Wedding Invitation Instructions

While some couples spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on elaborate wedding details, there are plenty of ways to cut down on the costs of matrimony. More and more individuals are assuming more control over the details of their wedding by taking on some of the aspects normally handled by a hired professional. One of the easiest things to undertake includes the creation of wedding invitations that utilize special software to produce thoughtful masterpieces.

It isn’t difficult to generate a stunning wedding invitation on your own. Within as little as 30 minutes to a couple of hours, following easy-to-follow directions and instructions often accompanied by a "wizard" for extra help conveniently completes wedding invites. Some software selections are more elaborate than others, which come with an impressive assortment of helpful clipart, options, and ideas, while others require users to furnish their own images and graphics.

When one has decided to create their own wedding invitations, there are a few things needed to get started on this very important task, including : desktop publishing software (or greeting card/wedding invitation specific); greeting card or wedding invitation templates; photo and clipart collections; text and decorative fonts (especially options with serifs); card stock, photo paper, or specialty paper.

Once you have selected the software of your choice, it may come in the form of Adobe InDesign or Pagemaker (if you are already familiar with these titles) or a few options made specifically for the task of creating wedding invitations. Hallmark and Art Explosion are just some of the brands one may seek out.

The format of the wedding invitation is an important aspect of the process to decide upon. The main question to ask yourself is, "what kind of invitation do I want to send out?" Do you want to display a serious or romantic tone…witty, funny, or highly personalized? What kind of fold do you envision – one from the top, the side, or accordion style? Knowing the answers to these questions allows users to pass through the software process much quicker.

Some users like to work from scratch and create their invitations from a blank template, while others fall in love with a particular template that they wish to make their own. There are many different styles of wedding invitations to choose from. Once a template plan is chosen, the set up of vital elements occurs next. This includes the size of the invite, as well as where wedding details will be added.

Images, graphics, and clipart play an important role in the creation of a wedding invitation. Some people select simple, elegant detailing, while others showcase their flair for style by creating highly visual items. Today, it is quite easy to purchase or download an array of satisfying wedding-related images to use on invitations. When it comes to images, modification may need to take place, where colors are changed, enlargements are made, as well as the addition of frames or boxes. The font also sets the mood of a wedding invitation. Often, scripted or delicate-looking typefaces are selected.

Once the graphics and fonts have been selected, next, the arrangement of these elements should be handled. Rearranging these details allows users to come up with the best display for their invites. You never know when you may accidentally stumble upon an approach that works well.

When you are ready to print a sample of your invite, you should make a few test runs on plain white copy paper to make sure everything aligns correctly. You don’t want to waste any expensive paper before you move forward with a mass printing. This is the time to check the text (including spelling), graphics, margins, alignment, and the layout. After the folded invite sample passes the test, you may also decide to add extra features, such as sequins, rhinestone, lace ribbon, or glitter.

Wedding Invitation Etiquette

When making plans for your wedding day, there are quite a few items to consider regarding correct protocol. There are certain ways to carry out the ceremony, the reception and all of the fine points that are essential for a marriage. There are standards for situations including apparel, manners, processes and announcements. Also, there is wedding invitation etiquette.

Wedding invitation etiquette comprises the proper processes to proclaim your wedding. Invitations are distributed to friends, family and additional acquaintances who you would like to attend. If performing a big church affair, invitations are sent to friends and family of both the bride and groom. If inviting individuals connected through business, it ought to be done out of closeness, not for connections. For smaller home weddings, the list can be narrowed down to family and dear friends. Consideration should be given to how many guests can comfortably fit into the gathering area.

Here are several general guidelines when it concerns wedding invitation etiquette:

*Invitations must communicate the mood of the event, be it traditional, contemporary, simple or informal.

*The invitations have to set out the particulars about the events of the day.

*You must be unambiguous in both the words and the connotation when it comes to time, location, clothing, directions or any additional information necessary for the big day.

*You will need to send out your invitations far enough in advance of the occasion to allow your guests to respond and make their plans appropriately.

*When inviting a guest to the ceremony, it is correct protocol to also invite them to the reception.

There are two kinds of wedding invitations, formal and informal. Formal wedding invitation etiquette, the conventional style, is most often employed when planning a large elaborate gathering or a huge church wedding. Informal etiquette can be for small family weddings where things will be more relaxed.

Formal wedding invitations typically have the following rules:

*Names are normally written out in full, including middle name

*All words are supposed to be spelled out, including the date, time and year. All street addresses must adhere to this rule as well.

*Instead of 3rd, or "the third", use III (Roman numerals)

*Formal invitations include two envelopes, the main one and the reply envelope

*Religious circumstances "request the honor of your presence" while non-religious gatherings "request the pleasure of your company"

Informal invitations typically keep to these guidelines:

*Hand written, email and telephone invitations are acceptable

*Less formal use of tone and words

*Uncomplicated statements of time, date, place, directions, along with who is to be wed.

Formal wedding invitations are the most common. On the other hand, informal invitations allow couples more opportunity for originality.

Unique Wedding Invitations That Will Impress Your Guests

Your wedding invitations give you an early opportunity to define the style of your event. Here are a few ideas on how to make an impression that will resonate with your guests.

