Once you have your event details finalized, as far as the date, location and time, you should place your order. You want to give yourself enough time to find the right invitation and choose your ink color, font and wording. With so many options you need time to view what is available. You also need ample time to receive your order, address the invitations and mail them to your guests. Typically invitations are ordered 2 to 12 months before the date of the event.

Number of Invitations

Once you have your final number of invitations needed, make sure you order 10-25 more invitations than you need. This is just in case you remember someone you forgot to include on your list or decide to add guests later. It is more costly to place a second order for just 25 invitations, so it is recommended to order extra invitations to begin with. One invitation is needed per household.

Font

The font you select should match the style of your event. For example, formal scripts are typically selected for formal events. It is important to make sure your font is readable to your guests.
If you are choosing a light ink such as silver, gold or white, we recommend avoiding thin scripts.

A general rule to follow on invitation wording is to avoid abbreviating names of places, street addresses, cities and states. Typically the time of your event should be spelled out for formal events. If your event is before noon it is considered the morning. If the time is after noon and before 5:00 p.m., it is considered the afternoon. If the time is after 5:00 p.m. it is considered the evening. If the time falls on a half hour the proper way to word it, for example is "half after four o'clock."

Punctuation should be used on times, dates and between locations. All other punctuation is typically left off the invitations. Zip codes are typically left off invitations and reception cards when specifying the address of an event location.

Addressing Invitations

Invitations may be addressed in several ways. Typically they are handwritten, printed or done in calligraphy. Etiquette suggests to avoid using labels. Outer envelopes should be addressed to guests using the proper titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.) Don't abbreviate names or addresses. The outer envelope has the guests' names and address.

When determining whether to use Ms., Mrs., or Miss, always respect the woman's preference. If it is not known, it is appropriate to use the title "Ms." Men and women living together who are not married should be addressed with the names on separate lines. The inner envelopes should only have the guests' names.

Mailing your invitations

Guests may be sent an invitation six to eight weeks before the date of your event. However, if you have international guests or many of out of town guests you should typically send the invitations out ten to twelve weeks before the event. This gives your guests time to plan their travel schedule. The same guidelines apply if you are having your event during a holiday season or are having a destination wedding. You want to make sure you give your guests ample time to plan for your special day.

You may also want to send out Save the Date announcements. This is great for giving hotel and accommodation information in advance for your guest's convenience. This is especially useful for destination weddings. Save the date announcements should be sent out at least three to twelve months prior to your event.

Assembling Invitations

Typically invitations are assembled by placing the tissue paper in front of the invitation.

The enclosure cards (reception and respond cards) may be placed in front of flat invitations or inside folded invitations. The items should face your guest when they open the invitations. All items are placed inside the inner envelope if this is included with your order. The inner envelope is then placed inside the outer envelope. The front of the inner envelope with the guests' names should face the guest when they opening the envelope.

Postage

Your invitations should be weighed for postage before mailing. When items are added to the envelopes, the weight can increase. Also, special shaped invitations, such as square and oversized, may require additional postage.

For more information regarding postage rates and fees, please visit www.usps.com or contact your local post office.