Invitation Etiquette: Question of the Week
February 16, 2009 | Filed Under etiquette | Leave a Comment
Q: How do I word the time on my invitations? I am getting married at 4:30 (on the upswing because my mom said it is good luck) and want to use something like “in the afternoon”. -Maggie – Zanesville, OH
A: The time of your ceremony should always be spelled out and you should never use abbreviations like a.m. or p.m. You may instead use descriptive phrases such as “in the afternoon” or “in the evening”. A ceremony that begins at or before five o’clock is considered an afternoon ceremony.
For your specific time of 4:30, you could use any of the following options (listed most to least formal):
- half past four o’clock
- half past four o’clock in the afternoon
- half past four
- four thirty in the afternoon
- four thirty
If you were not getting married on the half hour, your could use
- four o’clock
- four o’clock in the afternoon
Ask the experts! Submit your very own question on our website - you will receive an email response with the answer within 48 hours – plus your question could be featured in an upcoming blog or newsletter.
Etiquette Question of the Week
February 9, 2009 | Filed Under etiquette | Leave a Comment
Q: I don’t have time to finalize my guest list, but I need to send my Save the Dates….do I need to send Save the Dates to everyone that I plan to invite to the wedding or can I send them to a select few? Kim – Silver Lake, OH
A: You should finalize your guest list and send the Save the Dates to every person you plan to invite to the wedding. Guests talk. If one of your guests hears that you sent Save the Dates but he/she did not receive one, they may feel like they were invited only as an afterthought when they receive the actual invitation.
It may seem like a pain, but finalizing your guest list early has the following advantages:
- You’ll already have the addresses of all your guests gathered when your invitations arrive.
- Think of the Save the Dates as a trial run. Any incorrect addresses will be discovered when the save the dates come back to you in the mail…..and then you’ll have plenty of time to obtain the correct address and keep the more expensive invitations from being returned
- You will have a more accurate guest count to give all your vendors….and that can help save you money in the long run
- Guests that will definitely not be able to attend might let you know early. This is an advantage when planning for the “b” list.
One other thing to be sure of: Send an invitation to everyone who received a save the date. Even if you’ve had a family fallout or fight with your closest pal…..you have already asked them to ’save the date’ and even if you know they won’t come, you should still present the option.
Ask the experts! Submit your very own question on our website - you will receive an email response with the answer within 48 hours – plus your question could be featured in an upcoming blog or newsletter!
Etiquette Question of the Week
February 2, 2009 | Filed Under catalog invitations, custom invitations, etiquette | Leave a Comment
Question: How do I let my guests know that my ceremony or reception is adult only?
Answer: The only truly proper way to handle this is through addressing the envelopes – clearly state who is invited by listing their names on the envelope. If I had to throw a number out there, I’d say that about 75% of our clients have adult only receptions and about 95% of them pay no mind to this rule. So…I know you are going to break the rules and instead of being a stickler for etiquette, I’m just going to offer a few of the least tacky options out there.
DON’T use stand alone phrases such as: ‘adults only’, ‘no children’, or ‘leave the kids at home’. Adding the word ‘please’ to any of these phrases will not soften the blow!
DO incorporate your request within the wording of the ensemble (choose just one or two…don’t go over board and use them all!):
- On the reception card use phrases such as “Please join us for an adult reception at six o’clock” or “Adult reception immediately following”.
- On the response card use the selection “___number of adults attending” paired with “___unable to attend”
- Have your response card printed with the phrase “We have reserved ___ seats in your honor”…and then as you stuff your envelopes, fill in the number you are inviting from that particular household.
- Instead of using the traditional single name line “M__________________”, have two lines printed each with the meal choice below or next to it so that your guests realize they should only put one name per meal choice….and if there are only two lines, then only two people can respond.
Ultimately this is your day, the day you have dreamed of. If that means no children, it means no children. No matter how you word it though, be prepared to handle objections from your guests. Just stand your ground and be consistent…it will keep the family drama to a minimum!
Etiquette Question of the Week
January 26, 2009 | Filed Under etiquette | 1 Comment
That’s gonna cost how much to mail?!?!?!?
November 25, 2008 | Filed Under catalog invitations, custom invitations, etiquette | Leave a Comment
Before you mail your invitations, prepare yourself for a little bit of ’sticker shock’. The cost of postage can be pretty darn expensive! I’m sure you’ve heard “Stay away from square”…but these days, postage is not figured so much on the size of the envelope as it is the weight and thickness. Even if you rule out square invitations (in which you’d be ruling out some of the cutest options out there…) you might find that by the time you stuff your envelopes and have them weighed, they will cost the same as – if not more than – mailing a square envelope.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to postage:
- Take a fully assembled invitation and all components of the ensemble (including a stamped RSVP envelope) to the post office and have it weighed and measured. This extra step is less of an inconvenience than having to re-address and re-postage all new outer envelopes if they get returned due to insufficient postage. Don’t assume you are within guidelines just because you weighed it at work! The size and thickness of the envelope matter too.
