Your wedding invitation is the first indication of the style of your wedding. This will be your guests' first glimpse at your big day! Hopefully this guide will help you plan your wedding invitations.

Parts of a Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations include various enclosures. The number of enclosures depends on the nature of your wedding, as well as your budget for wedding stationery.

Outer envelope - This envelope is formally addressed to the guest and holds the inner envelope and all its enclosures.

Inner envelope - This envelope is place inside the outer envelope and holds the wedding invitation, which holds the additional enclosures.

Invitation - This is the actually invitation that provides all the details of the wedding.

Reception card - This card is usually included if the reception is located at a different site than the ceremony. Some couples choose to include the reception information on the actual invitation to reduce stationery costs.

Response card - This card is place in a self-addressed stamped envelope. Your guests indicate their acceptance or regrets. The response card should list the RSVP deadline.

Map - This is an option insert that is helpful, particularly if you have a large number of out-of-town guest.

Wording of the Wedding Invitation

Dates and times must be spelled out.

Examples: the twenty-first of December (not December 21), half after seven o'clock in the evening (not 7:30pm)

Only Mr., Mrs. And Jr. and state names should be abbreviated.

If one set of parents is hosting the wedding, list their names at the beginning of the invitation. If both sets are hosting, list the bride's parents first. If the bride and groom are hosting, begin with the request line first and state parent's names after the bride and groom's names.

Printing a Wedding Invitation

The cost of printing a wedding invitation can vary tremendously depending on the printing and paper options you select.

Engraving - This raised print is pressed through the back of the paper. This is the most formal and expensive choice.

Thermography - This process results in raised print, but it is not pressed through the back of the paper. This is slightly less expensive than engraving.

Lithography - The print is not raised. This option is less expensive than thermography.

Laser printing - This is the least expensive of the four options. The print is produced on a quality laser printer.

When choosing your wedding invitations, also consider that colored ink, bulky or specialty paper, custom designs or other accents such as ribbons will increase the cost of the invitation.

Don't forget about postage for both the invitation and the response card when determining your wedding stationery budget.

If you are planning your wedding on a small budget, you can consider printing your own wedding invitations. Most office supply stores offer invitation kits that provide everything you need to print your wedding invitations at home on a laser computer.

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