Once you?ve decided on the invitation style, ink color and font you desire, check and re-check the wording you?ve requested to be printed. Pay special attention to dates, times, and spelling of names and places. Make it clear whether a period is required after an initial.
When ordering the announcements, order 25 to 50 extra. Order extra envelopes to replace address errors and make last-minute additions. Otherwise, you may have to place an entirely different order, which can often cost as much as the first 300 invitations you initially purchased. Also, request that the printer send your mailing envelopes in advance so you can begin addressing them immediately.
When writing thank-you notes, don?t mention if a gift was duplicated or exchanged. Also, don?t mention when a gift has been damaged in transit, unless it is insured. Thank-you notes should be written within two weeks after receiving a gift and no later than a month after the honeymoon.
Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the wedding. Envelopes should be handwritten in black ink, not typed, and should not include abbreviations, except for Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., or Jr. The outer envelope should have your return address, while the inner envelope is simply labeled "Mr. and Mrs.__________." Children?s names are written on a line below that of the parents. The inner envelope should be left unsealed; it will hold the invitation and enclosure. Invitations should face the envelope flap, and tissue paper should be placed over the writing. It?s safe to invite more people than you expect will attend, since experience shows approximately 25 percent of those you invite won?t be able to make it.
Consider ordering thank-you notes from the same company that supplies your invitations. Many printers offer a discount when they are chosen to supply all of the stationary needs.
You?ll want to start writing thank-you notes as soon as you receive the first wedding gift, otherwise, you might never catch up. Tackling just a few thank-you notes at a time will help you to be more personal and sincere than if you try to finish a whole stack in one sitting.
