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The perfect stationery trousseau will announce
the tone and degree of formality for your wedding
celebration. Selecting coordinated wedding invitations,
reception cards (if the wedding and reception are at
different locations), response cards, thank-you notes, a
wedding program and at-home cards requires careful
consideration.
Invitations fall into three general categories: thirdperson
formal invitations, semi-formal invitations, or
in the case of a small, intimate wedding, handwritten
notes on fine stationery. A professional stationer will
help you choose accordingly and will assist with the
appropriate wording.
To find exactly what you are looking for, plan to visit
several stationers; compare quality, prices and the
length of time required for printing. Plan well in
advance to ensure you receive the invitations in time to
address and mail them at least six to eight weeks before
your wedding, so that guests have ample time to reply. If
your wedding will take place on a holiday weekend, you
might consider sending the invitation even sooner, or
include a save-the-date card to ensure you make it onto
your guests’ calendars. Remember, the larger your guest
list, the longer you’ll need to address the
envelopes. If you plan to hire a calligrapher
to address the invitations for you,
factor in the time that vendor will need
to do the work.
Tradition and practicality dictate that
a couple send out a separate card if the
reception is to take place at a different
location than the wedding ceremony.
This handy card, produced in the same
style, is included in the invitation as a
reminder of the exact location of the
reception. A map is often included.
Response cards are a critical component
of the invitation, as they will let
you know how many people to expect.
A stamped envelope is customarily provided
for the guests’ convenience. An accurate count of guests is especially important when confirming
“head counts” for those providing catering services. Wedding
professionals caution against printing an “RSVP” telephone
number on the invitation in lieu of the response card. First, it
increases the chance that some guests will forget to respond.
Secondly, it is much easier for a busy couple to keep track of
response cards coming by mail than response by telephone.
To find exactly what
you are looking for, plan
to visit several stationers;
compare quality, prices and
the length of time required
for printing.
The bride’s married name (or maiden name if the bride elects to
keep it after her marriage) is printed on the front of thank-you
notes. Use personal stationery printed with your maiden name
for gifts received before you are married. As difficult as it may
be, reserve those notes bearing your married name until after
the wedding takes place.
Wedding announcements may be sent as a courtesy to those
who will not be attending the wedding, such as in the case of a
destination wedding or more intimate events with a small guest
list. Sharing the news in this way should take a format similar to
that of a wedding invitation, but should be sent after the event.
A stationer will help with the proper wording. At-home cards
tell family and friends where you will be living when you are
married. Include at-home cards with wedding announcements.
Begin your search for the perfect stationery ensemble at least
three or four months prior to your wedding, to ensure time for
printing, proofing, addressing, mailing and replies.
Invitations courtesy of:
Kelly Ashworth Design
The Event Essentials
Celebrations in Paper
photography courtesy of:
Marley Mae Photography
EME Photography |
