Your wedding invitation can help set the mood and style for your wedding. 

Formal wedding invitations are usually engraved and ordered well ahead to allow time for them to be addressed and mailed 6 weeks before the wedding. The most popular size is 4 1/2″ X 5 1/4″, which fits into an envelope without folding. A larger 5 1/2″ X 7 1/2″ invitation is used for very formal weddings. Remember, invitations are always written in the third person. Spell everything out… the wedding date, time, all numerals and names. Abbreviations, initials and nicknames are never used except for Mr. or Mrs. or Jr. 

Be sure to order enough invitations… you’ll need one for every married couple, each single adult guest, each attendant and their parents (if invited), your attendants’ dates (if single), everyone in the groom’s family, and of course, your clergyman and guest.

Order extras for emergencies and keepsakes. Extra envelopes are a must… this will allow for any mistakes you may make when addressing.

Be sure to order response cards (R.S.V.P.) if space is limited at the ceremony or you are planning on serving a meal. 

Hand-address all envelopes in blue or black ink. Remember, use full names… no initials. Your invitation is inserted into the inner envelope with enclosure cards and printed side facing the back flap. Insert this inner envelope into your addressed envelope.

Finally, be sure to order ‘Thank You’ notes… and most importantly, be sure to send them as soon as possible.