There are many different types of wedding invitations and all sorts of rules regarding how they should be worded, so if you’re thinking about sending out formal wedding invitations, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various options available to you and make sure your invitations are up to snuff. Here are all the details you need to know about sending out formal wedding invitations.
The Basics
At some point in your life, you will have to send out formal wedding invitations. It’s part of being an adult. While it may seem like a very intimidating process, it doesn’t have to be. The best thing you can do is be prepared with all of your information ahead of time, so that way you can easily send out your invites without worrying about having to run around and gather everything together at the last minute.
There are three different styles of formal wedding invitations: invitation and response card, double-sided response card, and postcard. The decision of which to use depends on many factors, but these are a few guidelines that might help you choose what works best for your big day.
The first thing to consider is who your friends and family members will be (including future friends and family). If you’re inviting couples from both sides of your family, or close friends whom you’ve seen in various combinations over time (engaged, married with kids, etc.), it makes sense to invite them as couples.
For example, if you know a couple well enough to know that they’ll be together at your wedding no matter what, including them on one invitation is most efficient. In other cases, you may want to send out individual invitations so each person can decide whether or not he/she wants to bring a guest.
It’s also important to think about how far people live from each other. Are there any guests who live near each other? If so, sending them one invitation could save money on postage and save trees.
However, if people live across town from each other, sending two separate invites might make more sense. Also, make sure to take note of the fact that some people may have close relationships with each other where they wish for their names to be listed together even if they are not engaged or married. In those cases, it’s okay to list all guests individually even though they’re coming as part of a couple.
What Should Be Included In The Invitation?
A formal invitation is usually a lot more detailed than a casual or informal invitation. If you are including a map of your wedding location, be sure to add extra information on how to get there. Also, keep in mind that not all out-of-town guests will have easy access to electronic maps or directions.
Guests without Internet access should also be given an address and phone number of a relative whom they can call if they need help finding your wedding location. Similarly, you might want to include instructions on what time they should arrive at your reception.
Informal invitations might only ask that guests arrive by 6 pm; however formal invitations may instruct invitees that cocktails begin at 5 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm. Other things you might want to include: Some people like to put little extras inside their formal invitations such as little stickers with their wedding date and location printed on them.
These are especially nice for older relatives who don’t use email or aren’t tech-savvy enough to find your website online. Another thing that some couples do is send an additional card with their new address after they move into their new home together following their honeymoon.
This way, guests who were unable to attend can still send congratulations cards for a long time afterward (especially important if you’re using one of those newlywed mailing labels from Paperless Post). For example, I received a letter from my aunt in Canada over three months after my husband and I got married.
What Type Of Card Should I Use?
There are a few different types of cards you can use for your wedding invitation. A flat card (used mostly for informal weddings) is essentially a square piece of paper that has been folded down the middle to create two identical parts, one with words written on it.
A formal card, also called a fold-over, is two pieces of paper. That unfold and stand up (with or without a pocket or sleeve) and often fold down to show one side only. A double-fold card, used mostly for informal invitations. This is two pieces of paper that can fold in either direction depending on your preference. It opens like an accordion to reveal one side or folds into quarters to show both sides at once.
The most traditional option is a single-fold card, which unfolds to show one side only. The folding style doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with formality; it’s just personal preference. It’s worth noting that any of these options could be printed on thick stock or coated paper if you want them to feel extra fancy.
What Color Card Should I Use?: This all depends on what kind of event you’re having. For example, white cards are more appropriate for more formal events while colored cards lend themselves better to casual affairs.
If you’re not sure what color card would work best, ask yourself how formal you’d like your event to be: Is it a sit-down dinner? Once you’ve answered those questions, choose a color accordingly: If your event will involve dancing, think about using something bright and festive like red or orange so people don’t miss out on their chance to cut loose.
What Paper Weight Is Best For A Formal Invitation?
Most brides and grooms use heavyweight or textured paper to print their wedding invitations. Its thick, sturdy feel of it, combined with its durability, makes the heavyweight paper a popular choice for formal wedding invitations. It’s also elegant and eye-catching.
For a simpler look, you can opt for an invitation printed on basic white paper. But it may be less resistant to spills or crumpling than an invitation printed on thicker stock. Once you decide what type of card stock you’d like your invitations to be printed on. Talk with your printer about using heavy-duty ink settings.
These will help ensure that every detail on your invitations is sharp and crisp as possible when they arrive at each guest’s home. How Many Envelopes Should I Order?: Your order should include enough envelopes to fit all of your guests comfortably.
If you’re planning on sending out hundreds of invites. Order more envelopes than you think you’ll need just in case there are some errors along the way. One way to save money is by ordering your envelopes from an online printing company instead of purchasing them from a stationery store. Oftentimes, these companies offer discounts if you buy in bulk or place large orders (think: over 500).
Don’t forget to factor postage into your budget if mailing directly; sometimes, these costs add up quickly depending on how many invitations are being sent out and where they’re going. Talk with your local post office about any special postage rates before finalizing any decisions.
How Do I Send Them Out?
The etiquette of sending out formal wedding invitations is much different. Than what you might have experienced when ordering your prom or graduation party invites. There are many different types of formal events, such as sit-down dinners, cocktail parties, and brunches.
There’s no way to explain every specific format here. But it’s helpful to know a few things before sending out your formal wedding invitations. First, always send a set number of invitations—never an odd number.
If you must invite an extra guest, include their name on another invitation already sent out. Second, most formal weddings require that RSVP cards be returned within seven days. If you receive an RSVP card in less than seven days. Send a polite follow-up note reminding guests that they need to respond by a certain date if they plan on attending.
Finally, if one person is hosting all of your guests at his or her home (common for destination weddings). He or she should include directions and any parking information on his own personal invitation card. People who are hosting will often include maps of the surrounding area so guests know how to get from one place to another.
