Because the invitations reflect the tone of your wedding they should be considered early on in your planning activities. Once you have developed your guest list, selected your ceremony and reception venues and decided on the degree of formality you wish to express throughout your wedding, you can comfortably begin to search for your invitations and other printed materials. Do not be overwhelmed by the myriad of choices that are available for you. At one time, there were few options in paper and print styles. Today’s bride has a wide range of both from which to select.

Consider these points as you shop for your paper trousseau.

• Take your business to a store that specializes in wedding papers. The staff there will have the expertise and experience to help you with paper selections and correct wordings. Their advice can end up saving you time and often money as well.
• You will likely be ordering more than just invitations so consider these other items as well:
• Save the date cards, insert cards (directions or other information) RSVP cards, place cards and table assignment charts, menus, thank you cards, programs and of course the invitations. Figure in all of the options as you look at pricing.
• When you place your order, be sure to order extras of every item. Make sure that you send one of everything to yourself when the rest go out so you can monitor the delivery dates.
• Be sure that you allow enough time to order, address and send the invitation packages. Double check with your print specialist on the time frame required for satisfactory order completion. Most experts agree that invitations should go out 6-8 weeks prior to the ceremony.
• Consider purchasing special issue postage stamps rather than just ordinary stamps. Check with your local postal service for the options that may work for you. Be sure to check on delivery times if you select a personalized stamp pattern. Always take a sample of your fully “loaded” invitation package to the post office to verify the amount of postage to put on each. How embarrassing to have it arrive at your guest’s home with “postage due”.
• Always, always double-check the proofs of the invitation copy. Have someone else double check you as well. It is easy to skip over and not notice errors in copy with which you are so familiar. A misspelled name can cause unnecessary delays and expense.
• If children are being invited to the wedding and reception, their names are usually included on the envelope, clearly letting the parents know that the children are invited. If children are not to be included, just the invited guest’s names are on the invitation. This lets the parents know exactly for whom the invitation is intended. If children are not being invited to attend – for whatever reason, plan how you will handle requests from guests who wish to bring their children. Have alternative plans in place in case this becomes an issue.

When you are ready to begin the selection of your invitations and paper trousseau, be sure to book an appointment at TriniWeddings so that you can make sure you have a perfect invitation for your perfect wedding.