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Wedding invitations offer a great opportunity for you to
introduce your wedding to each of your invitees. Your
invitations offer the ability to set the mood for your special
day months in advance. You can have people looking forward to
the day just by presenting them with a great invitation.
 What
is the best way to compile a guest list?
Although the first thing you'll have to do in the invitation
process is compile a guest list, it may also be the hardest
part. There are many options and people to consider. It's easy
to fall into the trap of inviting every person you've ever
exchanged words with, but besides being extremely expensive,
this route will lead you to an endless list of names. Our
suggestion is to have each person involved in the wedding supply
a list of suggested names - the bride, groom, bride's parents,
groom's parents. The next step is to translate these suggestions
into a manageable and meaningful list of invitees. You must also
decide initially whether you are inviting children to be among
your guests, and whether single attendees will be invited to
bring guests. These decisions will significantly alter your
numbers.
To
narrow down an overwhelming guest list, prioritize each of the
names. First, label those who must be invited like immediate
family, long-time friends, etc. Second, label the people that
you feel should be invited such as extended family and a larger
circle of friends and co-workers. Lastly, label the people that
it would be nice to have at your wedding. This group that you
are left with is often a place where cuts can be made. You must
take into consideration how long you have known each person, how
well you know each person, and whether you see your relationship
with this person continuing into the future.
All
of these decisions should be worked through before you order
invitations - these decisions may increase or decrease your
guest list and re-ordering invitations can be quite costly. A
good rule of thumb is to order 15-25 extra invitations. This
will cover any last minute changes to the guest list, errors in
addressing invitations, and a few extras as keepsakes.
What
are the things I should consider when choosing my wedding
invitations?
Invitation designs are endless. The best advice is to keep true
to the style and look that you plan to have for your wedding.
Introduce your wedding colour scheme with invitations that same
colour as your bridesmaid dresses ... or send out classic,
traditionally worded invitations if you plan to have a ceremony
and reception that will also be traditional.
Cost
is an important factor to consider as well. Postage is a cost
that is non-negotiable - don't forget about return postage for
your R.S.V.P. cards - but you can definitely keep costs down
with other choices. Consider some of the less conventional
options below.
Traditional invitations have several parts including the main
invitation with envelope, a separate reception card and a
response or R.S.V.P. card with envelope including return
postage. It is also a great and thoughtful thing to include
detailed directions, maps and contact information for your
ceremony site, your reception site and local accommodations for
out-of-town guests.
What
less conventional options are available to me?
Ordering of traditional invitations is easier than ever and
there are more possibilities than one bride could ever look at.
Decisions would include paper type, text type, text colour,
envelope linings, silver foil, envelope seals, etc. This is a
great, low-stress option that still gives you a choice many
diverse styles.
Many
brides are using their own ingenuity to get the invitations they
want for their wedding. Consider making your own invitations,
either by hand with a simple drawn design, a stamp purchased at
a craft store or purchase wedding invitation paper sets from
your local office supply store and use text to create custom,
home computer printed invitations. These do-it-yourself
stationary sets are available in simple styles but also in more
elaborate embossed styles. These sets normally costs about $50
for a full set of 25 with all pieces and envelopes. With these
customizable sets you can include a poem, a quote or lyrics to a
song that is special to you and your fiancée. A creative family
member, maid of honour, or bridesmaid would likely be honoured
to help in this fun and special task.
Another option is to use a photo of you and your fiancée as the
cover of your invitation or as an accent picture with your names
and wedding date inserted below. Consider asking your
photographer about unique options that he or she may offer for
your invitations. Consider using an engagement photo, a casual
snapshot, or have one specifically taken for the purpose.
If
even more unique is what you are looking for, consider putting
together a website for you and your sweetie. You can include
photos, your engagement story, a countdown to the big day,
directions for your guests, and all the details for the big day.
This is a great way to communicate the theme and style of your
wedding to your potential guests as well. You can send out paper
invitations to direct family and friends to the site, or even
send out emails to everyone. People can R.S.V.P. by email for an
even faster head count.
What
rules of etiquette should I follow when addressing invitations?
There are certain rules of etiquette that one should follow when
addressing wedding invitations. These things generally are in
place for respect of the addressee.
•
Be sure to include proper titles of your invitees, such as Dr.,
Rev., Captain, Mr., Mrs., etc.
• If
you plan to have single invitees bring a guest, address the
outer envelope with the invitee's name and note their name 'and
Guest' on the inner envelope
•
For an invitation to an entire household, it is generally
important to list adult children separately with their own
titles, or better yet, send a separate invitation entirely
•
For younger children, list first names after parents' names on
the outer envelope
Photo
above courtesy of Pamela Wideman Photography |
It's
natural for couples who are planning a summer wedding to feel panic set
in as they watch temperatures reach record highs and the UV Index go off
the chart... 
