Wedding Invitations - Make that first impression last

When the initial sweet fog of being engaged starts to dissipate, it is usually replaced by thoughts of excitement and concern on how to properly plan the wedding day. After all, this day represents your first step through the curtain of your present life into the new awaiting world of marriage.

As if that prospect didn't give you enough to think about, you first have to plan that glorious day that will long be remembered in your hearts and in those of your loved ones and friends.

Firstly, the "big ticket" items need to addressed before there can even be a day. Picking the venue becomes priority number one. Decisions regarding where you hold your reception can determine when you have the ceremony.

That being said, once the date and venues have been established, as well as the jaw-dropping dress, the next step will need to represent the very first impression your future guests will have of what that day will be like - your Wedding invitations.

Wedding invitations can come in many forms, some of which may all start to look the same after enough looking, but they should, if nothing, reflect the personalities of the people involved. They should be designed, not merely to inform, but to enlighten. To create a look that will set your special day apart from all others, will help it to live on in the memories of all who attend.

Your family and friends may expect an invitation that simply tells them where and when, but if that day is to enthrall them your invitation needs to set the tone. Dazzle them with something that ''oozes" your personality. This will let them know that your day may hold a few exciting surprises in store for them.

Once you decide on the style that speaks to you, there are a few etiquette guidelines that should be followed to make this part of the process, as well as help others, to run as smooth as possible.

Save the Date Cards
Send Save the Date Cards out to your guests four to six months before your wedding so your special day will be put on their busy calendars. Save the Date Cards are especially perfect for Destination Weddings. The advance notice of the upcoming special event gives your guests plenty of time to reserve the date and prepare for their trip.

Timing
Your invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks in advance of your wedding day. Too far in advance and they may forget (it has happened). Too close to the day and they may already have plans, if you decided against the Save the Date Cards. This timing is designed to help you best organize your seating arrangement, amongst other considerations. However, for guests expected from out of town and overseas, you should allow for an additional 2 weeks.

To avoid costly reorders, make sure to order plenty of invitations and envelopes. It is recommended that you order an extra 25 items to allow for addressing errors and last-minute additions to your guest list.

The Reply date
It is thought that a 2-3 week window before the wedding day is the perfect amount of time to receive all replies.

Wording the invitation
The way you word the invitation can help you accentuate the way you feel for one another as well as any special inclusion for parents and past on loved ones. It can also set the mood for the day itself if the wording were to reflect a Shakespearean slant to accompany a matching theme.

Accompanying pieces
Providing maps to the venues is a definite must. This will help alleviate any undo pressure your guests associate with navigating around the city. If you have out of town guests, providing lodging for them is a very nice gesture and lets them know that you really want them to simply enjoy the day and worry about as little as possible. If you happen to book a hotel room for them, inform those guests with a hotel information card listing any special arrangements you may have made for them. This should also be sent with the original invitation package.

On your big day, you may want to have other items ready to carry your theme home that will also provide a service for your guests. To have a ceremony program informing those attending of all those participating in the joyous event as well as the proceedings therein, will help them to be more involved.

Now off to where your reception will complete the day. There, the receiving line is exactly as it sounds. Your guests will arrive to see you standing there in all your splendour as you fight to hold back your emotions. Your guests will then find their seat for the evening by way of a place card that was given to them along with a small token of your thanks for being there on your special day. A popular trend these days is to place a donation in lieu of a gift to a charity honouring a loved one that has passed on.

As well, other items that may round out the perfect wedding stationery package may be confetti gift tags that accompany your guest's gift and menus present on all tables.

It is also the customary tradition to send your guests a thank you card that will not only thank them for being part of a defining day in your life, but it will also help them relive a small piece of it as well.

Things may or may not run smooth that day, but if you can enjoy at least one dance, taste at least one bite of your entrée and look at your new spouse over that huge piece of wedding cake and smile, consider it a success. - - David Cortesi

Owner/Operator: Designs by David

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