These tips to keep the process of ordering, mailing and addressing your wedding invitations stress free are pure gold if you heed them now.
1. Order at least a dozen extra invitations and envelopes.
This is probably the #1 mistake that brides make. Mistakes are likely to happen when addressing envelopes so you should be sure to have extra envelopes on hand. It's surprising how many times a family member supplying you with a list of guests inadverdently leaves out a few guests. Most invitations cost much more per invitation when ordered in small amounts, so don't end up making the mistake of not ordering extra invitations and then having to pay more for just a few invitations.
2. Make sure to order a few extra for keepsakes.
Find out who wants keepsakes. and include this in your invitation count. There may be parents, grandparents and siblings. Many times invitations sent in the mail don't arrive good enough for a keepsake.
3. Have your invitation envelopes delivered early so that you get a head start on addressing them.
Most invitation companies will hold your order and ship everything at once. Let them know you want your envelopes first and they'll get those right out to you. You can get started on the envelopes and save a little stress by not having to rush the addressing.
4. When counting your guest list make sure to count each couple or household as only one invitation.
Many times the bride and groom look at the guest list and count 200 wedding guests coming to the wedding. Only to realize later after ordering the invitations that they didn't need 200 invitations but only 100 since each family or couple only needs one invitation.
5. Allow plenty of time to carefully address, assemble and mail your invitations.
We suggest allowing at least two weeks for addressing and mailing your invitations. It's a good idea to add in a couple of "just in case" days. I know this is common sense but addressing envelopes can get tedious and the best way to be sure this isn't stressing you out at the last minute is to give yourself plenty of time to address your envelopes.
6. Check your postage.
This is a biggie! Many invitations today are odd size or made from heavy paper and require extra postage. The postage regulations are always changing on envelope sizing, so be sure to take a complete setup of your invitations to the post office and have the postage verified. Verifying your postage assures that all your invitations arrive as planned.
7. Read up on invitation wording ettiquette.
There are many different circumstances today and you want to make sure you get it right. How do you list your divorced parents on the invitation when one is remarried? Can you mention the gifts on your invitation? There's lot's of do's and dont's. Be sure you know what they are.
8. Give some thought to where you want responses sent.
Gifts are usually sent to the address on the invitation return envelope or the RSVP envelope. Make sure that the person whose address you are using is ready and able to handle the RSVP's and the gifts that will arrive.
9. Be organized.
Addressing and mailing your invitations goes much smoother and eliminates confusion if you develop a system of organization that allows you to have all your guests information on one list before you start addressing the envelopes.
10. Double check the spelling of everything on your invitation.
Not only the spelling but check and recheck that all addresses and information is correct. Then have someone else proof your invitation again. Prevention is the key to paying for your wedding invitations only once.
Don't forget, when your wedding invitations are all addressed, stuffed and mailed. Sit back with a nice cup of tea, put your feet up and take a deep breath and relax!
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This wedding invitation article was written by Sherrie Abruscato, Owner of Invites Galore - Custom Wedding Invitations where you can choose from a beautiful selection of custom printed invitations. Her staff works diligently to get your perfectly printed invitations shipped out to you in 24 to 48 hours. Visit her other bridal site Our Bride Space - FREE Wedding Website, an online bridal community.
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