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Invitations Compiling
a guest list is, for many couples, the most difficult part of
their wedding plans. You should first determine the size of
your wedding based on budget. Then, generally, that number is
divided into thirds between the couple's friends and those of
each of the two families. Whenever possible, all guests should
be invited to both the wedding and the reception.
Your
wedding invitation can help set the mood and style for you
wedding. You will find selections from traditional designs
with formal wording, to contemporary designs, which may
incorporate your own specially created message. Formal
wedding invitations are usually thermographed or engraved, and
ordered well ahead to allow time for them to be addressed and
mailed six weeks before the wedding. The most popular size is
4 1/2 x 5 1/4, which fits into an envelope without folding. A
larger 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 invitation is used for very formal
weddings. Your printer will be able to show you various styles
and appropriate wording. Remember, invitations are always
written in the third person. Spell everything out... the
wedding date, time, all numerals and names. Abbreviations,
initials and nicknames are never used except for Mr. or Mrs.,
Jr. or Dr. and Lt. Colonel. Note:
"The honour of your presence" (spelled with the u)
on the invitation indicates a religious ceremony, while
"the pleasure of your company" indicates a
civil service. Be sure to
order enough invitations... one for every married couple, each
single adult guest, each attendant and their parents (if
invited), your attendants' dates (if single), everyone in the
groom's family and of course, your clergyman and guest. Order
extras for emergencies and keepsakes. Extra envelopes are a
must... this will allow for any mistakes you may make
when addressing. For beautiful hand addressing of your
invitations, a bride may turn to a calligrapher.
Hand
address all envelopes in blue or black ink. Remember, use full
names... no initials. Your invitation is inserted into the
inner envelope with enclosure cars, and printed side facing
the back flap. Insert this inner envelope into your addressed
envelope.
Remember to order:
- Response Cards: (R.S.V.P.)
if space is limited at the ceremony or if you are planning
to serve a meal.
- Ceremony Cards: to invite a
limited number of guests to the ceremony.
- Reception Cards: to limit
the number of guests invited to the reception. Receptions
cards are sometimes used even when everyone is invited to
both the ceremony and the reception, or you may on the
invitation, "reception to follow at..."
- Pew Cards: special seating
for friends and relatives.
- Thank You notes... and most
importantly, be sure to send them as soon as possible.
Dear Abby is deluged with complaints about tactless rides
who never quite get around to sending these most important
expressions of gratitude.
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