Creating Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it's not rocket science. Here is a step-by-step guide to putting wedding invites together:

- Proofread your wedding invites for any errors or typos. Check the wedding date, time, venue names, and your parents' and partner's parents' names.

- Confirm the spelling of your guests' names. Check both the outer envelope and inner envelope (if you have one) to ensure the guests' names and addresses are correct.

- Place the invitation suite in the right order. Typically, each card would go face up in size order, from biggest to smallest, starting with the invitation card. Then, if you have a separate reception card, place it next, followed by the response card, which would be tucked under the flap of the response envelope, face up. Finally, include any enclosure cards, such as a map or direction card.

- Calculate the right amount of postage. Wedding invitation suites are heavier due to multiple enclosure cards, so a standard stamp may not be enough. Take a fully stuffed envelope to the post office to get the correct weight and amount of postage needed.

- Send out your invites early. Wedding etiquette suggests sending out invites 4-6 weeks ahead of the celebration.

Proofread your invites and check guests' names are spelled correctly

Proofreading your wedding invites is a crucial step in the assembly process. You don't want to send out invitations with spelling errors or incorrect dates and times. It's also important to confirm the spelling of your guests' names. Sending a guest an invitation with their name spelled incorrectly is considered poor wedding etiquette. Here are some steps to ensure your wedding invites are properly proofread:

First, check that you have the correct wedding date, time of the ceremony or reception, and the name and address of the wedding venue(s). If there are parents' names listed on the invitation, ensure they are correct as well. It's a good idea to have a member of your wedding party or your significant other review the invites as a second set of eyes. They can help catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Next, carefully review the spelling of your guests' names on both the outer and inner envelopes. This is important whether you are using calligraphy or having the envelopes printed by a vendor. If you are unsure about the spelling of a name, check with a family member or someone close to the guest to confirm. Leave yourself enough time to make corrections if needed.

Finally, check for any spills or stains on the invitation suite. You want your invitations to look their best when they arrive at your guests' homes. Following these steps will help ensure your wedding invitations are properly proofread and your guests' names are spelled correctly.

Place the cards in the right order

Wedding invitation etiquette dictates the order in which all the pieces of the wedding invitation suite should go. Typically, each card would go face up in size order, from biggest to smallest, with the invitation card on the bottom.

If you have a separate reception card, this would come next, followed by the response card, which would be tucked under the flap of the response envelope face up so that the copy is seen.

Next, you'll want to include any enclosure cards, such as a map or direction card, an accommodation card, or a weekend events card.

If you have an inner envelope, you'll want to take this assembled invitation suite and put it under the flap. Otherwise, you'll put it into the outer envelope with the text face up.

If you'd like, you can add tissue paper on top of the enclosure cards or put a belly band over the stack of cards to keep them together.

Calculate the right amount of postage

When it comes to sending out your wedding invitations, it's important to calculate the correct amount of postage to avoid any delivery issues. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you get it right:

Firstly, it's essential to understand that the cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on various factors, including shape, weight, and embellishments. The standard rate for mailing a rectangular letter is $0.73, but most wedding invitations weigh more than one ounce, and each additional ounce incurs an extra cost of $0.28. If your invitation has any non-machinable features, such as a square envelope or a wax seal, you'll need to add another $0.46.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation suite, including all enclosure cards and envelopes, to your local post office. They can weigh your invitation and advise on the required postage. It's worth noting that the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers wedding-themed stamps for 1-ounce and 2-ounce letters. Online postage rate calculators can also provide estimates, but taking it to the post office is the most accurate method.

Another important consideration is the RSVP card envelope. Don't forget to include a $0.73 stamp on these envelopes so that your guests don't have to pay for their own postage when responding.

When budgeting for your wedding invitations, it's easy to overlook the cost of postage. By taking the time to calculate the correct amount and purchasing the necessary stamps, you can avoid any potential issues with delivering your invitations and ensure a smooth process.

Remember, it's always better to have slightly more postage than not enough. You can always opt for slightly higher-value stamps or use a combination of stamps to make up the required amount. Happy planning and mailing!

Send invites out early

Sending out your wedding invites is an exciting step in your wedding planning journey. It's important to send out your invitations early, so your guests have plenty of time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. Here are some reasons why sending out your wedding invites early is advantageous:

Finalise the Guest List

Sending out your invitations early will help you finalise your guest list sooner. With prompt RSVPs, you'll know how many guests to expect, allowing you to create a final headcount and make necessary adjustments to your seating charts. This is especially important if you have a B-list of guests you'd like to invite in case of any declines.

Plan Travel and Accommodations

By sending out your invitations early, your guests will have more time to plan their travel and accommodation arrangements, especially if they need to book flights or hotels. This is crucial for out-of-town or international guests, who may need extra time for extended shipping and delivery of their invitations.

Collect RSVP Information

Requesting an RSVP date about a month before the wedding is standard. Sending out your invitations early will help ensure that you receive timely responses from your guests. This will give you an accurate headcount for your caterer and other vendors, allowing you to finalise details such as menu selections and cake size.

Save-the-Date Considerations

If you choose to send save-the-dates, it's customary to send them out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This gives your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and make initial travel plans. Sending your invitations early will ensure that your wedding date stays fresh in your guests' minds.

Holiday and Peak Seasons

If your wedding is around a major holiday or during peak travel seasons, it's advisable to send out your invitations earlier than the typical six to eight weeks. This will give your guests ample time to plan their schedules and make the necessary arrangements during busy periods.

In conclusion, sending out your wedding invitations early, typically about six to eight weeks in advance, is considerate to your guests and beneficial for your planning process. It allows your guests to clear their schedules and make travel plans while giving you an early indication of attendance, helping you finalise all the details for your big day.

Include a RSVP date

When it comes to wedding invitations, the RSVP, or "Répondez, s'il vous plaît" (French for "Respond, please"), is a crucial component. It allows you to confirm the number of guests attending your wedding and finalise details such as catering and seating arrangements. Here are some instructive and focused guidelines on including an RSVP date in your wedding invitations:

Set an Appropriate RSVP Date

It is customary to set an RSVP date that is at least two to three weeks before your wedding date. This buffer allows you to finalise the guest list and provide a final headcount to your caterer and other vendors. Setting the RSVP date four to six weeks in advance is also acceptable and provides a comfortable timeframe for your guests to respond.

Include a Clear RSVP Date on the Invitation

Ensure that the RSVP date is clearly stated on the invitation or an accompanying response card. This date should be in a legible font and placed in a noticeable location. You may also emphasise the date by underlining or bolding it. A sample wording could be, "Kindly respond by [date]."

Provide Response Options

Offer multiple response options to make it convenient for your guests to RSVP. You may include a response card with pre-paid postage, provide an email address or phone number, or direct them to your wedding website. If using a response card, it is proper etiquette to include the host's address and postage on the response envelopes.

Number Your Invitations

To avoid confusion, consider numbering your invitations discreetly. This helps in identifying guests who may forget to write their names on the response cards. It also assists in tracking responses and managing your guest list efficiently.

Follow Up on Non-Responses

Despite your best efforts, some guests may forget to respond by the specified date. In such cases, it is advisable to give them a polite reminder. Contact these guests via phone, email, or text message to confirm their attendance and encourage them to respond promptly.

Collect Additional Information

The RSVP process can be an opportunity to gather additional information from your guests. You may include custom questions or options for meal choices, song requests, travel plans, or any dietary restrictions. This helps in accommodating their preferences and creating a positive guest experience.

Frequently asked questions