Getting Started on Your Wedding Invitations

Here’s what you need to know, plus the answers to your top questions.

the types of printing

OFFSET Also known as flat-printing, the ink gets printed right onto the paper. This is the fastest and least expensive method.

THERMOGRAPHY This heat-based process prints ink at a raised level. It’s not as easy to achieve in a pastel ink, so use dark colours.

ENGRAVING Created using an etched metal plate, this (rather expensive) technique presses lettering into the paper and tops it off with ink.

EMBOSSING Just like engraving, this process uses a plate—but it forgoes ink. It’s often used to create dramatic initials or borders.

LETTERPRESS This old-fashioned technique dominates the modern invite world. The design and ink are literally pressed into the paper. The extra effort makes this method pricey.

traditional vs modern

The invitation gives your guests a sneak peek at your wedding style, so make a statement with the design. Ivory paper with black (or even gold) ink says traditional when paired with an intricate border and a tight script font. More modern invites can take any shape (circles, postcards, etc.) and employ fun colours and fonts. And if you love a non-traditional font but still want to play up an elegant theme, stick to more formal card stock and colours.

how many to order

Order 20 or 30 extra invites. It’s better to have leftovers than to have to reorder later, which can get expensive. Guests over 18 should receive their own invite, even if they live with their parents. But couples living together share one invitation (no need to send two). Expect addressing errors, and order 20 to 30 extra envelopes as well.

how to keep track of your rsvps

Not everyone has legible handwriting, so All Poststake pre-emptive measures to easily record who has responded. Lightly write a number on the back of each reply card before you mail it out. Then create a spreadsheet (it can also double as your gift log) where you can track the number assigned to each guest. That way, if you can’t read the card when it’s returned, simply cross-reference the marking and your clever spreadsheet to figure out who sent it.

knottie advice

“Don’t do an A- and B-list. With Facebook and other social networking sites, it’s too easy for people to find out they’re on the B-list.” —aneresRN