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 Invitations
& Stationary
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Types of
Invitations
Everyone talks about wedding
invitations, but what about all the
other terms and items that are
associated with them. Below are
explanations of some of the more
common terms and items that you’ll
probably encounter while during your
shopping venture. Make sure you
proof-read ALL items before
additional printing.
Seal n Send
Invitations: This type of
invitation is mailed to guests as a
single-folded piece (without an
envelope), which includes the
respond postcard attached to the
invitation by a perforation for easy
removal. Since the respond piece is
a postcard, you will save on return
postage mailing. Prices for this
product normally include seals along
with a printed return address on
both the back flap when initially
mailing the invitation and on the
perforated respond postcard.
Announcements:For those
who won’t be invited to your wedding
but you would still like them to
know about your marriage, you can
send an announcement card. These
cards can be printed on the same
paper as your invitation but mailed
on your wedding day or immediately
afterward, with the wording stating
that your wedding has already taken
place.
Reception
Cards: If there isn’t
enough room on your invitation for a
detailed listing of your reception,
or if not all guests will be invited
to attend the reception, reception
cards can be ordered to match your
invitations - then included as a
separate insert. Keep in mind,
however that this card could add to
your mailing cost since postage is
based on weight.
Respond
Cards: These cards are
essential to the planning of your
dinner/reception. An accurate guest
attendance count is needed for food
and seating preparations. The
respond card, along with its mailing
envelope, will be inserted with your
invitation. Remember to include a
postage stamp on this small
envelope, which will also have a
mailing address already printed on
it. All your guests have to do is
fill out the card and mail it back
by the date indicated.
Map Cards:
These direction cards would be
included as a convenience for any
guests who might not be familiar
with the location of the church
and/or reception. Check with your
reception location first, as this
may be included in your reception
package.
Printed
Invitation Envelope Flaps:
This option of having your return
address printed on the outside
envelope can save you valuable time
and ensure that undeliverable
invitations are returned to you.
There is a small cost involved but
it also gives an address to those
who might not be able to attend but
still want to send you a card or
gift. If this pushes your budget
over the limit, check out your local
paper supply store for a customized
stamp. You can select your font and
purchase an ink pad for use.
(However, make sure you allow enough
time for the ink to dry!)
Lined Inner
Envelopes: For a small
fee, you can request your inner
envelopes have a colored lining to
add a special touch to your
invitation ensemble. Color choices
usually vary depending on the
invitation style you choose.
Envelope Seals:
These self-adhesive labels
add just the right finishing touch.
They're available in many styles and
used on your outer envelopes making
it look like they are holding the
flap down even though it has already
been sealed. Check out your local
arts and crafts store for various
designs at a discounted price.
Informal
Notes: These are used
separately from your invitations but
should be included with your
original order since they are
usually printed on matching paper
and this will save you on shipping
costs. They are personalized with
either your names or monogram on the
front with the inside being blank
for writing your thank you notes.
Any leftovers can be used long after
the wedding for other purposes.
Blank mailing envelopes are usually
included.
Not all of the above items are
necessary to make your wedding
invitations complete. Remember, this
is your special day, so it’s your
decision as to which ones you would
like to include as part of your
invitation ensemble. Also, note
that there are many do-it-yourself
invitation packages that serve the
same purpose. It's all a matter of
personal preference, and budget.
~photo courtesy of
Tonesha Housen
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