Once you have chosen your wedding invitation design, you still have some important imprinting details on which to decide including your lettering style and ink color.  You probably won’t give much thought to these selections until you actually go through the process of designing and ordering your invitations but you want to be prepared.

Here are a number of particulars to keep in mind when choosing your lettering style…

• When it comes to contemporary wedding invitations, having two different typestyles where at least the couple’s names appear in a contrasting font is becoming trendy. When shopping for your invites, it will be specified if one or two lettering styles can be printed on that particular design.
• If choosing a fancier typestyle, be sure to look over all the letters making sure your guests will be able to easily read them whether they appear in upper or lower case.
• Lettering styles can have their own unique appearance in print – some look lighter and others show up as being bolder. 
• Some font styles are naturally larger in their appearance.
• Certain typestyle choices are automatically in small caps meaning all letters appear as uppercase with normal capital letters appearing slightly larger.

As far as ink colors, again some modern wedding invitations are using two distinguished colors to highlight specific details including the bride and groom’s names.  If your invites have a colored background or are printed on a colored paper, remember to choose an ink color that will stand out against that particular color for easy reading.

When it comes to wedding invitation printing by a professional printer, you will be presented with all the different lettering styles and ink colors that are available for your chosen design.  To help in making your selections, it is recommended that you take notice of which choices are used on the sample invitation to see if you like how they look.  Those choices are usually listed within the product details area.

Below are some standard and alternative wordings for wedding invitations.

If the wedding is being hosted on your own:
“Jane Porter and David Broadbent request the pleasure of your company at their marriage…”

Invitation to a wedding, bride’s parents as hosts:
“Mr and Mrs Frederick Porter request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Jane to Mr David Broadbent at St Michael’s Church, Wilburly, on Saturday, 26 th July 2010 at 3pm and afterwards at The White Swan Hotel, Wilbury…”

When the wedding is being hosted by the parents of the bride (alternative wording):
“Mr and Mrs Frederick Porter request the pleasure of the company of (name of guest(s) written by hand) at the marriage of their daughter Jane Frances to Mr David Broadbent at St Michael’s Church, Wilbury, on Saturday, 26th July 2003 at 3pm and afterwards at The White Swan Hotel, Wilbury…”

When the bride’s parents are divorced and the mother remarried:
“Mr Federick Porter and Mrs James Culver request the pleasure of…”
If mother is not remarried, begin:
“Mr Frederick Porter and Mrs Judy  Porter…”

Invitation to a service of blessing:
“Mr and Mrs Federick Porter request the pleasure of your company at the blessing of the marriage of their daughter Jane…”

Invitation to a wedding reception only:
“Mr and Mrs Frederick Porter request the pleasure of your company at a reception following the marriage of their daughter Jane…”

Invitation to an evening party only:
“Mr and Mrs Frederick Porter request the pleasure of your company at an evening party following the marriage of their daughter Jane…”

If you are interested in more wedding invitations related articles and advice, please visit NZ Bride for more articles on wedding invitations. Click here more wedding invitation wording examples.

NZ Bride: New Zealand most comprehensive wedding website

Wedding invitation planning…you may not realize just how many steps there really are to organizing and preparing your invitations. From creating your guest list to finalizing all your ceremony and reception details, many things affect your wedding invitation preparations.

There really are no absolute deadlines for many of the steps in your wedding invitation process. With so many other things on your mind, there are some general timeframes to keep in mind to avoid last-minute rushing.

Here is a basic timeline to simply use as a guideline for your invitation planning:

9 months – 1 year

• Begin working on your guest list so you will know how many wedding invites (and maybe save the dates) to eventually order (one per single adult, couple or family invited).
• Start your wedding invitation shopping so you can narrow your choices down to only your favorites. Be sure to order samples, which are usually blank, so you can personally see the paper and design.
• If you are planning to mail out save the date cards to guests, begin searching for your preferred design of them as well.

7 to 8 months

• If you will be sending save the dates, place your order based on the number of guests to whom you will be mailing them as they are optional.
• Review sample wedding invitation verses and give some thought as to how your wording will read.

6 months

• If sending save the dates, prepare and mail them.
• Select your wedding invitation design and gather all the details that will be printed on them such as date, times, name and address of location(s), etc.
• Determine if you will also be ordering any invitation enclosures or added options – response cards, reception cards, direction/map cards, pre-printed return address on envelopes, decorative envelope seals, colored lining for inner envelopes, matching thank you or informal cards. Some of these options may not be available depending on your chosen style. You may also be able to order matching menu, table and place cards for your design. You will save on separate shipping costs by purchasing as many items as you can all in the same order.
• If you are including response cards, check with your dinner location to see how far in advance they need your final guest count so you can select the RSPV date that will be printed on them (typically 2-3 weeks before wedding). You also need to decide whose address will be printed on the response envelope or postcard meaning they will receive the replies.