- Get Creative with Stamps. Your local post office may not have a huge selection of stamps – especially in the higher postage range. Don’t settle – be sure to check out www.usps.com for a full selection of stamps available. Stamps are shipped right to your door for just $1.00. There are also other places such as www.zazzle.com where you can customize stamps with your pictures or themes for an extra charge.
- Keep it simple. If the postage rate for your ensemble costs more than the first class rate, carefully choose the combination of stamps that you use. You have already spent time and money to properly address your envelopes…. 4 different stamps totaling $.81 isn’t going to look stunning next to calligraphy or even your best handwriting. In the picture above, this bride paid the extra $.03 to be able to place two coordinating $.42 stamps on her outer envelopes which kept her envelope from looking ‘junky’. Nobody likes to throw money away, but in the scheme of things, 100 invitations with $.03 extra postage totals only $3.00.
- Stamp your RSVP Envelopes for your guests. Accurate guest counts are important. The RSVP envelope should always be stamped and addressed to you or whomever is tracking your responses.
Is all this postage killing your invitation budget? Here are a few suggestions for keeping on track.
- Substitute formal RSVP sets with RSVP postcards.
- Elect flat response cards and reception cards when possible. Folded note style cards are not necessary in these instances and will just add bulk and weight to your ensemble. If the invitation you select only comes with folded cards, consider cutting them in half just below the fold. The side removed can easily be used for place cards later on down the road.
- Send ‘seal-n-send’or ‘sep-n-send’ invitations. Not only do these mail at regular postage and have postcard response options – they save trees!
That’s gonna cost how much to mail?!?!?!?
November 25, 2008 | Filed Under catalog invitations, custom invitations, etiquette | Leave a Comment
Before you mail your invitations, prepare yourself for a little bit of ’sticker shock’. The cost of postage can be pretty darn expensive! I’m sure you’ve heard “Stay away from square”…but these days, postage is not figured so much on the size of the envelope as it is the weight and thickness. Even if you rule out square invitations (in which you’d be ruling out some of the cutest options out there…) you might find that by the time you stuff your envelopes and have them weighed, they will cost the same as – if not more than – mailing a square envelope.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to postage:
- Take a fully assembled invitation and all components of the ensemble (including a stamped RSVP envelope) to the post office and have it weighed and measured. This extra step is less of an inconvenience than having to re-address and re-postage all new outer envelopes if they get returned due to insufficient postage. Don’t assume you are within guidelines just because you weighed it at work! The size and thickness of the envelope matter too.
- Get Creative with Stamps. Your local post office may not have a huge selection of stamps – especially in the higher postage range. Don’t settle – be sure to check out www.usps.com for a full selection of stamps available. Stamps are shipped right to your door for just $1.00. There are also other places such as www.zazzle.com where you can customize stamps with your pictures or themes for an extra charge.
- Keep it simple. If the postage rate for your ensemble costs more than the first class rate, carefully choose the combination of stamps that you use. You have already spent time and money to properly address your envelopes…. 4 different stamps totaling $.81 isn’t going to look stunning next to calligraphy or even your best handwriting. In the picture above, this bride paid the extra $.03 to be able to place two coordinating $.42 stamps on her outer envelopes which kept her envelope from looking ‘junky’. Nobody likes to throw money away, but in the scheme of things, 100 invitations with $.03 extra postage totals only $3.00.
- Stamp your RSVP Envelopes for your guests. Accurate guest counts are important. The RSVP envelope should always be stamped and addressed to you or whomever is tracking your responses.
Is all this postage killing your invitation budget? Here are a few suggestions for keeping on track.
- Substitute formal RSVP sets with RSVP postcards.
- Elect flat response cards and reception cards when possible. Folded note style cards are not necessary in these instances and will just add bulk and weight to your ensemble. If the invitation you select only comes with folded cards, consider cutting them in half just below the fold. The side removed can easily be used for place cards later on down the road.
- Send ‘seal-n-send’or ‘sep-n-send’ invitations. Not only do these mail at regular postage and have postcard response options – they save trees!
That’s gonna cost how much to mail?!?!?!?
November 25, 2008 | Filed Under catalog invitations, custom invitations, etiquette | Leave a Comment
Before you mail your invitations, prepare yourself for a little bit of ’sticker shock’. The cost of postage can be pretty darn expensive! I’m sure you’ve heard “Stay away from square”…but these days, postage is not figured so much on the size of the envelope as it is the weight and thickness. Even if you rule out square invitations (in which you’d be ruling out some of the cutest options out there…) you might find that by the time you stuff your envelopes and have them weighed, they will cost the same as – if not more than – mailing a square envelope.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to postage:
- Take a fully assembled invitation and all components of the ensemble (including a stamped RSVP envelope) to the post office and have it weighed and measured. This extra step is less of an inconvenience than having to re-address and re-postage all new outer envelopes if they get returned due to insufficient postage. Don’t assume you are within guidelines just because you weighed it at work! The size and thickness of the envelope matter too.
