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Now that the ring is on your finger… the excitement begins! A whisper to the bridal party…you might think about invitations for the "bridal shower" and the all out "bachelorette bash". The options are endless from whimsical or racy to elegantly sublime…we're very good at keeping secrets! The Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions 1. When should I order my wedding invitations? Invitations should be ordered at least four months before the wedding. Engraved and letterpress invitations should be ordered four to five months in advance. 2. What are Save the Date cards? Do I need them? A save the date card is not the actual invitation; it is typically sent anywhere from 6 to 12 months in advance of the wedding. It is very important for destination weddings, weddings that will occur during summer vacation periods or around any holiday and for any wedding that will require travel by most of the invited guests. It should include the pertinent information, such as the bride and groom's names, the wedding date and the location. For a wedding to which many people will be traveling, it is helpful to include suggested hotel names and numbers, as well as airline suggestions. It may be a simple postcard, or a more elaborate booklet with an envelope. 3. What does a typical wedding invitation consist of? The elements that almost every formal invitation includes are double envelopes with a liner, the formal invitation (often with tissue) & the response set. If the reception is being held at a different venue than the ceremony, most invitations would also include a reception card.. Quite often direction cards must also be included. If you are considering using a card provided by your venue, we recommend that you look at it with your invitation before you decide. Direction cards are inexpensive to print & we believe that the paper contained in with the formal invitation should all match. 4. When should we mail our wedding invitations? Invitations should be mailed 8-10 weeks before the wedding. 5. What are double envelopes? Is there any reason that they are used rather than single envelopes? A more traditional, and more formal, invitation will include double envelopes. The outer envelope will include the guest's full name and address, and it will be sealed. The inner envelope will include only the guest's title and last name (such as Mr. Smith) and will be left unsealed, as it is not gummed. This is also the envelope that you list the invited parties names ~ so, if Ms. Jones is being invited with a guest it would read Ms. Jones and Guest; if she was being invited as a single the inner envelope would only read Ms. Jones. If you are ordering double envelopes and wish to include an envelope liner, the inner envelope will be the lined envelope. This way the guests will get the full impact of a well designed invitation suite. 6. Whose names should be included on the invitation? Traditionally, only the bride's parents' names are listed at the top of the invitation if they are hosting, and paying for, the entire event. In these more modern times, if the groom's parents are paying for almost half of the wedding, you may honor their help and the fact that they are co-hosting the wedding by also putting their names at the top of the invitation. If they are only paying for a few minor (expected) things you may want to honor the groom and his parents by including them on the invitation as "son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Smith”. 7. What is the difference between engraving, thermography and flat printing? Engraving is one of the oldest processes for printing, and it is still considered among traditionalists to be the epitome of good taste and elegance. Engraving involves etching the text onto a copper plate. During the printing process, the plate is coated with ink and affixed to the press above the paper. Then TONS of pressure is applied forcing the paper into the die. The text is now a raised impression, letter definition is crisp, the ink color is true and there is a "bruise" on the back of the paper. The copper dies are also sent to you with the order. Many brides will do a keepsake frame with them. Thermography is a modern process using ink and a powder resin combined with heat to produce a raised lettering similar to the touch of engraving. Themography has a shinier finish & the definition of the lettering text is not as sharp as engraving Often, thermography is used as a less expensive alternative to engraving on formal invitations. Flat printing is often referred to as off-set or lithography, the ink is printed by a roller & lays flat on the paper (unlike a raised or impressed image). The cost of flat printing is the same as thermography. 8. What is letterpress? Letterpress dates back to the Guttenberg Bible & is experiencing a major renaissance; it combines artistic capacity & old world technique with modern design & taste. Letterpress is created by hand-setting each raised letter, or by the modern technique of making a plate. Again the plate is inked & affixed over the paper. When printed, the type is pressed into the paper, creating a beautiful impression. Letterpress works best on the hand made papers, being they soft to the touch or museum board quality because these papers really highlight the depth of the impression. Many of today’s brides really like the look & feel of letterpress, thinking that it is more personal & warm. Letterpress is quite versatile and can look wonderful with formal script, modern type, or playful lettering & design. The cost of letterpress compares with the cost of engraving. 9. Is it ok to use address labels on my envelopes? Labels are not ok. One of the few rules of etiquette that has not fallen into obscurity is the addressing of your envelopes ~ in a word, please hand address your envelopes. If you or a friend has a nice handwriting that will most certainly do; we also have a list of hand calligraphers (& 1 machine calligrapher) along with samples of their work. You can expect to pay upwards of $1.50 for machine calligraphy & $3.00 for hand calligraphy. 10. Besides the invitation what other printed pieces might I need? At the very least you will need informal notes to thank all of your guests. Other items that you might want to consider are: placecards, menus, programs, favor tags and personalized napkins. Call today to schedule an appointment; 1-800-289-3462 ext. 2335
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