When I planned my wedding, I had already worked in the bridal industry for many years. So when it came time to choose a wedding invitation, I knew exactly where to get what I wanted and where to find it. Now, with so many choices, it can be hard to know what to choose. Are you getting a good quality invitation? Is the pricing fair? Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Professional high quality wedding invitations are usually printed with a process called thermography, also referred to as “raised ink”. This type of printing is created by adding a resin powder to wet ink, which when heated, creates a raised surface. The raised ink gives the look and feel of engraving without the expense. Engraved invitations are available but tend to cost more.
• When comparing prices, check the price for a quantity of 150. Most price breaks end at 150 and there is a flat rate based on increments of 25 above that quantity. If you look at prices based on a quantity of 25, where most invitations begin, you are comparing the worst pricing per invitation. (For instance Invitation A may cost $100 for 25, $115 for 50, and $125 for 150 vs. Invitation B at $90 for 25, $112 for 50 and $124 for 150, at the 150 quantity pricing is about equal)
• Choose an invitation printed by a well known manufacturer such as Carlson Craft. If you are not sure check out the manufacturer’s website. If it looks home made, it probably is.
• Order a sample. Most places will send you a sample for a couple of dollars and it makes sense to see it in person before you buy 100 of them.

There are different parts to wedding invitations that you may or may not need. Here is a breakdown for you.

Your main piece, the wedding invitation, will come with double envelopes, an inner and outer envelope, and sometimes tissues. The tissue is to be placed on top of the printing before sliding it into your inner envelope which is then placed inside the outer envelope which is addressed.

Many companies offer to have your inner envelopes “lined” for an additional fee. This is where you choose a color that is adhered inside the flap of the inner envelope to give it an elegant look. Its not necessary but does look nice. You can also pay an additional fee to have your return address printed on the outer envelope flap. Personally, I think this is worth the additional cost as it saves you time in printing labels or writing a return address and looks more formal.

In addition to your wedding invitation you can buy Reception cards. These cards tell your guests where to find your reception after the wedding ceremony. I suggest you use these if the reception is in a different location than the wedding ceremony and you have to include a complete address. The reception card is put above your tissue with your invitation inside the inner envelope. An alternative to buying a Reception card is called “corner copy”. This is two to three lines of copy placed in the bottom left or right corner of your wedding invitation and usually costs a small fee (but considerably less than buying Reception cards). Examples of corner copy text:

Reception immediately
following ceremony

or

Reception following
Burton’s Restaurant
110 3rd Street

Another card you can purchase is called a Respond card. This card is filled out by your guests and mailed back to you. It includes a line for their name and a check box or line to confirm the number of guests attending. The Respond card comes with preprinted envelopes (your address), and typically the bride and groom include postage on them. If you are having a catered event, a Respond card will help when you need to give a final count to your caterer. If you are having menu choices, you can also include these on your Respond card so your guests can choose a meal in advance. Respond cards are also mailed with your invitation inside the inner envelope.

The final card you can purchase is a personalized note card. I am a fan of these because the are elegant (they are card stock that matches your invitation) and they are printed with the bride and groom’s names or monogram on the front and blank inside. These are typically used as thank you notes after your wedding ceremony, but can be also used for simple notes to your friends and family.

Save the Date! These are becoming more popular. Save the Date cards are mailed long before your wedding invitations (6 months to a year) so that your guests can keep your wedding date open on their calendars. Save the Date’s are recommended if you have guests that are coming from out of town.

One final tip. Before mailing your wedding invitation, especially if you have multiple cards inserted, be sure to check the postage rate. You don’t want to have them all returned to you…