Invitations

The Invitation
Three ways of acquiring the perfect invite:

1. Bulk produced cards: A wide selection is available from various stores were prices of these cards are very economical but not always what you want.
2. Custom made cards: Cards made to your specifications however at a higher expense. Extra time should be allowed here when researching and ordering the perfect invite.
3. D.I.Y: Invitation sets already pre cut that includes a step by step guide in assembling the invite yourself. Glues and tapes are generally not included, and you will need some personal time to spend on them.

Depending on what format you wedding will be, you may want to include some of the following items:

• Reply Cards (R.S.V.P.)
• Place cards - either to facilitate seating arrangements or to be used as a “thank you” card for guests attending
• Bonbonnière tags - to be attached to a piece of wedding cake or a small gift.
  Order of Service cards/booklets
• Menus

How many? A rule of thumb is to allow one invitation for every two people invited. For example, once you have drafted a list and established how many single people are to be invited, it should give you a fair idea of the number of cards you will need. For 30 single people and 60 couples (including children) you will need 60 cards. Allow about 10 extra for those people you may have left off on your list! Remember, it is cheaper to print 20 cards more than you need than to have them reprinted afterwards. The same argument holds for the other items to be produced. Always take a few extra envelopes should you make a mistake when addressing them!

Always check and re-check the following for your Wedding invitations whether a professional is designing them or you are:

• Spelling
• Correctness of names
• Wedding & R.S.V.P. dates
• Addresses and location of church and reception venue
• Supply information for the Reply Card and to whom it has to be addressed (R.S.V.P. date if not printed on invitation)
• Time of ceremony and reception
  The same applies to other items such as place cards, menus and so on.

How can I save money?

Choice of ink – black not raised is the cheapest. Gold and standard coloured inks (not raised) – save some money. Any thermographically printed ink (raised print) - will cost you more. Foiled printing - most expensive.
R.S.V.P. cards and reply envelopes – Print in black ink, as black reads easier. These items are basically just suppling information and are not kept by the recipient. Why spend extra money?
Choose a standard card (bulk produced). The more processes used to produce it, the costlier the card.
Look at discontinued designs
If you cannot afford the R.S.V.P. card and envelope, supply a fax, telephone number or e-mail address for guests to respond to on the invitation.
Choose a design that fits a standard envelope. The envelope gets placed into the rubbish bin 99% of the time.

For more information on Invitations for Weddings and other occasions and for a free non-obligation quote, please visit us at www.designsonpaper.com.au