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Put It On Paper
By Dina M. Cortez
Textured papers, vellum overlays, metallic ribbons, embossing the choices for wedding papers and trimmings are limitless. Whether you plan to do-it-yourself or find your dream designs from a specialty paper company, you may relish in finding the perfect paper and delightful details for your wedding stationery. But, before you seal those envelopes, remember that no matter which designs you choose either traditional, contemporary or anything in between, a courteous bride knows that good manners make all the difference.
As you venture into the realm of suitable communication, use this guide to function and form while still being perfectly proper:
SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS
Function: To satisfy the busy lifestyles of just about everyone, save-the-date cards notify loved ones of when (and, perhaps, where) you and your mate plan to marry.
Form: The save-the-date card may be a guest’s first glimpse of the upcoming event; so some brides may choose a style or theme that will coordinate with your chosen wedding invitation. But, more often, brides and grooms select casual and fun styles (though perhaps with similar wedding day colors) that reflect their personality. The great news is that creative ideas for informing your guests of your impending union are vast and most won’t break the bank. Classic couples may choose a folded note of simple white linen, embossed with a leaf motif, while a modern couple may opt for a vibrantly colored postcard with bold graphics to spread the news.
To be Perfectly Proper: Save-the-date cards should be sent out as soon as your wedding date is set; usually four to eight months prior to the wedding date. At a minimum, the card should include your names, and the date of the upcoming wedding followed by “Invitation to follow.” However, if you will be marrying in a neutral city, a popular wedding locale or want to allude to your wedding day preferences, this is the place to do it.
Primarily sent to out-of-towners, cards can mention travel and hotel information so that guests can make arrangements as soon as possible. Or the card may include contact information for babysitting services in the area, a subtle indication that young children will not be invited to your affair. Whatever information or format you and your beau choose, always keep the wording short and simple.
All Aboard: Make your announcement a hint of what is to come. Even if your event will be traditional, your save-the date card can have a twist. Take advantage of your theme and send something that will make guests excited about your wedding.
If a destination wedding is in your future, send your save-the-date card as a luggage tag. Able to accommodate a variety of budgets, holders can come as inexpensive clear plastic tags with a vinyl cord or as impressive silver-plated tags with a leather strap. Whichever you choose, insert cardstock imprinted with your wedding details and do not forget to mention that a “boarding pass will follow.”
All Aboard: Make your announcement a hint of what is to come. Even if your event will be traditional, your save-the date card can have a twist. Take advantage of your theme and send something that will make guests excited about your wedding.
If you decide on a destination wedding, send your save-the-date card as a luggage tag. Able to accommodate a variety of budgets, holders can come as inexpensive clear plastic tags with a vinyl cord or as impressive silver-plated tags with a leather strap. Whichever you choose, insert cardstock imprinted with your wedding details and do not forget to mention that a boarding pass will follow.
WEDDING INVITATIONS
Function: The centerpiece of your wedding trousseau, the invitation you choose for your nuptials carries a lot of significance. Within every detail, your invitation makes a personal statement about you and your future spouse, and establishes the tone of your upcoming event which should invoke exhilaration and anticipation among your guests.
Though there are many exceptions based on the formality of your event, most invitations should include certain traditional pieces:
The outer envelope holds all of the contents and is hand addressed;
An unsealed inner envelope holds the invitation and all inserts; The invitation specifies the couple’s names and wedding information; The reception card specifies when and where the reception will be held; and a response card requests that a guest respond with the number of attendees (or regrets) within a certain time period (usually two to three weeks before the wedding).
Form: In the past, invitations were produced on cream-colored papers with black ink. Today, invitations are available in a multitude of paper qualities, dramatic shapes and regal printing options and incorporate natural and man-made details.
Progressive couples are selecting colorful invitations with plenty of punch. Brides are choosing invitations that are rich in color, like deep red, as well as unusual colors like chocolate brown.
The key to finding your dream design is being flexible. Decide which elements you really want for your invitation. Then, while keeping your budget in mind, work your way up to include all the inserts and details you need to create an invite that really reflects your personality.
To be Perfectly Proper: Though personal taste will dictate the look of an invitation, there are a number of guidelines to follow to ensure that your guests will be pleased when your creation greets them at the mailbox:
Wording: Formal requests for the “honour of your presence” remain the most popular choice for invitation wording, but brides today are breaking away from the rules. Still, be mindful that most of your guests expect a solemn exchange of vows and may not appreciate efforts to lighten the mood by using overly casual language.
All invitations should, at a minimum, include the full names of the bride and groom, names of other hosts (if any) and a clear statement requesting the presence of the recipient. In addition, the time, address and city should be included.
Mailing: To give your guests plenty of time, your wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding. But, before you send them on their way, make sure to confirm the exact postage, especially if they contain bulky embellishments or additional inserts. Also, don’t forget to include a stamp on the return envelope of your response card.
THANK YOU CARDS
Form: Thank you cards are traditionally folded note cards with a stenciled cover (usually “thank you” or the couple’s monogram) and blank interior for handwritten messages. Today, cards can be fun or formal.
To be Perfectly Proper: Generally, thank you cards for pre-wedding gifts such as those received at a bridal shower should be sent out immediately. For gifts received on your wedding day time is not on your side. Whereas replies within one year of the wedding date were considered appropriate years ago, today’s bride should make a special effort to respond within one month of the wedding.
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