| You invitation is a reflection on the type of | | | | couples are finding creative ways to replace |
| wedding its going to be weather it be formal, | | | | these. One option is to carve the names into small |
| informal or themed this will be transparent in the | | | | pebbles or stones and offer to guests as a |
| invitation. The invitation is the only essential | | | | memento you imagination is the limit with this so |
| stationary required everything else is optional. | | | | don't be afraid to let it run riot. |
| Save the date | | | | Thank you cards |
| This card is sent several months in advance to | | | | These are absolutely essential to thank each |
| guests that have a long distance to travel, it is | | | | guest for his or her attendants and gifts you |
| simple courtesy to let them know your plans so | | | | received. You can opt to match these to the |
| they can start making their own. These cards | | | | invitation cards or pick up a pack of pre-printed |
| only need the Bride and Grooms names and the | | | | cards from your local card shop. Take time to |
| date and location of the wedding. It's a good idea | | | | write a hand written note to each on the card to |
| to include "Invitation to follow" so they don't keep | | | | each guest as it is only courtesy and will be |
| calling for the details that are not available yet like | | | | remembered. |
| reception location and time. | | | | Special Touches |
| The Invitation | | | | Besides the choices of text, type, paper and |
| As before these will reflect the type of wedding | | | | design there are lots of ways to personalize and |
| to come so chose the style accordingly. Most | | | | add that special touch to your cards. Trimmings |
| people spend between 1-2% of the budget on | | | | can range from feathers to pearls, shells flowers |
| the stationary. When ordering your stationary | | | | or ribbons each design can be unique. |
| remember to include 10 extra to provide for | | | | Another option can be the original watercolor of |
| mistakes and late invites. This will be cheaper than | | | | the church where the ceremony is taking place or |
| having to reorder a new batch. It a good idea to | | | | the coat of arms of the bride and grooms family |
| let another person check the invites before they | | | | branded on the invitation. |
| go out to make sure all is in order and spelled | | | | Photogenic designs and laser cut monograms of |
| correctly. The invitation will include the names of | | | | the couple's initials on the front of the card is a |
| the hosts; the brides name the grooms name, the | | | | hot new trend. |
| ceremony location, date and time, the reception | | | | Information packs |
| location and the RSVP address. If children are | | | | In addition to the invitation itself you can include |
| being invited include on the invitation if not leave | | | | directions to the church and reception, local tourist |
| out. | | | | attractions for distant relatives and even details |
| Reply Card | | | | of the wedding list. Such details will be appreciated |
| The reply card is an optional but efficient way of | | | | by the out of town wedding guests who will be |
| getting the guest list finalized. You can also include | | | | unfamiliar with the place your getting married and |
| a menu option so that guest with dietary needs | | | | be interested in favorite bars, restaurants and |
| can be catered for. Don't for get the stamp so | | | | tourist attractions if any. |
| that guest can reply promptly. | | | | DIY Stationary |
| Wedding Service Programme | | | | One way to save money and add that personal |
| Similar to mass booklets but contain more | | | | touch to the stationary is to make your own. This |
| information. They may include the whole wording | | | | is more popular than ever and there is an |
| of the ceremony, which will provide for a lovely | | | | abundant choice of card paper and trinkets to |
| memento of the day especially if the couple has | | | | choose from including high quality hand made and |
| written their own vows. This also offers the | | | | floral paper. |
| scope to mention deceased loved ones or to give | | | | You can add organza ribbon, feathers, shells the |
| a little background on the wedding party or to | | | | options are limitless all you will need is a printer to |
| explain any unfamiliar rites. You can even go | | | | add the script or why not try your hand at some |
| further by including poems, photos etc. | | | | DIY calligraphy to add a definite personalized |
| Place Cards | | | | touch. Although this method of creating your own |
| These are traditionally small cards engraved with | | | | stationary takes time it can be highly rewarding. |
| guests name and each seating place. Now more | | | | |