4-5 months

• Finalize your wording and place your wedding invitation order. Remember to order some extras now so you won’t run out if there are last-minute guests to invite and so you also have a few as souvenirs. If the option is available, order some extra envelopes just to be safe.
• Check your guest list making sure you have complete addresses for everyone.
• Consider mailing your wedding invites using custom wedding stamps. Many online retailers give you the option of choosing from pre-designed wedding postage or simply uploading a photo to create your own stamp design. NOTE – Be sure to have one of your ready-to-mail invitations weighed at a Post Office BEFORE you purchase any postage stamps to make sure you are using the correct amount for each invitation.

3-4 months

• Fold and/or assemble your wedding invitations, if necessary.
• Hand address mailing envelopes and write guest names on inside envelopes, if they are included.
• Purchase and apply postage stamps to the response card envelopes or response postcards, if they will be included.
• Assemble all wedding invitation pieces and insert them into already addressed envelopes.
• Take one fully assembled and sealed invitation to the Post Office to have it weighed to determine the correct amount of postage needed.
• Purchase your stamps or order custom wedding stamps with appropriate postage amount required for mailing.

6-8 weeks

• Seal the envelopes, apply postage stamps and mail them all at the same time directly at a Post Office location.

3-4 weeks

• Prepare and mail any other related wedding invitations…rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.
• Keep track of the response cards as they are returned by checking off their names from your guest list.

2-3 weeks

• Contact any guests who didn’t mail back their response cards.
• Provide final guest count to reception/dinner location.

That pretty much takes care of everything related to your invitations prior to your wedding. The only thing left to do is to write and mail out your wedding thank you cards, especially if you ordered them with your wedding invitations. They should be written and mailed out to guests about a month after the wedding and no longer than months later.

Again, this is just a guideline for your wedding invitations process but hopefully it will help you stay organized which is the key for all of your wedding planning. 

Your wedding invitation is truly a one-of-a-kind remembrance of your special day since it provides a record of some of the most important details.  It is always recommended that a few extra invitations be ordered to save as souvenirs of your wedding, but chances are they will be placed in your wedding album and eventually packed away. 

Why not create a memento of your wedding invitation that is more permanent and can be easily displayed in your home as a special remembrance.  Especially because your invitation text includes all the formal details of your wedding day – day and date, time of ceremony, time of reception, name and address of ceremony location, name and address of reception location – as well as possibly a special verse or quote chosen by you and your fiance.  The invitation design itself may also be symbolic of the colors or theme of your wedding.

Having your invitation wording permanently imprinted on a keepsake item is a wonderful way to uniquely commemorate your wedding day.  Here are some suggested items that can be engraved with your wedding invitation verse:

·  Photo Album – A great way to personalize a wedding album is to have your invitation wording elegantly engraved on the front cover.  This way every time you look through your cherished wedding pictures you will be able to see your invitation verse too.

·  Wedding Invitation Frame – Create a lasting symbol by using a beautiful glass frame to display your favorite wedding photo as well as feature your delicately etched invitation verse.              

·  Glass Block – A simple, but elegant, glass or lucite sculpture piece can be engraved with your wedding invitation text creating an exquisite symbol of your special day.

·  Commemorative Plate – Easily hung on a wall or placed on an easel for table-top display, a decorative plate engraved or etched with your invitation verse will make a wonderful memento for years to come.

With all of your planning and preparations, creating a wedding invitation keepsake may not be a high priority before your wedding, but this is easily something you can have designed later since you may even receive one of these personalized items as a wedding gift. 

Your wedding is without a doubt one of the most important days of your life so give some thought to creating a lasting souvenir of your wedding invitation to preserve all the details of your special day.  As the years go by, you will undoubtedly be glad you did.

Most wedding etiquette is simply a perpetuation of tradition(s), through the ages, which have become so commonplace and accepted as to be thought of as “the right way” in many—if not most—cases…at least in America!   

But wedding etiquette is not always written in stone, and more and more people are realizing wedding etiquette is best left to courtesy and what makes the couple being wedded happy!   But just for the fun of it, let’s review a few of the most notable traditions; some of which are regarded as “rules” but are—like rules often are—subject to be bent or even broken!

