Q. Who sends the wedding invitation?
A. Traditionally, the Bride's parents send the invitation. Therefore, their names appear on the first line of the invitation. If the Groom’s parents are sharing in a substantial cost of the wedding their names appear on line 2. Note lines 1 and 2 are not separated by the word “and”. In situations of divorce, multiple sets of parents you may consider using “Together with their families” or “Together with their parents”… modern wording that reflects the complexity of blended families in a most welcoming way.

For specific wording refer to the Invitation Wording section in our web store. Just press “Go Shopping” and then Wedding Invitations. There is an entire section devoted to invitation wording.

Q. What elements should a traditional wedding invitation "packet" include:
A. The invitation includes the following:
• INVITATION
• OUTER ENVELOPE with the return address of the host printed or embossed on the envelope flap
• INNER ENVELOPE, usually lined and unsealed
• RSVP CARD/ENVELOPE: The address of the person receiving the reply is pre-printed on the envelope face and it is pre-stamped by the host
• RECEPTION CARD: Used when the reception (party) is at a different location from where the marriage ceremony will take place
• MAP/DIRECTION CARD/ACCOMMODATION CARD: Optional - paper selection should coordinate with the invitation if they are included in the envelope.

Q. When should I order my wedding invitations?
A. Depending on the complexity of your selection, invitations take 3 days to 3 months to produce. The average is about 3 weeks. Once your contracts are signed, dates and approximate number of guests are firm, you should order your invitations. Be sure to leave at least one month to have the envelopes hand addressed by a calligrapher, or by you.

Q. How many wedding invitations do I need?
A . Take the total number of people you will invite and divide by 65%. This will account for single guests, and some extras. Remember you do not need one invitation per guest, but rather, one invitation per couple. Children living at home who are over 18 years of age should receive their own invitation. Be sure to order enough invitations. It costs very little to order an additional 25 when you place the original order, and it is very expensive to create a new order for just 25 pieces.

Q. Can I use my married name or monogram on the invitation?
A. If you are changing your name, you may not use your new name until you are married. A monogram is best reserved for thank you notes, or, if used on the invitation, should reflect the bride and groom’s first initials. After the marriage, when using a monogram your initials appear in this order: The first letter of your last name is in the center and is larger. The first letter of the woman’s first name is placed to the left and the first letter of the man’s first name is placed to the right. Example: M W S Mary and Steven Wilson

Q. Can invitations or thank you notes be e-mailed?
A. NO!!! Some things are still sacred. A proper wedding invitation is mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding and a reply card and envelope are included. (Now that’s progress...Reply cards used to be considered terribly impolite!). E-mail is acceptable to send directions, tourist information and follow up communications. Thank you notes cannot be e-mailed and must be mailed for each and every gift you receive, even bridal shower gifts. Be sure to order thank you notes when you order your invitations. Take advantage of quantity pricing, the more you order, the lower the cost per piece. Remember, a proper thank you never goes out of
style.