will be RSVPing in no time and then you can start on the seating chart.

Check back next week to see what tips I have in store for you…

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.