I have made a list of the top ten wedding invitation tips to help couples breeze through the invitation process as easily and stress free as possible. If you follow these rules, you can’t go wrong!
1. Do not wait until the last minute to cross invitations off your list! Procrastination on invitations almost always leads to rush charges, pushed deadlines and unnecessary stress. If you are willing to work on this top wedding priority early it will save you stress, money and headaches. Once you’ve booked your date and venue, your next priority should be your invites!
2. Plan early for unexpected mailing delays. The post office isn’t always the most reliable and estimates for delivery are just that--estimates. If you mail your invites out with an extra cushion of time then you avoid worrying and can relax!
3. Make sure you order extra invitations—just in case! It may seem like an ideal place to cut costs but that thinking can actually cost you more money in the long run. If an extra guest or two pops onto your guest list, or if any get lost in the mail then you will be very happy you had extras. It can cost a lot of money to place a second order for invitations, not to mention the dyes and inks may not be 100% match to the first batch. Ordering 10-15 extra invites is a good rule of thumb.
4. Invitations can be heavy, thick and/or oversized. This can lead to incorrect postage which will cause your beautiful invitation to be returned to you. The best way to avoid this is to have your invitation weighed several times and get multiple recommendations on postage prior to mailing it. Better safe than sorry!
5. Compile your guest list ASAP! This is extremely important for both your invitations and the rest of your planning. Check, double check and re-check that all your names and addresses are spelled correctly. Also, try to avoid using city and province abbreviations.
6. Save-the Date recipients must also receive an invitation, regardless of whether they plan on attending or not. It is proper etiquette and polite.
7. Making your RSVP date approximately one month prior to your wedding is recommended. Anything less and you’re cutting it too close. You must consider those guests who are late replying, plus that extra cushion will save you from additional stress so close to your wedding day.
8. Custom stamping is a great way to tie your invitation ensemble together and show you truly care about every last detail.
9. When you are searching for your invitation designer:
-Be comfortable with them—you will be working closely with them for a number of months
-Make sure you trust their abilities
-Ensure that they can provide you with exactly what you’re looking for—no point in paying for a service that is not what you want.
-Look at samples of their work and ask as many questions as you need.
-Make sure there is a contract for the services being provided. Review this contract and ask any questions for areas you do not understand. Review again and make sure you are 100% comfortable before signing.
10. Your invitation is a representation of you as a couple. It should reflect your personality and style. You don’t want any silly, embarrassing mistakes. A professional will ensure there are no errors and guide you through the process--stress free! If you choose to work with a custom invitation designer, make sure they capture that personality and incorporate it into the design, along with any other elements requested. After all, you only get to make a first impression once—you’re unique, your invitations should be too!
Bonus Tip: Always keep an invitation as a keepsake and memory of your special day!
