In contemporary society it’s nice to address friends alphabetically because it’s gender neutral and fair (unless your last name is Zysman, then you probably don’t think it’s too fair). We’ve put together a chart that should cover how to address most of the possible relationship/title guest scenarios, and there are quite a few. Use envelope moistener to activate the glue on the mailing envelope flap. You can use a damp sponge or saliva, but whatever you use, don’t over-wet the adhesive- use just enough to activate the glue. Weddings are emotional events, especially when a parent isn’t there to witness it. If you want to honor a deceased parent on your invitations, include them in the host line or after the bride or groom’s name. For modern couples, the tradition of parents hosting a wedding is often skipped.
Vellum wraps, jackets, and pockets may also need to be folded and scored to fit around your suite. Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope (left edge first for a single-card invitation; folded edge first for a folded invitation). The rationale is, when the flap is opened, guests should be able to read the invite as they take it out with their right hand without having to turn the card. If you’d like to include it, place the sheet of vellum on top of the invitation card. The second is how to invite last-minute guests to a wedding.
Keep in mind that while DIY invitations may seem like the cheapest option initially, they can add up when it comes to the number of guests and materials used for the invitation. More importantly, be mindful of the fact that DIY invitations can be quite time-consuming. If you are going to take the DIY wedding invitation route, be sure to carve out enough time for creating the perfect wedding invitation for your big day. There’s an art to selecting the words that’ll welcome guests to your celebration. Every wedding is unique, so when you design your invites, you need to consider who’s hosting, where you’re saying your vows, and how formal things will be.
If your invitation has casual tone, you can use any of the casual examples mentioned above and simply add a line at the end with the children’s names. Again, it fit quite snug in the envelope so I recommend either placing the invitation in a box, or sizing down each layer by 0.25″ (this goes for the main invitation as well). I wanted to add lace detail on the back of the invitation and RSVP cards, so I put some Modpodge on the back of the chipboard and let it dry a bit then tried to add the lace.
In general, invitations with an informal tone can be formatted however you please. You have a lot of guests that are coming from out of town or long distances. Always make sure to mention of there is a group code or room block, as well as when to reserve by date. If there is any shuttle or specific transportation information you need to let guests know about, an accommodations insert is the perfect way to do so.
You’ll confuse your grandparents
Make sure they receive the proper respect they deserve by writing out the full title. If a male-identifying guest changed his name or hyphenated it during marriage, reach out and ask how they would now like to be addressed.
Pre-Designed Invitations + Upgrades
Another excellent strategy for selecting wedding invitations is to ask for samples. Most vendors will provide free samples of your desired designs. That way, you can view the invitations firsthand and determine how well they fit your vision. Read more about Wedding Invitations Sydney here. You can order a variety of samples from different companies to explore different options. Or, you could ask for several colors to narrow down your choices. Requesting samples is also a great way to view vendors’ communication styles and customer service skills. Years ago, a sweet client of mine called me in a panic, wondering if I had ever heard of the “steamer” trick or the “freezer” trick to get sealed envelopes to pop open.
On your guest list, note which guest coordinates with which number. If people don’t reply, or reply without a name, you can check who’s missing. Etsy is one of our favorite places to find templates online.
Most wedding invitations are heavier than your average letter, so often times a 70¢ stamp is needed. For instance, if you’ve printed on extra-thick cardstock, included embellishments like pockets or vellum wraps, or have multiple inserts, you’ll likely need this option. However, I always recommend taking one to the post office ahead of time to have it weighed. Vintage postage is a beautiful option for your wedding invitations!
I periodically checked how the final version would look so I know if I like how it’s turning out. Once I liked how everything was arranged, I created a custom burgundy color for the names. I also added a stroke to the names to make them bolder.