The term “wedlock” comes from the Old English word “wedd” and old Scottish “wad”, both of which mean “to pledge”.  “Lock” comes from Old English “lac”, which means to fulfill a commitment through action.  So…the original connotation meant pledging of property as payment to the bride’s father, for the daughter’s hand in marriage.

The “asking for her hand in marriage” hails from the Romans, with the “joining of hands.”  In a symbolic “purchase”, the groom would give the bride’s father a coin, and the bride would be passed “from her father’s hand” to her husband’s.

The tradition or custom of proposing on one knee goes back to the days of knights and dipping onto one knee, to show servitude.  Knights would kneel, say, before a tournament began, and if “his lady” tossed her ribbon or colors, it was a sign of her showing him favor.  

Interestingly enough, the tradition of distributing wedding invitations began as announcements for the public to know and, potentially, object—for a justifiable reason—as to why the bride-to-be should not be married to the proposed groom.

These are just a few of the common traditions most of us recognize and accept as etiquette or tradition.  But keep in mind: wedding etiquette is designed to serve the couple first…with regard to feelings of loved ones as well.  But wedding etiquette shouldn’t be a hindrance to your happiness…so long as your desires or wishes aren’t exceptionally contrary to societal norms.

Information provided as a service by Beautiful Wedding Invitations.

Charles Pruett is a freelance copywriter who specializes in persuasive sales copy, SEO web content, and is also a night—and night wedding—photographer.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/wedding-etiquette-1066630.html

Wedding invitation planning…you may not realize just how many steps there really are to organizing and preparing your invitations. From creating your guest list to finalizing all your ceremony and reception details, many things affect your wedding invitation preparations. There really are no absolute deadlines for many of the steps in your wedding invitation process. Although there are some general timeframes that you may find helpful to avoid last-minute rushing since you have so many other things on your mind as well.

Here is a general timeline to simply use as a guideline for your invitation planning:

9 months – 1 year

• Begin working on your guest list so you will know how many wedding invites (and maybe save the dates) to eventually order (one per single adult, couple or family invited).
• Start your wedding invitation shopping so you can narrow your choices down to only your favorites. Be sure to order samples, which are usually blank, so you can personally see the paper and design.
• If you are planning to mail out save the date cards to guests, begin searching for your preferred design of them as well.

7 to 8 months

• If you will be sending save the dates, place your order based on the number of guests to whom you will be mailing them as they are optional.
• Review sample wedding invitation verses and give some thought as to how your wording will read.

6 months

• If sending save the dates, prepare and mail them.
• Select your wedding invitation design and gather all the details that will be printed on them such as date, times, name and address of location(s), etc.
• Determine what invitation enclosures or extras you will also be ordering – reception cards, response cards, pre-printed return address on envelopes, direction/map cards, decorative envelope seals, colored lining for inner envelopes, matching thank you cards or informal notes, etc. Some of these options may not be available depending on your chosen style. You may also be able to order matching menu, table and place cards for your design. The more items you can order together, the more you will save by avoiding separate shipping costs later.
• If you are including response cards, check with your dinner location to see how far in advance they need your final guest count so you can select the RSPV date that will be printed on them (typically 2-3 weeks before wedding). You also need to decide whose address will be printed on the response envelope or postcard meaning they will receive the replies.

4-5 months

• Finalize your wording and place your wedding invitation order. Remember to order some extras now so you won’t run out if there are last-minute guests to invite and so you also have a few as souvenirs. If the option is available, order some extra envelopes just to be safe.
• Review your guest list to make sure you have current addresses for everyone.
• Consider custom wedding stamps for mailing your wedding invites. Many online retailers give you the option of choosing from pre-designed wedding postage or simply uploading a photo to create your own stamp design. NOTE – Be sure to have one of your ready-to-mail invitations weighed at a Post Office BEFORE you purchase any postage stamps to make sure you are using the correct amount for each invitation.

3-4 months

• Fold and/or assemble your wedding invitations, if necessary.
• Hand address mailing envelopes and write guest names on inside envelopes, if they are included.
• Purchase and apply postage stamps to the response card envelopes or response postcards, if they will be included.
• Assemble all wedding invitation pieces and insert them into already addressed envelopes.
• Take one fully assembled and sealed invitation to the Post Office to have it weighed to determine the correct amount of postage needed.
• Purchase your stamps or order custom wedding stamps with appropriate postage amount required for mailing.

6-8 weeks

• Seal the envelopes, apply postage stamps and mail them all at the same time directly at a Post Office location.

3-4 weeks

• Prepare and mail any other wedding-related invitations…rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.
• Keep track of the response cards as they are returned by checking off their names from your guest list.

