To begin with, a save the date card might be in order. If you are planning your wedding at a very popular wedding or event season (like June), if your wedding coincides with a holiday, or if you are planning a destination wedding, a save the date card will help your guests know to keep your date open so they can start planning to travel to your destination, or so they don’t accept an invitation from someone else.
Invitations come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Long gone are the days where you chose white or ivory with black lettering. You can have all different types of papers, various fonts, and a variety of colors for both the paper and the text. You could choose to have your enveloped lined with a satin or metallic looking liner that matches your invitations. Decide if you want your return address pre-printed on your envelopes. The post office requires the return address, and this will save you a lot of time.
Beyond invitations, you have to determine whether or not there is a need for a reception card and a response card. The most formal invitations beg for a formal reception card – a card upon which the guest will find your reception information. A less formal affair can get away with a footnote on your invitation with the necessary information.
A response card is the card enclosed with your invitation where your guests will indicate whether or not they can attend your wedding. For the most formal invitations, these cards are a must, and it is your obligation to put a stamp on the return envelope. If your invitations and your wedding are more casual, you can just include on the printed invitation a phone number or an email address where guests can give you their RSVP.
Many brides also opt to purchase thank you notes that match or at least coordinate with their wedding stationery. Another nice thing to have if you will be moving after your wedding is an “at home” card. This card can be added to your invitation mailing, or you can send it with your thank you notes or separately. It gives your friends and family the new address where you can be reached.
Work with your wedding planner to help you decide what of these items are necessary. What a fortunate time brides are in to have so many options for style and theme for their stationery!
More tips about weddings can be found at wedding ideas and Kauai wedding info
