ONTARIO > Brantford > Bride-Savvy - Invitations & Stationery

It's All in the Presentation

The Invitations

Wedding invitations offer a great opportunity for you to introduce your wedding to each of your invitees. Your invitations offer the ability to set the mood for your special day months in advance. You can have people looking forward to the day just by presenting them with a great invitation.

What is the best way to compile a guest list?

Although the first thing you'll have to do in the invitation process is compile a guest list, it may also be the hardest part. There are many options and people to consider. It's easy to fall into the trap of inviting every person you've ever exchanged words with, but besides being extremely expensive, this route will lead you to an endless list of names. Our suggestion is to have each person involved in the wedding supply a list of suggested names - the bride, groom, bride's parents, groom's parents. The next step is to translate these suggestions into a manageable and meaningful list of invitees. You must also decide initially whether you are inviting children to be among your guests, and whether single attendees will be invited to bring guests. These decisions will significantly alter your numbers.

To narrow down an overwhelming guest list, prioritize each of the names. First, label those who must be invited like immediate family, long-time friends, etc. Second, label the people that you feel should be invited such as extended family and a larger circle of friends and co-workers. Lastly, label the people that it would be nice to have at your wedding. This group that you are left with is often a place where cuts can be made. You must take into consideration how long you have known each person, how well you know each person, and whether you see your relationship with this person continuing into the future.

All of these decisions should be worked through before you order invitations - these decisions may increase or decrease your guest list and re-ordering invitations can be quite costly. A good rule of thumb is to order 15-25 extra invitations. This will cover any last minute changes to the guest list, errors in addressing invitations, and a few extras as keepsakes.

What are the things I should consider when choosing my wedding invitations?

Invitation designs are endless. The best advice is to keep true to the style and look that you plan to have for your wedding. Introduce your wedding colour scheme with invitations that same colour as your bridesmaid dresses ... or send out classic, traditionally worded invitations if you plan to have a ceremony and reception that will also be traditional.

Cost is an important factor to consider as well. Postage is a cost that is non-negotiable - don't forget about return postage for your R.S.V.P. cards - but you can definitely keep costs down with other choices. Consider some of the less conventional options below.

Traditional invitations have several parts including the main invitation with envelope, a separate reception card and a response or R.S.V.P. card with envelope including return postage. It is also a great and thoughtful thing to include detailed directions, maps and contact information for your ceremony site, your reception site and local accommodations for out-of-town guests.

What less conventional options are available to me?

Ordering of traditional invitations is easier than ever and there are more possibilities than one bride could ever look at. Decisions would include paper type, text type, text colour, envelope linings, silver foil, envelope seals, etc. This is a great, low-stress option that still gives you a choice many diverse styles.

Many brides are using their own ingenuity to get the invitations they want for their wedding. Consider making your own invitations, either by hand with a simple drawn design, a stamp purchased at a craft store or purchase wedding invitation paper sets from your local office supply store and use text to create custom, home computer printed invitations. These do-it-yourself stationary sets are available in simple styles but also in more elaborate embossed styles. These sets normally costs about $50 for a full set of 25 with all pieces and envelopes. With these customizable sets you can include a poem, a quote or lyrics to a song that is special to you and your fiancée. A creative family member, maid of honour, or bridesmaid would likely be honoured to help in this fun and special task.

Another option is to use a photo of you and your fiancée as the cover of your invitation or as an accent picture with your names and wedding date inserted below. Consider asking your photographer about unique options that he or she may offer for your invitations. Consider using an engagement photo, a casual snapshot, or have one specifically taken for the purpose.

If even more unique is what you are looking for, consider putting together a website for you and your sweetie. You can include photos, your engagement story, a countdown to the big day, directions for your guests, and all the details for the big day. This is a great way to communicate the theme and style of your wedding to your potential guests as well. You can send out paper invitations to direct family and friends to the site, or even send out emails to everyone. People can R.S.V.P. by email for an even faster head count.

What rules of etiquette should I follow when addressing invitations?

There are certain rules of etiquette that one should follow when addressing wedding invitations. These things generally are in place for respect of the addressee.

• Be sure to include proper titles of your invitees, such as Dr., Rev., Captain, Mr., Mrs., etc.

• If you plan to have single invitees bring a guest, address the outer envelope with the invitee's name and note their name 'and Guest' on the inner envelope

• For an invitation to an entire household, it is generally important to list adult children separately with their own titles, or better yet, send a separate invitation entirely

• For younger children, list first names after parents' names on the outer envelope