2-3 weeks

• Contact any guests who didn’t mail back their response cards.
• Provide final guest count to reception/dinner location.

That pretty much takes care of everything related to your invitations prior to your wedding. The only thing left to do is to write and mail out your wedding thank you cards, especially if you ordered them with your wedding invitations. They should be sent out about a month after the wedding and no more than three months after.

Again, this is just a guideline for your wedding invitations process but hopefully it will help you stay organized which is the key for all of your wedding planning. Next, you can also print out a handy wedding invitation checklist to use in your preparations and as a listing of all the options available. Plus there is a FREE Invitation Guide filled with tips you can sign up to receive at www.PrintedCreationsWeddingStore.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/wedding-invitation-timeline-what-to-do-when-1064526.html

People typically experienced that little spark of excitement when they receive a wedding invitation in the mail. Admit it, you’ve experienced it too. After going through the credit card bill, grocery coupons, and some bank statements, seeing a beautifully-designed wedding invitation is a welcome relief for you. Now, if you’re planning a wedding, your aim is to provide that same excitement to the recipients of your wedding invitation.

Remember that the wedding invitation, aside from giving the basic information about who, where, and when will also provide a glimpse of your personality. Making a good impression on this regard will drive up your guests’ level of anticipation. In addition, the invitation gives a preview of the people who’s expected at the special event.

Here are some tips that will help you send out those wedding invitations with the right design at just the right time:

• Keep It Simple – the cost of the wedding invitation might surprise you. In some cases, it can go as high as $50 per piece. There’s no need to spend that much, it is very much possible to get beatifically-designed invites at the tenth of that price. Just choose the right font, good ink, and appropriate design and you’re set to go.
• Proofread Everything – nothing will upset a wedding sponsor more than to see his or her name misspelled badly on the invitation. This is a huge no-no for any wedding couple. So before you order those invites, make sure that every name included in the invitation is spelled correctly.
• Know When to Order – three to four moths before the wedding, make sure that your wedding invitation has already been ordered. The design should also be known prior to that.
• Overcompensate – it is not a good idea to order just the exact amount of invites you plan to give out. Get at least 10 percent more invitations. In this case, it is always better to have some leftovers than re-order a new set. Re-ordering will take time and can become very expensive.
• Use Formal Writing – unless your wedding theme is overly casual, it is recommended for you to use formal writing style in the card. For example, instead of saying 7:00 pm, the time should be spelled out (ie. Seven o’clock in the evening).
• Hire a Good Calligrapher – though some couples decide to print out computer labels with the guests’ names, many more couples decide to take on the traditional route and handwrite the names of the recipient. If your handwriting is not that good or if you’re too busy, hire a calligrapher who can do it for you.

Making arrangements for the invites is only one part of the whole wedding. Many brides get frazzled by the amount of things they need to do. Through all the troubles that can be encountered in the whole planning process though, it is important to remember that this is a very special event that needs to be enjoyed. Take a deep breath and realize that the process is to be enjoyed, not something to get stressed about.

I am 23 year old student on my last year of study at the University of Sydney (Sydney), majoring in Information technology.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/wedding-invitation-how-to-do-it-right-1054934.html

Before you know it the wedding season will be upon us and with the joy of getting married comes all of the preparations we must deal with. Deciding on your invitation and getting the save the date card is something you can not leave to the last minute. Once you have mailed the save the date card, your friends and family know there will be a wedding and now plus plan to set the date aside. It is official you are getting married.

Get : Wedding Invitations Advice

First you must shop around and decide what type of invitation you want, formal or casual. Whether you will have them professionally printed or you will do it at home on your personal PC. There are many options to the bride today. Set a budget and try to stay within the budget. When figuring the cost, don’t forget the postage. If you are sending out a large number of invitations it can quickly add up.

Free : Invitation Wedding Advice

Next, you must choose the save a date card that usually has a similar look to your invitation. These can be sent out as early as one year in advance, but 6 months is usually the norm. It is important to send these so your guests can start making plans. Such as plane and hotel reservations. Usually the earlier they plan the better rate they will receive.

Continuing with your choices, it is time to select the actual invitation. Keep in mind invitations can be very expensive or quite reasonable depending on what you select. The type of paper, the type of print, how many sheets of paper are included in the invitation. How the paper is folded and if there is a RSVP card enclosed with an envelope all adds to the price of the invitation. By the time you order your invitations the two of you should have decided with your parents what type of invitation you want to send out. Today with the aid of the internet you can get a vast amount of information without too much foot work.