- Get Creative with Stamps. Your local post office may not have a huge selection of stamps – especially in the higher postage range. Don’t settle – be sure to check out www.usps.com for a full selection of stamps available. Stamps are shipped right to your door for just $1.00. There are also other places such as www.zazzle.com where you can customize stamps with your pictures or themes for an extra charge.
- Keep it simple. If the postage rate for your ensemble costs more than the first class rate, carefully choose the combination of stamps that you use. You have already spent time and money to properly address your envelopes…. 4 different stamps totaling $.81 isn’t going to look stunning next to calligraphy or even your best handwriting. In the picture above, this bride paid the extra $.03 to be able to place two coordinating $.42 stamps on her outer envelopes which kept her envelope from looking ‘junky’. Nobody likes to throw money away, but in the scheme of things, 100 invitations with $.03 extra postage totals only $3.00.
- Stamp your RSVP Envelopes for your guests. Accurate guest counts are important. The RSVP envelope should always be stamped and addressed to you or whomever is tracking your responses.
Is all this postage killing your invitation budget? Here are a few suggestions for keeping on track.
- Substitute formal RSVP sets with RSVP postcards.
- Elect flat response cards and reception cards when possible. Folded note style cards are not necessary in these instances and will just add bulk and weight to your ensemble. If the invitation you select only comes with folded cards, consider cutting them in half just below the fold. The side removed can easily be used for place cards later on down the road.
- Send ‘seal-n-send’or ‘sep-n-send’ invitations. Not only do these mail at regular postage and have postcard response options – they save trees!
To Handwrite or Not to Handwrite….
October 22, 2008 | Filed Under catalog invitations, custom invitations, etiquette, posts with pics | Leave a Comment
With traditional stationery etiquette quickly becoming a ‘thing of the past’, it is no surprise that ‘properly addressing an envelope’ is a hot topic during our consultations. We value short-cuts just as much as you do…but this is not an area you should skimp on time. Though it may seem silly to you, guests will scoff at a tacky envelope!
Professional Calligraphy
According to traditional etiquette, handwritten professional calligraphy is the only acceptable method of addressing an envelope. Hand Calligraphy is quickly becoming a lost art, making it difficult to track down a professional calligrapher at a reasonable cost. You shouldn’t be at all surprised if the cost for calligraphy services exceeds the cost of the invitation ensemble itself!
At one of last years bridal shows, we met a woman who has such a passion for the art that she does it as a hobby and charges a very reasonable price. Though she only offers non-script hand calligraphy, her style is beautiful and her attention to detail precise! Guest addresses are $1.25 each and Return addresses & Response envelope addresses are $.85 each. The turnaround time is 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of the order. Here is a sample of her work:
Handwritten
Most of our clients approach the invitation process with the assumption that they will handwrite the addresses – and most don’t approach that idea with much enthusiasm! Addressing your own envelopes is the next best thing to professional calligraphy. Make sure you set aside plenty of time, and order extra envelopes for the inevitable writing errors!
Most of the envelopes we use in our designs are metallic, thus, they have a smooth and shiny texture to them. Surprisingly, ballpoint pens work best on the metallic envelopes. Any standard calligraphy pen or water-based pen takes extra time to dry and may smudge easily. This will be a very tedious process so be sure to test out several different options to find a pen or marker that you feel comfortable working with.
Computer Calligraphy
Computer printed calligraphy is quickly replacing hand calligraphy. Though a computer addressed envelope lacks the charm of a hand written envelope, it can coordinate with the typestyle of your invitation bringing an element of design to the ensemble. We offer computer calligraphy on all of our custom designs. The catalogs that we carry have even started offering computer calligraphy which just goes to show you how high the demand is. If I had to guess, I would say that approximately 80% of our clients choose computer addressing. Not only does coordinating the font of your invitation with your envelope looks polished and professional ….it will save you time. If we print your addresses and you pay for response envelope stamps, we will actually stamp and stuff your entire invitation ensemble! Now that’s what we call ‘taking care of our clients’!
Labels
Applying pre-printed address labels is the only absolute no-no under both traditional and modern etiquette. Your guests will think it’s tacky…and we do too! There is a reason why catalog companies include address printing in the cost of the response card and charge a very nominal fee to print the back flap of the invitation envelope – they don’t want you to use labels either! Still, if you find yourself in a situation where you must do the unthinkable, we suggest using clear matte or gloss labels and only do so only for repetitive addresses.
