How to Prepare and Mail Your Wedding Invitations

So, you've found your ideal Wedding Invitations! Now what do you do? There are most likely numerous questions you have in relation to how many to order, addressing the invitations and who gets an invite. Considering that the Wedding Invitations will set the tone for your upcoming wedding, it is important to remember the recognized etiquette of a wedding while ordering and mailing out your invitations.

1. Who gets an Invitation? Of course all your guests that you wish to invite should get an invitation. In addition, your wedding party should also get an invitation as well as clergy and parents. The wedding party understands they are invited, but this gives you the opportunity to formally invite a spouse or provide the option for a guest to attend with a single attendant. This holds true for any clergy you wish to invite.
   
2. How many invitations do I order? Once you have compiled your guest list, it is always best to add on at least an additional 25 invitations. If you have the option to just order additional envelopes, this is advised as well just in case errors are made during the address writing. Having additional wedding invitations on hand is ideal for keepsake purposes as well as return mailed and the last minute invites you may want to send.
   
3. When are Send the Date Cards mailed? Send the Date Cards can be mailed anywhere from six to nine months before the wedding. These are still considered optional in terms of etiquette, but about 90% of couples today are choosing to send them in order to ensure family and friends across the country and world are able to attend. If you are planning a destination wedding, these really are a must as travel and hotels will need to be booked.
   
4. When are Wedding Invitations mailed? Traditionally, wedding invitations are mailed six to eight weeks prior to the day. However, if you are having a destination wedding, you may elect to send out the invitations eight to ten weeks ahead in order to ensure that all accommodations can be made by your guests.
   
5. Do I really need a Reception Card? A Reception Card isn't necessary, if the reception is immediately following the ceremony and if it is at the same location. A Reception Card is proper etiquette, if the reception is at a different location. The Reception Card is also the appropriate way to communicate what type of party you are hosting. For example, if you are hosting an "Adult Only" reception, the card is the avenue to communicate this important information. Directions should also be provided or at least the address of the reception.
   
6. Do I really need a Respond Card? A Respond Card is the most traditional way for your guests to acknowledge the invitation and advise as to whether or not they will be attending. Although some couples are electing to print a website on the invitation itself for guests to RSVP online, this is not the proper way to solicit a response and it does take away from the invitation which is typically a keepsake considering the personalized verse and wedding details.
   
7. How do I provide the reception menu options? The Respond Card is the perfect place to outline to your guests what meal choices they will have at your reception. Selecting a meal is the indication they will be attending. Another line is then provided below the meal options for those who regretfully cannot attend.
   
8. How long should I give guests to RSVP? Your final number of guests is typically due to your venue about one to two weeks prior to your wedding. With this in mind, asking for the RSVP two to three weeks in advance will provide ample time for you to evaluate who has responded, call those who haven't and contact the venue with your final count. If you are planning a destination wedding and accommodations are a factor, asking for a response four weeks in advance is perfectly acceptable.
   
9. Where do I put my Return Address? Your return address should be printed in two places. The first is on the back of the outer envelope. This will ensure that any invitations that are not deliverable will be returned to you. This can be printed by your invitation vendor. The second place is on the front of the respond card envelope. This can also be printed by your invitation vendor and is typically printed at no additional charge. Be sure to place a postage stamp on the respond card envelope as well.
   
10. How should the invitations be addressed? The outer envelope can be mailed to a family just by indicating Mr. and Mrs. The outer envelope for a single person can just be addressed to that person. The inner envelope traditionally is the indication of who is actually being extended the invitation. If you are hosting a family oriented wedding where kids can attend the ceremony and reception, the invitation should be to the adults and "family." If you are just inviting the adults of the household, "family" should be left off. If you are inviting a single person who can bring a guest, the invitation should indicate the person's name and the word "guest." If you are just inviting the single person, it should only state his or her name.
    
11. Do the envelopes for the Wedding Invitations need to be handwritten? The return addresses can be printed for the invitations. However, everything else should be handwritten. This is, after all, a personal and intimate invitation.

How to Order Your Wedding Invitations

So, you've got your venue, reserved the date, considered your colors and theme and of course know the guy.  Now it is time to order your wedding invitations.  If you have done your homework, you are most likely ordering your invitations online as you have found that you can save sometimes more than 50% in comparison to ordering from a stationery store.  But, what do you need to order?  And what is a "Respond Card?"  All  the wedding lingo can be confusing and overwhelming.  Below are steps to help you understand the various components of the invitation and understand what you need for your wedding as not all pieces may be warranted.

1. Order the Invitation.  The Wedding Invitation itself is the first thing to consider and select when ordering your invitations.  This will have all the particulars of the wedding such as the date, time and location.  And, it will also contain your personalized verbiage which will indicate who is doing the inviting.  For example, if you and your fiance are hosting the wedding then this will be indicated by the verse outlining that you and he request the honor of guest's presence.  Wording examples can be found on our site under "Verses."  Make sure and order an additional 25 invitations for various reasons such as late additions to the guest list or returned mail.


2. Order the Respond Card.  The "Respond Card" is the card that your guest will be returning to you indicating that they will be in attendance or regretfully have to decline.  This care can also be utilized to outline the menu choices that are available to guest such as beef, chicken or fish.  The guests' indication of their meal preference is also the signal that they will be attending the wedding.  Our respond card's come with return envelopes that will automatically have your return address printed at no additional cost on the envelope.  Etiquette dictates that you place a stamp on the envelope so that guests can simply drop the card back in the mail to you.

3. Order the Informal Note.  The Informal Note Cards are an optional purchase at the time you order your Wedding Invitations.  These cards will match your invitations and can be used as Thank You Notes for your wedding gifts or to thank vendors, parents or other friends and family who contributed to the wedding.  It is a great idea to order these at the same time.  They will not only match your wedding invitations, but you will have them well in advance of your wedding so that you can get a head start on sending out Thank You Notes for all the wedding gifts.

Thank You Notes

4. Order Save the Date Cards. If you haven't already ordered your Save the Date Cards and you are ordering your Wedding Invitations at least six months in advance then it is a great time to place this order as well.  Not only will you most likely save on shipping costs, but you can also check another item off your list in one fair swoop.  Also, if you are ordering from collections like our Exclusive Collection II, you can order Save the Date Cards that match your Wedding Invitations.

Exclusive Collection II