Although my own wedding is pretty much planned, I still decided to head on over to the Jaycees Bridal Expo last weekend to take some pictures and get some last minute information. While I was there, I decided to sit in on an invitation etiquette class that was put on by WaterMark Corners located in Moline. Sorry this is a long post but very informative!
Tell a Story
Unfortunately, most of us do judge a book by its cover, which is why it's so important to tell a story with your wedding invitations. The way the invitation looks and the wording on the invitation gives the first impression of your wedding to guests. Thus, make sure your invitations reflect your overall theme and atmosphere (casual or formal) of your wedding so guests know what to expect.
Be Informative
Twenty years ago wedding invitations included the name of the church and reception hall but didn't include the address. Today, it's very important to include every detail about your wedding to make it easier for the guests. Include times, locations, maps or driving directions, hotel accommodations, if the event is held outside as well as a link to your wedding website if you have one. Guests will feel so much more relaxed when they can just pop your invitation into their purse and head over to the ceremony without having to worry about a thing.
Types of Invitations
There are three basic types of invitations: pocket fold, pocket card, and layered.
Pocket Fold
These can open sideways or longways.
Brides like the pocket because you can layer the response card, information card, etc.
Brides also like these because you can add a customized seal (located in top left corner of the photo).
Keep in mind, however, that this heavy card stock means mucho dinero for postage!
The square shape can also add more in postage.
Pocket Card
The invitation is on the front and then flip it over to the back and find a pocket with the cards.
To save on card stock, print the information and map on one card & then add a response card!
This is my favorite!
Layered
The invitation, information card, and response card are printed on individual card stock and then stacked on top of each other and wrapped together.
The only downfall is that the invitation isn't the first thing the guest will see when they open up the envelope.
Timeline
Save the Date: 6-8 months ahead
Invitations: 2 months ahead
Response Card: 1 month ahead
Other Notes
Typically the invitation is to only include the wedding ceremony information. The information card includes the reception, hotel accommodations, map or driving directions, and website. When listing the reception information, include dinner and dancing (or whatever you're offering). Guests will then know that you're hosting a party and not just a sit down dinner. Additionally, response cards can be personalized with the guest/guests name to inform the guest of whether or not they can bring a date or list the number of seats reserved for them.
Table Tents
Instead of doing menus at each table setting, the new thing is to make a table tent for each table. Each table tent includes the dinner menu along with other information for the evening, such as hours for the photo booth, time of sparkler exit, where the advice box is for guests to fill out, etc.
**All of the photos used are from WaterMark Corners. Check out their website at http://www.watermarkcorners.com/index.php?p=home
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