‘Inviting’ tips on how to send the right message
It is said that any wedding invitation will get your message across. However, depending on the style of the invitation you select, you can end up making a completely different statement than the one you had intended to make.

When it comes to planning a wedding, selecting an invitation can be the single most complex and confusing aspect of the entire process. Invitations are your guests’ first impression of the party, and the style selected often affects their expectations of the reception and choice of attire. Gift-giving also is subject to influence by the invitation received.

According to Encore Studios, manufacturer of fine invitations, stationery and social accessories, selecting an invitation is like creating your own unique recipe. You choose the ingredients and want it to be tasteful. The main ingredients you have at your disposal are the texture, color and shape of the paper, along with style of font and ink color. These can be combined with additional layers of paper, envelope-lining options and calligraphy styles. The finishing touches are wording selection, supplied artwork, a monogram or appliqués. There is infinite opportunity for uniqueness.

As you consider these options, be sure that you select the style of the invitation well before the affair. You can base your initial decision on quantity. To do this, take the forecasted number of guests, divide it in half and add an additional 25.

This number will factor in the cross section of single guests, families and couples.

It is extremely important to order the correct quantity. A big part of the initial cost of printing is to typeset and prepare the press for printing. Reordering invitations creates a large expense, no matter the quantity.

Wait until you have definite times and sites for your ceremony and reception before submitting the wording. Also, reevaluate your guest list while you still have the opportunity to increase or decrease the initial quantity.

Enter your wording on a word processor or computer that has a spell-checker, then print it out. If you do it this way instead of writing your wording by hand, you will decrease the incidence of error significantly.

Frequently, people attempt to print the addresses themselves on their personal computers instead of writing them or hiring a calligrapher. Unfortunately, matching the font and the color lettering used on the invitation is not always possible.

Furthermore, the printing is not raised. An envelope addressed with a matching font and ink can enhance that first impression.

Now that you successfully have selected the invitations you want, there is one final step. Be sure to mail them in time — at least four to six weeks before the ceremony.