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Thursday, July 28, 2011
Frequently Asked Invitation Questions
What are Save the Date cards?
A save the date card is typically sent anywhere from 6 to 12 months in advance of the wedding. It should include the pertinent information, such as the bride and groom's names, the wedding date and the location.
A save the date card is typically sent anywhere from 6 to 12 months in advance of the wedding. It should include the pertinent information, such as the bride and groom's names, the wedding date and the location.
When should I order my wedding invitations?
Invitations should be ordered at least three months before the wedding. All of your wedding details, such as date, time, approx. number of attendees and locations should be confirmed prior to placing your order.
When should we mail our wedding invitations?
Invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Whose names should be included on the invitation?
Traditionally, only the bride's parents' names are listed at the top of the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for, the entire event. In these more modern times, if the groom's parents are paying for almost half of the wedding, you may honor their help and the fact that they are co-hosting the wedding by also putting their names at the top of the invitation. If they are only paying for a few minor (expected) things you may want to honor the groom and his parents by including them on the invitation as "son of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe."
Traditionally, only the bride's parents' names are listed at the top of the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for, the entire event. In these more modern times, if the groom's parents are paying for almost half of the wedding, you may honor their help and the fact that they are co-hosting the wedding by also putting their names at the top of the invitation. If they are only paying for a few minor (expected) things you may want to honor the groom and his parents by including them on the invitation as "son of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe."
How do I indicate the time on a formal invitation?
The time of a formal event may be stated in two different ways. "Half after three in the afternoon" or "three-thirty in the afternoon" are both acceptable. You do not use "a.m." or "p.m." on a formal wedding invitation. Any time after twelve o'clock and before six p.m. is considered afternoon. Evening properly begins at six o'clock.
My wedding is being held at noon, how do I word this?
Your invitations should simply read, "at twelve o'clock". Unless otherwise noted, "twelve o'clock" means "noon". If you feel strongly about indicating the time of day, you may use "at twelve o'clock in the afternoon".
How do I indicate to our guests that we will provide Valet Parking?
We suggest that you print the words "Valet Parking" at the bottom left or right of the invitation, where one might typically indicate "Black Tie." If there is a reception card, it would be appropriate to print it on the reception card instead of on the invitation. If there is not a reception card, then printing the words directly on the invitation itself is acceptable.
How should I indicate "No Gifts" on the invitation?
It is certainly fine to indicate ever so politely that gifts are not expected. You may add in small print in the lower corner of the invitation "No gifts, please" or "Your presence is gift enough". Please realize, however, that most people are simply uncomfortable attending a celebration without bringing a gift of some kind. So, you may still receive gifts even though you have asked your guests not to bring them.
How should I indicate our preference for "Adults Only"?
We suggest that you not address your "Adults Only" policy on the actual invitation but instead on the respond card. You may word it as "Adult Reception to follow..." We would also encourage you to make a few well-placed telephone calls and ask those guests to spread the word. You may also inform your guests of your desires when they call to respond to your invitation.
Can I include registry information on the invitations?
Traditionally, the preferred way to spread the news of any registry information is via word of mouth. If a guest needs assistance in choosing a gift, she will usually contact the host or other friends and family members for ideas. If necessary, the registry information can be included on the bottom of the an insert accompanied by the invitation in a smaller font than the rest of the invitation text, or on a card inserted into the envelope. Most brides are using their save the dates to spread the registry information by either placing it on the save the date or creating a wedding website and asking guests to visit their site for more information, which then can be updated as needed.
When should I use a reception card?
If the reception will be held in a place separate from where the ceremony will be held, you will need a separate reception card. It should coordinate with, or be a smaller version of, the main wedding invitation.
The time of a formal event may be stated in two different ways. "Half after three in the afternoon" or "three-thirty in the afternoon" are both acceptable. You do not use "a.m." or "p.m." on a formal wedding invitation. Any time after twelve o'clock and before six p.m. is considered afternoon. Evening properly begins at six o'clock.
My wedding is being held at noon, how do I word this?
Your invitations should simply read, "at twelve o'clock". Unless otherwise noted, "twelve o'clock" means "noon". If you feel strongly about indicating the time of day, you may use "at twelve o'clock in the afternoon".
How do I indicate to our guests that we will provide Valet Parking?
We suggest that you print the words "Valet Parking" at the bottom left or right of the invitation, where one might typically indicate "Black Tie." If there is a reception card, it would be appropriate to print it on the reception card instead of on the invitation. If there is not a reception card, then printing the words directly on the invitation itself is acceptable.
How should I indicate "No Gifts" on the invitation?
It is certainly fine to indicate ever so politely that gifts are not expected. You may add in small print in the lower corner of the invitation "No gifts, please" or "Your presence is gift enough". Please realize, however, that most people are simply uncomfortable attending a celebration without bringing a gift of some kind. So, you may still receive gifts even though you have asked your guests not to bring them.
How should I indicate our preference for "Adults Only"?
We suggest that you not address your "Adults Only" policy on the actual invitation but instead on the respond card. You may word it as "Adult Reception to follow..." We would also encourage you to make a few well-placed telephone calls and ask those guests to spread the word. You may also inform your guests of your desires when they call to respond to your invitation.
