Wedding and Invitation Guide

You have browsed through our invitations, found the perfect wedding invitation, and now it's time to order. If you are like many brides, you may not be sure where to start. Not to worry, we're here to help. Whether you need advice on what to order, when to send it or how to word it, we have the information you are looking for here. Check out Getting Started (below) for general advice on what to order and sending your invitations. Our Wedding Invitation Wording Guide and Wedding Invitation Addressing Guide will help you create the perfect verse for your invitation and prepare them for mailing. Finally, before ordering your invitations, make sure to read our tips on Avoiding Ordering Errors to ensure your wedding invitations are perfect and error free.

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When should I order and send out my Invitations?

Wedding Invitations are usually sent out 6-8 weeks before the ceremony. Although most of our invitations have a very quick turnaround time, we recommend ordering at least 3-4 months ahead of time to give yourself plenty of time to for your order to arrive and for you to address them.

How many wedding invitations should I order?

Remember, you will need one invitation set for each family (not each person). We always recommend ordering 25 more invitations than you think you will need. There are almost always last minute guests additions or a few addressing errors. The cost of ordering 25 extra with your original order is minimal when compared to ordering 25 more later. Re-orders at a later date are much more costly.

What do I need to order?

Invitations, announcements, reception cards, save the date cards - there are so many choices in wedding stationery today that it can be overwhelming!

Your wedding invitation needs are as unique as your wedding. The formality of the event, location, time of year and type of events planned are all important in deciding what items you need to order.

Before the Ceremony...

- Save the Date Cards
Send Save the Date Cards out to your guests four to six months before your wedding so your special day will be put on their busy calendars. Save the Date Cards are especially perfect for Destination Weddings. The advance notice of the upcoming special event gives your guests plenty of time to reserve the date and prepare for their trip.

- Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations are the most important part of your ensemble. It sets the tone of your wedding by offering your guests the first glimpse into the style of your upcoming wedding ceremony. An invitation should be sent to anyone that you would like to attend the ceremony. The wedding invitation includes the names of the bride, groom and hosts, date, time and location of the wedding. Please see our wording tips for help in writing your invitation text.

- Invitation Envelopes
Traditionally, Wedding Invitations and Announcements have two envelopes, an inner and an outer. (Although some upscale invitations, such as Encore wedding invitations, are moving to single envelopes) The inner envelope is un-gummed and may be lined with a colored or decorative liner for an extra touch of elegance. The outer envelopes may be printed with your return address on the back flap in case of any that get lost in the mail. The invitation and enclosures (reception card, response card, etc.) are placed in the inner envelope, and then the inner envelope is placed into the outer envelope. Please see our invitation wording guide and invitation addressing guide for detailed instructions on wording, assembling and addressing your invitation ensemble.

- Wedding Announcements
A wedding announcement may be used if you have private ceremony or sent to those guests who are not invited to the wedding. Wedding announcements can be the same as the invitation in terms of the actual paper stock and design. The wording is just adjusted to announce rather than to invite. Announcements are usually send just after the ceremony. A reception card may be included if you wish to have a reception to celebrate with your family and friends.

- Reception Cards
A reception card is needed when a reception will take place after the ceremony. It is used to show the time and place of the reception and is enclosed with the invitation. No envelopes are needed.

- Response Cards with Printed Return Address Envelopes
A response card is needed for most weddings so you can determine how many guests will be attending. It is especially important if you are planning a reception and need a head count for meals. The price of the response card includes an envelope with your name and address printed on the front so your guests can return them to you.

- Direction and Map Cards
Wedding Direction Cards are a nice way to make sure your guests find their way to the ceremony and/or reception. Maps may be included as an added convenience. Direction cards are enclosed with the invitation and do not need envelopes. Direction cards are available in white and ecru.

At the Ceremony...

- Place Cards
Place cards are an elegant way to show your guests where to sit at the reception. They normally include the names of the bride and groom and wedding date as well as a place for you to fill in the guests names. Because they are used at the ceremony and not enclosed in the actual invitation, they do not have to be the exact same style as the invitation. A variety of designs are available to match your reception theme.

- Menu Cards
Menu cards add a very elegant touch to a more formal ceremony with a sit down meal. They are placed at each seat and list/describe each course that will be served. Menu cards are available in ecru and white to match most ceremony themes.

- Napkins
Coordinating napkins add a perfect touch to your reception. Napkins can be ordered in a variety of colors with optional designs and ink colors to coordinate perfectly with your reception ceremony. Napkins are available in beverage and luncheon size and can be found in our wedding accessories section.

- Wedding Programs
Wedding programs allow your guests to feel like a part of the ceremony by sharing information about the wedding party and the order of service. They also make wonderful keepsakes for your guests. Wedding programs are usually handed to the guests as they enter the ceremony by a close friend or family member.

- Wedding Accessories and Favors
Wedding accessories are coordinating ceremony and reception items that may later become cherished keepsakes, such as toasting glasses, guest books, favors, and even cake toppers. We have a huge selection of wedding accessories in many themes and styles. Be sure to check out our wedding accessories page as you plan your celebration.

After the Ceremony...

- Thank You and Informal Personal Notes
Coordinating Thank You notes are available with most invitation ensembles. Many ensembles also have informal notes available. Informal notes are similar to thank you notes, only they may be personalized with a line of text of your choice on the front in a coordinating font and ink color. You may choose a traditional "Thank You" or your first names on the front for more personalized correspondence. Matching envelopes are included-your return address may be added for an additional charge.

- Wedding Party Gifts
Don't forget to show your appreciation to your bridesmaids, groomsmen and other wedding party members with a special personalized gifts. We have a variety of wedding party gifts which can be personalized to serve as a special token of thanks as well as keepsake of your ceremony.