Tip Of The Week: Invitations

Recently, I've had brides call me up with a request... "Please help!  I have been trying to print my invitations and they are coming out crooked and the ink isn't very bright".

Now, I totally appreciate the DIY thing...and Kudos to all of you brides that really want to add your personal touches to your wedding, BUT, doing your own invitations isn't easy.  You need to keep in mind that your wedding invitations are the very first thing your guests will see when they are invited to your wedding. 

Luckily, though, there are enough companies out there {mine for example} that will work with you if you are adamant about doing your own invitations.  Here, at Signature Events by Shelly, we will help you design your invitations and print them, and, if you choose, you can take care of the rest.  Saving you money and allowing you to be more "hands on".

Here are the top five tips to keep in mind about invitations:

• When to Order

You should be ready to order your invitations when your guest list is final (about three to  four months before).  Your design concept should be figured out about seven or eight months before.  Look for invitation styles that you really like.

• Do Overcompensate!

Don’t order the exact number you need.  A good rule of thumb is to order 25% extra.  Also, order extra envelopes to leave room for addressing errors.  And, remember that you will need one per household…not one per guest.  Although, any children over the age of 18 living with their parents should receive their own invitation.

• All in One

You will want to provide your guests with all of the information they will need.  Your invitation supplier should go over all of this as your times, venues, styles are being chosen.

• Saying Thanks

Remember to add thank-you notes to your order.  The “thank – you note project” begins when you are gathering names and addresses for the invitations.  Do yourself a BIG favor and SAVE THAT LIST!  As you open presents, record the gift next to the giver’s name and address.

• Signed, Sealed and Delivered

If you are having a destination wedding or marrying over the holidays you need to send your invitations early (10 to 12 weeks before the wedding).  For a local affair, the standard time frame is 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. 

Have fun with your invitations and make them personal.  Work with a designer to really create a unique invitation.  Anyone can open a book and choose one...