Wedding Planning

Wedding invitations do much more than say who is getting married, where the ceremony will be held, and on what date. Wedding invitations determine the total feel of the day.

From the manner in which the invitation is addressed on the exterior to the type of font selected for the writing inside; a wedding invitation states whether the day will be formal or casual, expansive, informal, themed, traditional, or alternatively something completely different. Who would have thought that an invitation to a wedding could say all that?

Although alot of of the 'rules' prescribing a wedding are frequently gotten around by today's couples-to-be, do not even think about breaking generally-accepted etiquette when sending your wedding invitations. In addition to offering the particulars and fixing the tone, a wedding invitation must also communicate what is and isn't appropriate.

As inviting as it might be to add your guest's names and addresses into a database, choose a handwriting font and print out a few sheets of stick-on labels, do not do it! If you are holding a casual affair, it might be all right, but anything else calls for real handwriting. If your handwriting isn't too good, employ somebody for this job. Alot of couples hire calligraphists, which is a good choice if your budget permits.

It is crucial to include a reply card and a stamped, pre-addressed return envelope with the wedding invitation to ensure that replying is easy. As for addressing, here are are a selection few of your etiquette rules. If you are allowing for the invitee to bring a guest, or if kids are not invited, you'll have to stipulate this. Customarily this is dealt with by the way in which the inner envelope is addressed.

Putting 'and guest' after the invitee's name communicates the message that the guest is permitted to bring a guest. Lending the names of the guest's kids, in order from oldest to youngest, shows that their children are welcome to come along. There are some other rules for addressing the envelopes of professional people, couples that co-habit, women who use their maiden name and so on so make sure you follow them.

It is customary to send wedding invitations around six weeks before the wedding date to give guests enough time to reply. Guests coming from out of state or even from another country will value the extra time to organise their travel. So it's good manners, and a great idea to send their invitations eight – ten weeks prior to the wedding.

And whilst you are busy choosing your wedding invitations, you will find corresponding wedding stationary available to buy. For your special day, you can order matching drink serviettes, match books, place cards, cake box, and even a matching wedding album. You could also have your menu printed, and a wedding ceremony program that will be passed out out to your guests.

You will also want to thank the guests for their attendance and for their generous wedding gifts so it is a great idea to buy thank-you cards and envelopes when you are arranging your wedding invitations.

You and your better half had better plan to shop for wedding invitations and stationery when you have plenty of time, and remember to keep your budget in mind!