InvitationsThe centerpiece of your wedding stationary, your invitation reflects the tone of your wedding, whether it is a destination or black tie affair. Your invitation set can have several pieces... The outer envelope, an inner envelope left unsealed, the invitation, the reception card (not necessary if ceremony and reception are in same location), and a response card with self addressed, stamped envelope. Printed maps, directions, accommodation cards are often enclosed as well but not a must.
Something Old:
Heavy stock, 100% cotton or linen paper in ecru or white, engraved with black ink, with a tissue placed on top to protect type.
Something New:
Brides & Grooms are trending away from standard invitations and using different paper stocks, unusual sizes and colors relating to the colors or theme of the wedding, with monograms, graphics, family crests etc.
When To Order:
Three to four months before the wedding date. The sooner the order is places the more time you give yourself for proofing, changes and addressing.
When To Send:
Six to eight weeks before the date is most common, 10 weeks for guest coming from out of the country. If have sent out save the dates you have more leeway.
Reply Cards
These cards are sent with your invitations, with a self addressed stamped envelope. Refrain from using address labels for the return address.
Something Old:
Reply cards often ask each guest to mark a box letting the bride and groom know how many people will attend. A date to return the reply card by is important.
Something New:
Many people now days have different dietary needs, many reply cards now include menu options that allow guests to mark off what they wish to eat that day.
When To Order:
With your invitations
Reception Cards:
These cards are sent with the invitation to inform guest when the reception will take place.
Something Old:
A small card that asks the guests to join the newly married couple and their families to celebrate. It gives the date, place and time.
Something New:
Fonts and designs usually are incorporated on this to match the rest of the invitation set. Creative wording is also used like... We hope you dance etc.
When To Order:
With invitations
Programs
Not only do they provide useful information, they also make great momentos. Programs
come in all different shapes and sizes, most likely though a booklet and include information about the ceremony, like the date, the names of the bridal party, order of events and titles of songs and readings. Bride and grooms also choose to honor deceased family, to thank important people or to explain unfamiliar rites of ceremony.
Something Old:
Front cover of the booklet bears the bride and grooms names or initials. Pages are bound by printer or ribbon is used.
Something New:
A less expensive option is a single piece of heavy stock, folded or a vellum overlay is added. Some bride and grooms have opted to making a fan. New ideas for the inside include poetry or a story on how the bride and groom met or became engaged.
When To Order:
If you are having them printed professionally it will save you money to have them printed with the invitations if you have the info available. If you are going to print them yourself or money is not a concern four to 6 weeks prior is best.
Menu Cards
These cards are becoming more popular. It is a nice gesture to let your guests know what will be served as the meal. These work with plated dinners, buffets & family style.
Something Old:
Usually designed as a single card on heavy stock in a rectangular shape and containing the elements of the meal, including different wine options or other beverages.
Something New:
List why you have chosen a particular dish or if it has a cultural significance.
Drink cards are also a new trend, if you are having special drinks or beer on tap.
When To Order:
Again ordering with your invitations may save you some money. If you are going to print them yourself six weeks prior or when your menu is finalized.
Place Cards
Place cards inform guests which chair to sit at, escort cards direct guests at which table to sit at.
Something Old:
Small tented cards that have each guests name printed and placed at the top of each setting.
Something New:
You can choose anything you like, pictures, stones, flower pots etc. New trends tend to follow the color or theme of the wedding.
When To Order:
With your wedding invitations or six weeks prior to the wedding if you are doing something non traditional.
Thank You Notes
These handwritten notes from both of you, should thank guests for their gifts and/or presence at your wedding.
Something Old:
Cards that say "thank you" or have a monogram, or new address on them.
Something New:
Picture cards, or postcards with a wedding photo on the front. Thank you cards are a must, but if the couple has a new address they can be used for that as well. You should send thank you notes out immediately for any gifts received before the wedding day.
When To Order:
With your invitations.
When To Send:
No later than a month after your honeymoon for gifts received the day of your wedding.