The wording and the looks of an invite should be given careful thought because it is one of the most concrete memories you and other people will have of your day. A botched invitation will mar any grand occasion no matter how much you have spent for it. On the other hand, wouldn't it be nice to boast about a nice invitation for a simple event?

Present day couples about to get married are lucky because they have a wide array of designs and materials to choose from. Printed invitations may be the most common option among couples but more unique approaches are beginning to take the spotlight. Unique invitations tend to be non-traditional and are suitable for couples that want to break free from the ordinary. For example, if you are planning a Victorian or Renaissance wedding why not give out scroll invitations? This will make your theme quite authentic from the outset.

A formal wedding can also make do with unique invitations. Instead of just opting for very formal papers with ribbons and embossed designs, why not jazz it up coming up with your very own DVD message to be played by your guests on their computers or DVD players? The presentation can tell them everything they want to know about you as a couple and the event you have planned.

If you are opting for a destination wedding somewhere in the Bahamas then why not send out a passport style invite? You can design it to look like a passport inside and outside with the name of the invited guest inside. Better yet, you can take it a step forward and send out a miniature suitcase with the guest's name on the suitcase tag.

Another unique invitation which is really unusual even at this time and age is for you to rent or even create a hot air balloon carrying a banner with your names and the date of the wedding. You can then all up family and friends who are living in the same small community to watch out for something in the air at a specific time and date.

You can even create a website announcing all preparations as well as the date of the wedding and then send the link to the email addresses of your guests. Just make sure you give them a call afterwards to inquire if they have opened their emails and saw what you sent them.

Wedding Invitations Wording For Your Perfect Wedding Invitation Cards

When you're preparing for a wedding, there are tons of details to take care of. You have to choose dresses, cake flavors, limo services, and more. Wedding invitations are one of those tasks as well. Creating these cards can be a challenge for couples because the wording is going to be seen and read by so many important people in their lives. They don't want to make any mistakes. Remember you always have to keep wedding etiquette in mind as you are working on your wedding invitations wording. Below are some examples that might help you as you write your own cards.

Wedding Invitations for a Formal Event

Traditional church weddings are one of the most common types of marriage events. When you are having this type of ceremony, you want to be sure that the invitation wording matches the theme and tone of the event. That means you'll want something more traditional. The two examples below illustrate how to handle the wording. One adjustment you need to make is to accommodate the names of the people paying the bill. The first example illustrates how to handle the customary covering of the costs by the bride's parents. The second is an example of how to write the wording if both sets of parents are sharing the costs.

Example 1:

Mr. and Mrs. John Kenneth Young
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter

Kayli Morgan
and
Mr. Matthew Henry

five o'clock in the evening
Saturday, the thirtieth of October
Two thousand and nine

Baptist Church
Cleveland, Ohio

Example 2:

Mr. and Mrs. John Kenneth Young
and
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henry
cordially invite you to attend
the marriage of their daughter,

Kayli Morgan Young,

and their son,
Matthew Henry

five o'clock in the evening
Saturday, the thirtieth of October
Two thousand and nine

Baptist Church
Cleveland, Ohio

Casual Wedding Wording

In other cases, you won't need to be quite so formal. Casual weddings that are held outdoors, have fewer guests, are paid for by the couple, or are not a first ceremony for both parties should be a little more relaxed. The following examples of wedding invitations wordings will give you a good idea of how to handle this more informal events as well. Again, feel free to use them on your wedding invitation.

Example 1:

Eva Rachels and Daniel Adams
Hope you will join them
as they unite their lives
in the presence of their loved ones

at 2 o'clock PM
The Open Air Church
Newburgh, Indiana
Saturday, June 30, 2009

Example 2:

Join the parents of

Eva Rachels and Daniel Adams

as they celebrate the marriage

of their children

at 2 o'clock PM
The Open Air Church
Newburgh, Indiana
Saturday, June 30, 2009

Wedding Invitation Advice

Remember that you will be sending the response/RSVP information on a separate card if you are sending out formal invitations. However, if you are going to be doing more casual wedding invitations wording then you can add that information directly to the card itself.

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- Add a Photo, Picture or Logo to Any Cards

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Top Wedding Invitations to Choose From

One of the major tasks faced by a newly engaged couple is the design and creation of their wedding invitation. Unless you are eloping, you would need to invite some people to your event.

While you can invite your wedding guests by phone or email, there is no substitute to a written invitation. Aside from providing your guests with a reminder of your date, the invitation will also serve as a souvenir for your occasion.

There are a lot of choices for couples today when it comes to the written invitation. It can be as formal as a printed invitation or as informal as you like. Here are some of the best choices for your wedding invitation.

Bottle invitations

This is a unique invitation which will definitely catch the attention of your guests. You can buy wine or champagne and personalize the label with your wedding details. You can also instruct the recipient to open the bottle only during your first anniversary. For additional flair, you can invite them to the future anniversary and paste such an invitation below or at the back of the bottle.

Postcard invitations

Send your guests a photo mosaic of yourselves and your travel destinations in the form of a postcard. You can print this yourself or have it printed by a professional printer so it would really look like a commercial postcard. Place a calendar of the month of your wedding and encircle your date. At the back of the postcard, you can print the details of the event.

