THE EVER-IMPORTANT INVITATION

Invitation: Dolldine Designs

Photo: Blessed Wedding Photography

When you think of wedding stationery, invitations are the main event. They express your style and convey important information. Invitations can be formal and elegant; fun and unfussy; or simple and timeless.

Plan to spend a few hours (or maybe even a whole day!) at the papery checking out invitation styles, themes and colors. Pick an invitation approach that works for you and be sure to include all the pertinent details such as your full names, the wedding date, time and location, as well as when and how to RSVP, who to call with questions and in some cases menu options for guests.

Invitations come in all shapes and sizes. For example, you can get square cards
or rectangular cards. The invitations are layered too, with lots of inserts and envelopes. Enclosures can include a response card, information cards telling guests about travel and hotel arrangements, a map and directions.

Envelopes can be lined with coordinating patterns or colors to add a touch of elegance. Embellishments like rhinestones or feathers can be added to invitations too. Any non-traditional sizes or extras will likely cost more to mail. Consider having your invitations’ stamps hand cancelled at the post office to preserve the look and quality of the invitations.

Be sure to order your invitations well ahead of time, as shipping delays might hurt your mailing schedule. Plan
to have your invitations ready about three months before the wedding.

Mail your wedding invitations at least two months before the big day. That way, guests are likely able to determine whether or not they will be able to attend, plus it gives you enough time to prepare for a final guest tally.

TASTEFUL THANK YOU NOTES

Thank You Note: Dolldine Designs

Your wedding day will go by in a blur, but the memories will linger forever. Show your appreciation to the people
who made the day so special by sending hand-written thank you notes to each guest. Thank them for wedding gifts, wedding advice, support, love and even laughter. A few handwritten lines will go along way to show your gratitude.

Thank you notes tend to be simple cards because the real heart of the note is in the handwritten message.

Send thank you notes as soon as you can during the days or weeks after the wedding. They can be a lot to handle, so tackle the project a few notes at a time. And don’t forget to include your guy when writing thank you notes. Divide up the pile of notes to be written, hand your hubby a pen and tell him to write something heartfelt in each note. You can handle note writing together which means the job will get done quickly.

SPREAD THE WORD WITH ANNOUNCEMENTS

You’re married and it’s time to share the big news with friends and colleagues who didn’t get invited to the ceremony or reception. Spread the word with announcements that are informative and elegant. Feel free to include a wedding photo as part of the announcement.

Keep the font and the wording simple as you announce the basics about your day, such as your full names, your wedding date and the wedding location. Aim to send these notes out in a timely manner—within a month of the big day—so the people receiving them feel in the loop.

Announcements can also work very well following an elopement. Sure, family and friends may feel excluded from the fun, but a nicely worded announcement will make them feel better. Consider a message such as, “We’re married!

Katie and William got hitched February 20, 2020 in San Diego.”

“No matter which stationery you choose, be sure to order early and always proofread your purchases. One typo and you could be out a lot of money to re-do your order. Another tip? Order a few extra pieces of everything from save the dates to invitations. You may want to keep a few for sentimental reasons, but more likely you’ll need them if you decide to invite several extra guests.

Stocking up on wedding stationery can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. Let your inner designer go to work!