Can I include registry information on the invitations?
Traditionally, the preferred way to spread the news of any registry information is via word of mouth. If a guest needs assistance in choosing a gift, she will usually contact the host or other friends and family members for ideas. If necessary, the registry information can be included on the bottom of the an insert accompanied by the invitation in a smaller font than the rest of the invitation text, or on a card inserted into the envelope. Most brides are using their save the dates to spread the registry information by either placing it on the save the date or creating a wedding website and asking guests to visit their site for more information, which then can be updated as needed.
When should I use a reception card?
If the reception will be held in a place separate from where the ceremony will be held, you will need a separate reception card. It should coordinate with, or be a smaller version of, the main wedding invitation.
How do I determine a "reply by" date?
A requested "reply by" date should be indicated as two weeks to ten days prior to the date of the wedding. It is also suggested that the bride contact the caterer to be sure when a final headcount is needed. The caterer's cut-off date may affect the "reply by" date, as well, and should be taken into consideration. Allow one extra week prior to the caterer's cut-off-date for mailing purposes.
What is the proper way to complete the "M___________" on a Reply card?
You would simply add your names after the "M" on the line as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith The "M" is to state Mr. John Smith, or Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, or Ms. Jane Smith. Some bride opt to use "Name" instead of "M".
Is it proper to send out a wedding announcement which is also an invitation to a reception?
Invitations are never properly sent with announcements. Your wedding and your late reception are separate events that require separate mailings.
A requested "reply by" date should be indicated as two weeks to ten days prior to the date of the wedding. It is also suggested that the bride contact the caterer to be sure when a final headcount is needed. The caterer's cut-off date may affect the "reply by" date, as well, and should be taken into consideration. Allow one extra week prior to the caterer's cut-off-date for mailing purposes.
What is the proper way to complete the "M___________" on a Reply card?
You would simply add your names after the "M" on the line as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith The "M" is to state Mr. John Smith, or Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, or Ms. Jane Smith. Some bride opt to use "Name" instead of "M".
Is it proper to send out a wedding announcement which is also an invitation to a reception?
Invitations are never properly sent with announcements. Your wedding and your late reception are separate events that require separate mailings.
What is the proper way to stuff the invitations and enclosures into the envelope?
The invitation and enclosure cards are placed in the envelope in order of size and importance. The largest enclosure cards are placed closest to the invitation. When enclosure cards of the same size are used, the card that is most important for your guest to see would be placed on the top of the ensemble. When you place the invitation and enclosure cards into the envelope, they should all be facing toward you, so that when you remove them from the envelope, you are able to easily read all pieces of the ensemble. While holding the envelope so that you are looking at the back of it, we recommend that you stuff the envelope in the following order:
The invitation and enclosure cards are placed in the envelope in order of size and importance. The largest enclosure cards are placed closest to the invitation. When enclosure cards of the same size are used, the card that is most important for your guest to see would be placed on the top of the ensemble. When you place the invitation and enclosure cards into the envelope, they should all be facing toward you, so that when you remove them from the envelope, you are able to easily read all pieces of the ensemble. While holding the envelope so that you are looking at the back of it, we recommend that you stuff the envelope in the following order:
1. Invitation
2. Reply Envelope
3. Reply Card (tucked under reply envelope flap)
4. Reception card
If you are using "double envelopes", you would place the invitation ensemble into the "inside" unsealed envelope. You would then write your guest's names on the front of this envelope. This envelope is then inserted into the "outside" gummed envelope. The front of the "inside" envelope should be facing you and inserted into the back of the "outside" envelope. TIP: Take a sample of your entire invitation -- completely assembled -- to the post office to be weighed to ensure proper postage.
2. Reply Envelope
3. Reply Card (tucked under reply envelope flap)
4. Reception card
If you are using "double envelopes", you would place the invitation ensemble into the "inside" unsealed envelope. You would then write your guest's names on the front of this envelope. This envelope is then inserted into the "outside" gummed envelope. The front of the "inside" envelope should be facing you and inserted into the back of the "outside" envelope. TIP: Take a sample of your entire invitation -- completely assembled -- to the post office to be weighed to ensure proper postage.
How many invitations should I order?
We recommend that you order 25 more invitations than you think you need. You will need extra invitations for any mistakes and last minute additions to your guest list. It's also nice to save a few as keepsakes! The nice thing about ordering custom invitations from an experienced invitation store such as Perfectly Wrapped is that they will produce more than you ordered to fill any last minute needs.
We recommend that you order 25 more invitations than you think you need. You will need extra invitations for any mistakes and last minute additions to your guest list. It's also nice to save a few as keepsakes! The nice thing about ordering custom invitations from an experienced invitation store such as Perfectly Wrapped is that they will produce more than you ordered to fill any last minute needs.
When should I order my Thank You Notes?
We always advise our brides to purchase the thank you notes at the same time that you order your invitations. The reasoning behind this is a guest that receives your beautiful invitation but may not be able to attend due to a schedule conflict will usually purchase a gift and send it along with the respond note. You will need to have your thank you notes on hand to send out as gifts arrive. This does two things, it thanks your guest for their lovely gift and it lets them know you received it. In most cases, we offer thank you notes that coordinate with your wedding invitation.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
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