Wedding invitations are probably one of the most important items on your wedding checklist so you want to be well prepared. With so many things to remember when planning, preparing and mailing your wedding invitations, here is a list of some tips to help keep you on track.
1. Prepare your master guest list once you have gathered everyone’s list of guests. This will provide you with the correct number of wedding invitations you need. Be sure to include bridal party attendants, parents, the officiant, etc. Remember, your invitation count will not exactly match the number of guests on your list since you will only mail one invitation to each married couple.
2. Avoid paying for faster shipping methods and last-minute rushing by shopping and ordering early.
3. When placing your order, be prepared with all the dates, times, names (correct spellings) and location addresses that will be printed on your invitations.
4. Order a few extras to prevent running out and having to order only a few more later. If offered, purchase a few more envelopes, too, to allow for addressing errors.
5. Have pre-printed or handwrite a return address on the outside of your mailing envelopes (traditionally on the back flap) so any undeliverable invitations will be returned by the Post Office.
6. To obtain a precise guest count for food planning and seating arrangements, enclose a response card for your guests to return. Remember to place a postage stamp on your response card envelopes as a courtesy to your guests. If your respond card is a postcard, the stamp will go directly on the card since there is no envelope necessary (postcard postage is also slightly cheaper). Be sure to keep a copy of your guest list so you can check off guest names as their replies arrive.
7. To acquaint out-of-town guests with your wedding location, be sure to insert a map or direction card as a courtesy.
8. Save on shipping costs by ordering your thank you or informal note cards along with your stationery instead of at a later date.
9. Carefully proof all information that will be printed on your wedding invitations AND have another person also proof before your order is finalized.
10. Address your mailing envelopes before inserting your invitations so you have a smooth flat area to write on.
11. Take one ready-to-mail wedding invitation to the Post Office to have it weighed to make sure you affix the correct amount of postage.
12. Send your invites at least 4-6 weeks before your wedding – even sooner if you are having a destination wedding that requires guests to travel or if your wedding date is near a holiday.
13. Mail all of your wedding invitations at a Post Office rather than at a drop box.
These tips emphasize just some of your invitation process and preparations. To be truly organized, you may want to follow the guidelines of an actual wedding invitation checklist. This can be used as a guide when you select, order, prepare and mail your wedding invitations.
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