You invitation is a reflection on the type of wedding its going to be weather it be formal, informal or themed this will be transparent in the invitation. The invitation is the only essential stationary required everything else is optional.
Save the date
This card is sent several months in advance to guests that have a long distance to travel, it is simple courtesy to let them know your plans so they can start making their own. These cards only need the Bride and Grooms names and the date and location of the wedding. It's a good idea to include "Invitation to follow" so they don't keep calling for the details that are not available yet like reception location and time.
The Invitation
As before these will reflect the type of wedding to come so chose the style accordingly. Most people spend between 1-2% of the budget on the stationary. When ordering your stationary remember to include 10 extra to provide for mistakes and late invites. This will be cheaper than having to reorder a new batch. It a good idea to let another person check the invites before they go out to make sure all is in order and spelled correctly. The invitation will include the names of the hosts; the brides name the grooms name, the ceremony location, date and time, the reception location and the RSVP address. If children are being invited include on the invitation if not leave out.
Reply Card
The reply card is an optional but efficient way of getting the guest list finalized. You can also include a menu option so that guest with dietary needs can be catered for. Don't for get the stamp so that guest can reply promptly.
Wedding Service Programme
Similar to mass booklets but contain more information. They may include the whole wording of the ceremony, which will provide for a lovely memento of the day especially if the couple has written their own vows. This also offers the scope to mention deceased loved ones or to give a little background on the wedding party or to explain any unfamiliar rites. You can even go further by including poems, photos etc.
Place Cards
These are traditionally small cards engraved with guests name and each seating place. Now more couples are finding creative ways to replace these. One option is to carve the names into small pebbles or stones and offer to guests as a memento you imagination is the limit with this so don't be afraid to let it run riot.
Thank you cards
These are absolutely essential to thank each guest for his or her attendants and gifts you received. You can opt to match these to the invitation cards or pick up a pack of pre-printed cards from your local card shop. Take time to write a hand written note to each on the card to each guest as it is only courtesy and will be remembered.
Special Touches
Besides the choices of text, type, paper and design there are lots of ways to personalize and add that special touch to your cards. Trimmings can range from feathers to pearls, shells flowers or ribbons each design can be unique.
Another option can be the original watercolor of the church where the ceremony is taking place or the coat of arms of the bride and grooms family branded on the invitation.
Photogenic designs and laser cut monograms of the couple's initials on the front of the card is a hot new trend.
Information packs
In addition to the invitation itself you can include directions to the church and reception, local tourist attractions for distant relatives and even details of the wedding list. Such details will be appreciated by the out of town wedding guests who will be unfamiliar with the place your getting married and be interested in favorite bars, restaurants and tourist attractions if any.
DIY Stationary
One way to save money and add that personal touch to the stationary is to make your own. This is more popular than ever and there is an abundant choice of card paper and trinkets to choose from including high quality hand made and floral paper.
You can add organza ribbon, feathers, shells the options are limitless all you will need is a printer to add the script or why not try your hand at some DIY calligraphy to add a definite personalized touch. Although this method of creating your own stationary takes time it can be highly rewarding.
By Declan Tobin
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