Understanding Sep And Send Wedding Invites

Sep 'n' Send invitations are a type of wedding invitation that can be bought in stores and assembled at home. They are a budget-friendly option for couples who want to save money on invitations. The invitations are printed on a single sheet of paper with perforated edges, allowing the host to tear off and place each section into envelopes. While some people may prefer more classic or lavish invitations, Sep 'n' Send invitations can be a good option for those who want something simple and affordable. However, it is important to consider the quality and ensure that the perforations are not too noticeable.

What are 'sep and send' wedding invitations?

Sep and send wedding invitations are a convenient and cost-effective option for those who don't want lavish or expensive invitations. They are also known as "3 for 1" or "seal and send" invitations and are usually purchased from local stationery stores. This type of invitation consists of a single sheet of paper with perforated edges that can be separated into three parts: the invitation, the response card, and the postcard for guests to mail back their RSVPs. The response card is sometimes included as a third of the invitation card, which can be torn off and mailed back.

The main advantage of sep and send invitations is their affordability. They are often chosen by couples who want simple and inexpensive invitations without sacrificing quality. However, some people may consider them less elegant than traditional invitations due to their perforated edges.

When choosing sep and send invitations, it is recommended to order samples from different vendors to ensure the desired quality. Some users have reported issues with the alignment and perforations of these invitations. It is also important to note that this type of invitation requires assembly, which can be time-consuming.

Overall, sep and send wedding invitations offer a practical and budget-friendly option for couples who want to streamline their wedding planning without compromising on the functionality and aesthetics of their invitations.

When to send wedding invitations

Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is crucial. Send them too early, and your wedding might slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer. Send them too late, and you risk not giving your guests enough time to make travel arrangements or take time off work. So, when is the right time?

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to finalise your seating chart and other details before the week of the wedding.

However, there are a few caveats to this timeline. If you have a lot of international guests or are having a destination wedding, it's advisable to send invitations a little earlier, around 12 weeks before the wedding. This gives international guests enough time to receive the invitation and make the necessary travel plans.

On the other hand, if you're only inviting a few international guests, it's still recommended to send their invitations at the same time as everyone else's, but be sure to inform them of the wedding details ahead of time via phone call, text, or email.

If you're not sending out save-the-dates, the timeline is a little different. In this case, send your invitations around six months in advance if you have a standard engagement length. If you're engaged for only a few months before the wedding, aim for two to three months in advance.

While digital invites are more acceptable than ever, especially in uncertain times, it's still wise to stick to the traditional timeline of six to eight weeks regardless of whether you're sending physical or digital invitations.

So, to ensure your guests have enough time to plan and RSVP, aim to send your wedding invitations six to eight weeks in advance, with some flexibility depending on your unique circumstances.

Assembling wedding invitations

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary pieces for your invitations, including the invitation card, tissue paper or vellum overlay (optional), reception card, enclosure cards (such as maps or accommodation details), RSVP card and envelope, and the main envelope. It's a good idea to lay out all these elements in neat piles on a clean, spacious table.

Step 2: Start with the Main Invitation Card

Place the invitation card face up, as this will be the foundation of your suite. The invitation card is usually the largest card, providing a base for the other components.

Step 3: Add Tissue Paper or Vellum Overlay (Optional)

If you've chosen to include a sheet of tissue paper or vellum, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this layer was used to prevent ink smudges, but it can also add a delicate touch to your design.

Step 4: Include the Reception Card

Place the reception card, which provides details about the time and location of the reception, face up on top of the invitation card (or the tissue paper, if you're using it).

Step 5: Add Other Enclosure Cards

Any additional enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation details, or travel information, should be placed face up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards of different sizes, start with the largest and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 6: Don't Forget the RSVP Card and Envelope

Place the RSVP envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Then, insert the RSVP card under the envelope flap, ensuring the printed side is visible. Pre-addressing and stamping the RSVP envelope will make it easier for your guests to respond.

Step 7: Assemble the Suite

At this point, you can assemble the entire invitation suite. If you're using two envelopes (an inner and an outer envelope), insert the fully assembled suite into the inner envelope first, ensuring the text is visible when the envelope is opened. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope, so your guests will see their handwritten names when they open it.

If you're using a single outer envelope, insert the fully assembled suite directly into this envelope, with the text facing the envelope flap.