Lastly, keep in mind the theme of your invitation reflects the theme of the wedding. The colors of your invitation could very well be the colors of your whole wedding theme. The bridesmaid dresses, flowers, tablecloths, and all wedding decorations. So when choosing your invitation put a lot of thought in your invitation as this will set the tone for all things to come. This will be the first of many decisions.

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Wedding. For more information go to: http://www.planthewedding.net/invitations.html

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/learn-how-to-choose-great-wedding-invitations-1054279.html

Wedding favors are a gesture of gratitude and graciousness; there aren’t many lovelier traditions than the giving of wedding favors to guests who honor your wedding ceremony and reception with their presence.  Fortunately, during your wedding planning, the selecting of your wedding favors doesn’t have to be done as early as when choosing your wedding invitations.

For after all, how fulfilling would your wedding be if you were unable to share it with close family, friends, and friendly acquaintances who will not only witness your marriage covenant made before God and the world, but shower their own well-wishing and blessings upon your joyous union, reciprocating your elation and magnifying that bliss with affectionate accolades?  To be sure, your wedding will be one of the most—if not THE most—social event in your entire life…as well as being the biggest commitment you’re likely to make in as many years.

In considering which wedding of favors you’ll choose to give your guests, you’ll want to consider a few things [aside from sheer numbers] would be…

•    How formal your wedding ceremony will be.
•    Theme or religious implication(s). Cultural aspects might apply here, as well.
•    How you want your guests to remember the two of you as a couple.
•    At least two different styles: one “for him” and one “for her” [you might also want to consider some that might appeal to children, particularly if there will be many children in attendance [at the reception, anyway].

In case you have concerns over budgeting one hundred wedding favors or more, you’ll want to get a firm count on those who will be attending, through RSVP wedding cards [preferably], and when you reach that number, add 10-15% on top of that for those who will show anyway.  Then, divide that number by your budget amount [ex. $300 favors budget divided by 115 guests = $2.60 per favor]. In this way, you’ll lock your eyes on price-per-wedding favor, and you’re less likely to want for something outside your budget. The great thing is when you buy in bulk, you typically can avail a discount, and this will give your budget a bit of a break.  

Information provided as a service by Beautiful Wedding Invitations.

Charles Pruett is a freelance, persuasive copywriter, essayist, multi-medium expressionist and night photographer.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/wedding-favors-1044566.html

You have likely already heard of the concept of a wedding registry and you may be wondering if you should make one or not. You may also be wondering how to make one without offending any guests attending your wedding ceremony. This is a relatively delicate planning process and it should be tended to with the utmost care to best ensure your guests have a pleasant wedding experience. It would obviously be silly to insult your guests by not tending to it appropriately. 

Here is a list of recommendations which may help you to better ensure that your guests are made aware of your gift ideas and also how to go about arranging it all in a truly diplomatic manner. 

For Your Guests

Remember that the wedding registry is first and foremost to ease the shopping process for your wedding guests. It primarily serves to help them to feel that they are sure to find you a gift that you will appreciate and also give you a gift that is not as likely to be duplicated by other wedding guests. 

Price Is Right

Something else to certainly remember in order to prevent a major faux pas in your wedding registry is including a lot of possibilities in the lower price range. In the US, this would essentially translate to including a good number of items in the $40 to $60 range and some at even lower prices. You can, of course, include some higher ticket items as your close friends and family will possibly be spending more on your wedding gift.

Earlier the Better

You want to set up your wedding registry as early in your planning process as possible in order to give your guests enough time to shop for your gifts. It shouldn’t be such an issue to cause any procrastination as it is just a wish list of gifts for you. So make sure you begin to plan it as soon as possible. You may even just want to keep a running list of things you think of throughout the day, but don’t wait long to set up your initial registry! 

Easy Access

Make the shopping process as easy as possible for your guests by registering at a variety of shops. At least one national or international shop should be included to allow for easy access to gift selection. Online stores are also good to add, but not as the only option. 

A Well Known Secret

You have to make sure you do not include your registry on any wedding invitations or date reminder cards. This is a major faux pas. It may, however, be ok to include on a bridal shower invitation as it is not actually arranged by you and so it is not like you are publishing the information. Word of mouth is generally a good way to go and you can certainly tell anyone who asks. Having a wedding website is another great way to provide the information. 

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are an essential aspect of proper wedding etiquette. Make sure your thank you notes are hand written to show your appreciation.

Have fun starting your wedding registry today.

The author writes for Time to Get Married. The author’s articles appear in both the wedding planning and breaking up help sections.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/creating-a-wedding-registry-1042537.html