Gather all guest lists and calculate how many wedding invitations you will need to order.
Bride's list
Groom's list
Bride's parents' list
Groom's parents' list
REMINDER - only order 1 invitation per married couple. TIP - order a few extra to allow for last-minute guests and for keeping in your wedding memory album.
Quantity of invitations to be ordered is __________.
Gather all the details that will be printed on your invitations such as:
Date and time of ceremony
Name and address of ceremony location
Correct name spellings for everyone to be listed
Time of reception or dinner
Name and address of reception or dinner location
Time of dance, if applicable
RSVP date, if applicable
Select your invitation style.
Optional - order blank sample(s) of invitation style(s) you like to be mailed to you so you can see them before placing your entire invitation order.
Select your ink color, verse and typestyle.
Decide if you will also need, or want, to order any of the following:
Outer Envelopes with printed return address on back flap - even though they cost a little extra, this will save you time and effort by not having to affix a label or handwrite the return address on each envelope (blank outer envelopes are typically included in invitation cost).
Lined Inner Envelopes - If lining is chosen, the color should match the invitation color(s). Unlined inner envelopes are usually included in the invitation cost.
Reception Cards - Only necessary if reception information doesn't fit with invitation verse or as a corner copy on the invitation.
Respond Cards - HIGHLY recommended so you know how many guests will be attending. Envelopes are usually included in price and come printed with mailing address you specify.
Informal Notes - usually match the invitation and contain your monogram or your names on the front with the inside blank so they can be used as your thank you notes.
Thank You Notes - can also be ordered to match invitations (blank envelopes are usually included in price). The option is usually available to order them blank or have them printed with a verse inside.
Envelopes with printed return address on back flap for Informal or Thank You Notes - even though they cost a little extra, this will save you time and effort by not having to affix a label or handwrite the return address on each envelope.
Direction / Map Cards - guests will appreciate directions and/or a map if they are not familiar with the area of your wedding location. You will need to provide direction information and/or map for printing on the cards. It's your choice whether you print just driving directions, a map or both on the inserted card.
Envelope Seals - these add a nice touch to your outer envelopes making it look like they are holding down the back flap. In some instances, envelope seals may match the invitation style.
HAVE YOU THOROUGHLY CHECKED ALL SPELLINGS, DATES, TIMES AND ADDRESSES ON ALL YOUR INVITATION ITEMS?
Make any necessary corrections and PROOF AGAIN.
Other printed items you might want to consider ordering at the same time you order your invitations:
Wedding Programs - for handing out at the ceremony since they usually list the order of the ceremony and the names of all those involved.
Menu Cards - placed on reception tables at each place setting listing all the dinner courses to be served.
Place Cards - placed on reception tables to specify seating arrangements.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations - sent out to ensure all involved know when and where the rehearsal and/or dinner will be held.
Personalized Napkins - can be used at the reception with the place settings or used for distributing the wedding cake to your guests.
Finalize and place your order.
ADDRESSING, ASSEMBLING AND MAILING YOUR INVITATIONS
Carefully check over your entire order as soon as you receive it to make sure all the items you ordered are included and are printed correctly.
Address all inner and outer envelopes according to your guest lists. (This is covered in detail in Part 7 of our complimentary Wedding Invitation Guide. If you haven't signed up yet to receive it, you can do so now using the sign-up form on our Home Page.)
REMINDER - be sure to keep both envelopes together for each invitation by tucking the inner envelope under the flap of the outer envelope.
Purchase stamps for outer envelopes and for respond card envelopes (if they will be included).
REMINDER - take one fully assembled ready-to-be-mailed invitation with you to the Post Office so they can weigh it and make sure you purchase the right amount of postage for each one.
TIP - the Post Office usually has special stamp designs that are fitting for weddings if you ask for them. You can also now create your own photo stamps or select from pre-designed wedding stamps to personalize your wedding invitation envelope.
Place stamps on only as many respond card envelopes as you will be sending since you probably ordered some extras.
Assemble invitations with any inserts that will be included such as respond cards & envelopes, reception cards, map/direction cards, etc., placing everything inside the already addressed inner envelope. (Part 8 of our complimentary Wedding Invitation Guide has specific instructions regarding invitation assembling and in what order the inserts are placed.)
Place stuffed inner envelopes inside of outer envelopes. IMPORTANT - make sure the guest
name(s) on the inner and outer envelopes match for each invitation before sealing.
If you ordered seals, place them over the back flap of the outer envelopes so it looks like they're holding the flaps down.
Place stamps and return address (if envelopes weren't pre-printed) on outer envelopes that have been sealed. You'll want undeliverable invitations returned to you by the Post Office.
Take addressed invitations to the Post Office to be mailed 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding.
After the wedding, write out and mail your thank you cards. (Part 10 of our complimentary Wedding Invitation Guide covers the topic of writing out your thank you cards.)