Step 8: Final Touches

You can add some final flourishes to your invitations, such as belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals. Consider weighing a complete invitation at the post office to ensure you apply the correct amount of postage. You may also want to hand-cancel the invitations instead of dropping them into a mailbox, reducing the risk of damage during mailing.

Digital vs physical invitations

There are many factors to consider when deciding between digital or physical wedding invitations. While digital invitations are more sustainable and cost-effective, traditional paper invitations are classic and timeless. Here is a detailed breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of both options:

Digital Invitations

Digital wedding invitations, or e-vites, are a modern and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. They are typically sent via email and offer several benefits for both the wedding planner and the guests.

Pros:

• Cost savings: Digital invitations are much less expensive than paper invitations, as you eliminate the cost of paper, printing, and postage.
• Eco-friendly: Digital invites reduce the amount of paper used and are a greener option for environmentally conscious couples.
• Convenience: There is no risk of mail delay or loss with digital invitations. They also allow guests to respond digitally, making it easier to track RSVPs.

Cons:

• Perceived as informal: Some guests may view digital invitations as classless, cheesy, or tacky compared to the elegance of a formal paper invitation.
• Tradition: Receiving a physical invitation is a timeless tradition that many people enjoy.
• Older guests: Some older guests may not be tech-savvy or use email, making it challenging for them to receive and navigate digital invitations.
• Delivery issues: Digital invitations can potentially end up in spam folders or be sent to outdated email addresses, leading to possible non-delivery.
• Lack of clarity: Digital invites sent to a single email address may create confusion about who is included in the invitation, especially for older guests.

Physical Invitations

Physical wedding invitations are a traditional choice, often printed on special cardstock with beautiful designs and sent via mail. They are considered a classic way to extend a formal wedding invitation.

Pros:

• Tradition: Paper invitations are a timeless tradition, and many people appreciate the elegance and personal touch of receiving a physical invitation.
• Memorability: Some guests may want to hold onto their wedding invitation as a keepsake, displaying it on their fridge or scrapbooking it as a memory.
• Clarity: Physical invitations allow you to specify the names of the invited guests on the envelope, making it clear who is included in the invitation.

Cons:

• Cost: Paper invitations can be more expensive due to the cost of paper, printing, postage, and additional services.
• Environmental impact: The use of paper and envelopes contributes to a physical footprint, resulting in waste as most invitations are eventually thrown away or recycled.
• Delays and losses: There is a risk of mail delay or loss with physical invitations, which can be devastating if important guests don't receive them.
• Time-consuming: Assembling and mailing physical invitations can be time-consuming and tedious, especially for larger weddings.
• RSVP tracking: Keeping track of paper RSVPs can be challenging, and some guests may forget to send them back or prefer to respond digitally.

In conclusion, the decision between digital and physical wedding invitations depends on various factors, including budget, environmental concerns, tradition, and guest preferences. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and some couples may even choose a hybrid approach, combining digital and physical elements to suit their unique needs. Ultimately, the choice should reflect the engaged couple's personality and the level of formality they wish to convey for their wedding celebration.

What to include on wedding invitations

Wedding invitations can be a major undertaking, from the designing to the packaging and sending. Here is a list of what to include when sending out your wedding invitations:

The Invitation Itself

The actual invitation is the most important part of the suite. It should include key details such as the time, date, ceremony location, and/or reception location. It is also important to include the names of the people getting married. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is typically listed first, but name ordering can be customised to feel right for the couple.

Response Card and Envelope

Response cards are a must, even if you are asking guests to RSVP online. A physical card will be helpful for guests who prefer not to respond online. Response cards should include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for guests' convenience.

Outer Envelope

An outer envelope is necessary to keep all the parts of the wedding invitation together.

Addressed/Postmarked RSVP Envelope

A small envelope designed to fit the RSVP card should be included, stamped and marked with the host's address.

Stamp

Don't forget to include postage for your envelope and response card envelope. Depending on the weight, you may need more than one stamp.

Optional Elements

There are several additional elements that can be included in a wedding invitation suite:

• A reception card with the location, address, and time of the reception if it is held at a different location from the ceremony.
• An accommodations card with hotel recommendations and room block information for out-of-town guests.
• A directions card, especially if the wedding is in a rural location or if guests may not have access to a smartphone.
• An inner envelope to further protect the stationery and list the names of the specific guests invited.
• Envelope liners to add aesthetic interest to the inside of the envelope.
• Belly bands or a vellum inner envelope to hold the suite together, which can be personalised with a wax seal.

Frequently asked questions