CELEBRATE THE WAY YOU WANT
Traditional or unorthodox, it's your time. Will you have a decorated and catered celebration? Or will it be totally private, maybe in a quiet meadow? Either way, you'll probably share the happy occasion with people you love. So, let us help you send invitations as beautiful as the plans you’re making.
We'll hear your ideas, offer ours, and design something totally custom to fit perfectly with your motif. You'll get proofs before we start production. Turn-around time is normally four to six weeks, depending on intricacy, but rush orders can be arranged. You're in good hands.
WE HAVE OPTIONS TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
- Engagement Announcements and Party Invitations
- Save-the-Date
- Wedding Invitations
- RSVP Cards
- Invitation Enclosures (e.g. rehearsal dinner invitations, ceremony cards, reception cards, and accommodations cards)
- Bridal Shower Invitations
- Menu, Table, and Place Cards
- Thank You Notes
- Correspondence Cards and Calling Cards
- Any other items you have in mind, just ask!
ENVELOPE ADDRESSING SERVICE
We offer full-service addressing and stuffing to make things even more easygoing. The less you can worry about, the better.
ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
Wedding Invitations
Research: Get ideas of what you like. Put together a guest list, date, and budget. Consider style (size, shape, fold), colors, font, wording, and envelopes.
Ordering: Six to 12 months prior to the wedding (four to nine months prior to mailing).
Quantity: Order at least a dozen more than the guest list, but order more (25-50) if you think your the list will grow. Remember to consider family, friends, the wedding party, business associates, military personnel, etcetera. Keep in mind that you'll only need to send one invitation per household. Order extra envelopes in case of mistakes. Keep your guest list with addresses, to use when addressing thank you notes later.
Addressing: Three to four months prior to mailing, so that you allow plenty of time and avoid making mistakes. Addresses should be hand-written. Include titles such as Mr. and Mrs., write children's names on the line below that of the parents, and don't use abbreviations (except for titles). Cards should be inserted into the envelope with the front of the card toward the flap, so the recipient sees it when they open the envelope. Check with the postal service to be sure that you have the right amount of postage based on the size, shape, and weight of your invitations (square envelopes require more postage). Buy extra stamps.
Mailing: Six to eight weeks before the wedding. That way, guests will have plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if need be. Four to six weeks for smaller towns. If it's a destination wedding, send invitations 12 weeks in advance. If you're sending save-the-date cards, send them six to eight months before the wedding.
Information to include: Who is doing the inviting, who is getting married, date, time, location, recommended guest attire, RSVP information (unless a separate RSVP card is included), and alternate reception information (unless a separate reception card is included). Double check the details and spelling.
Invitation Enclosures
These are included with the invitation. They are optional per your discretion, and provide additional information relevant to specific people on the guest list.
Photo of the couple: Guests appreciate a nice engagement or wedding photo.
RSVP Cards: These are necessary for planning if a meal is to be served at the wedding. Include a stamped and pre-addressed return envelope for convenience.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: Inviting only close relatives and friends.
Day-After Brunch Invitations: Inviting only close relatives and friends.
Ceremony Cards: Inviting only close relatives and friends to the wedding ceremony.
Reception Cards: Inviting guests to the reception only.
Accommodations Cards: Providing lodging information for destination weddings, or for out-of-town guests.
Directions Cards: Providing directions (and perhaps a small map) to the location of the wedding.
Save-The-Date
Order at the same time as the wedding invitations, if possible.
Mailing: Four to six months prior to the wedding, but up to one year if it's a destination wedding and more planning is needed.
Wedding Announcements
Order before or at the same time as the wedding invitations. These should be sent to those who didn't receive an invitation to the wedding.
Ordering: Four to nine months prior to mailing.
Mailing: As soon as possible after the ceremony (within two weeks is best).
Gift Registry Guidelines
In some areas, gift information should not be included with your invitations. Tell your parents, wedding party, and close friends where you are registered. Guests know that they are supposed to ask your mom, your maid of honor, or you where you're registered. Putting it in the invite suggests that the gift is more important than the guest. However, if you feel inclined to include gift information, include a separate information card with the invitation.
RSVP Guidelines
Deadline: Make your RSVP date two to three weeks before your wedding date to allow enough time for you to get a final head count for the caterer and your seating chart. Call any guests who still haven't responded by your deadline (still via mail so you have all their information).
RSVP: "RSVP" represents the French phrase, "Répondez s'il vous plaît." It means "please respond." Other phrases that can be used are, "Kindly respond," or simply, "Please respond." Set a deadline for no more than three or four weeks after the invitation is received. If you receive a formal invitation with a request to respond with a call or an RSVP card, you should reply promptly (the same day, if possible) so that the host can make necessary arrangements such as meals.
RSVP Regrets Only: It means that a response is not necessary, unless indicated. Some people find this term confusing, and aren't sure whether or not to respond, so using it is not suggested.
Thank You Notes
Send thank you notes any time you receive a gesture of thoughtfulness from someone, such as gifts, time, etcetera.
Mailing: As soon as possible (within a week is best), but no later than two months after receiving the gift.
Thank You Notes for Gifts: Always try to be personal and sincere with your notes. As soon as you receive a gift, write a few words about the gift, and keep track of who gave it to you so you can thank them specifically for it. If the gift was money, mention how you plan to use it (e.g. "Thank you for the generous check. We are using it toward the down payment on our very first house."). Don't mention duplicates, exchanges, or damages. Use your guest list for addresses. If you forgot to send a thank you note to someone, send one even if it's late, and be sure to apologize for the delay.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Steps to Going Custom
Avoid Common Mistakes
Envelope Addressing Tips
Stationery Terms