Passport invitations

A destination wedding is an ideal excuse to send your guests a passport invitation. This is a witty way to announce your destination affair. You can have your printer imitate a real passport with a photo of yourself and your fiancé inside the cover. On the lines you can indicated your wedding details.

Scroll invitations

A scroll invitation can be as unique as you want it to be. You can even use special paper like abaca and then use bamboos on both ends of the scroll. Print your wedding details on the insides of the scroll, tie with an abaca yarn and send it to your guests.

You can prepare unique invitations that will make your wedding more special. Your guests will truly appreciate it if you send the invites several months in advance so they have ample time to prepare for it.

Choosing Wedding Invitations

One of the first things you will do when planning a wedding is to choose your wedding invitations. There are so many to choose from and lots of places to look.

You may want to look online for wedding invites. There are sites that have all kinds in many styles and colors. You can even order beautiful invitations online. This makes the task quick and easy. Wedding sites that offer this type of service have made the process a breeze.

You can look in wedding magazines. Spend an afternoon at a bookstore or library browsing through wedding magazines and you will get a good idea of what is available.

There are many bridal stores or stationery shops that have invitations too. These bridal invitations are available in a stunning array of styles and colors. Allow yourself enough time to look through all the books. This can be a time-consuming project but it will allow you to choose the perfect invite.

If you have a bridal notebook or folder you may want to keep track of your favorite invitations. Start looking several months before the big day. If you order wedding invitations it can take quite awhile to get them. Also allow yourself enough time to have them reprinted if there happens to be any mistakes. You do not want to have to send out invites that do not have the correct information or misspellings. When you order from a specialty store you can usually expect to pay quite a bit.

If you need to save a little money you can either make or print your own out. There are many kinds of card stock, envelopes, rubber stamps, inks and embellishments available if you want to design your own. For those who are creative, artistic or want a unique, one-of-a-kind invitation, this is a wonderful idea. You can find them at craft and printing stores that can be printed using your own computer.

Wedding invitations set the tone for the wedding. Choose or make just the right ones for your special day.

Wedding Invitation Tips and Advice

You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided on the design of your wedding invitation. The wording has been chosen and the guest list is well on its way to completion. Here are some additional wedding invitation tips and advice that you should also be aware of.

* If children will also be included as guests, you can choose to write out their individual names on the addressed envelopes or put "and family". For example:

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Simpson, Cathy and John
or
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Simpson and Family

* If the children are older teenagers (say 16 years of age or older), you may wish to send them an individual invitation, just like you would an adult.

* If you don't wish to include children at the ceremony, do not include their names or "and family" on the outside of the envelope. It's suggested you add "Sorry, but children are not invited", "adults only" or something similar somewhere on the invitation to make it clear. If you wish to include them at the reception, but not at the ceremony, you could note this information on the response card...or on the invitation itself at the bottom in some fashion.

* When issuing invitations to a guest who is single, it is polite to put "and Guest" on the outside of the envelope so that they have the option to bring along a companion. For example:

Mr. Ralph Jones and Guest
or
Miss Sarah Campbell and Guest

* Be forewarned. Usually 7% to 10% of the guests who respond with a yes will not actually attend the wedding. In addition, 20% to 30% won't make it to the reception. This can wreak havoc when budgeting for a sit down dinner. You may want to consider a buffet style dinner instead.

* In some cases, you'll want to invite people to the ceremony, but not the reception or vice versa. If so, then you will need two sets of invitations printed. One that includes reception information and one that doesn't.

* If you don't receive a reply from some guests by your reply date, do not hesitate to call them. It is important that you know how many are attending so you budget accordingly.

* If you decide to order invitations, be sure to do so at least 4 to 6 weeks before they are scheduled to be mailed. If you plan on mailing your invitations around the 15th of March, order them between February 1st and 15th.

* Double, even triple check everything before it gets printed. This includes invitations, response cards, envelopes, wedding programs, etc. whether you're doing them yourself or your having them professionally printed. Check for spelling errors especially.

* Always order extra invitation envelopes and response card envelopes. There will inevitably be a few mistakes when addressing these and you'll want to have a few extras on hand.

* You should mail your invitations at least 6 weeks before the wedding date and indicate that you would like a response at least 3 weeks before the wedding date. So if your wedding date is July 1st, mail your invitations by May 15th and ask that they respond by June 7th. This will give guests time to receive their invitations and reply by mail, which in turn, gives you time to firm up catering plans, seating arrangements, etc.

* If your wedding is going to actually be held on a beach or other outdoor area, be sure that you let your guests know this, so they can dress appropriately.

Idea About Wedding Reception Invitation Wording

Organizing invitation will be very exciting, particularly if you need to make the good wedding reception invitation wording as well. It is required if you plan to hold the reception at the different place as the ceremony. Holding at the same place, you can simply include the information in the bottom of the invitation. Can you arrange the good wedding reception invitation wording? In this case, it is probable for you to use the wording if ceremony and reception are held in a friend's home. Here are the tips of wording for any situation.

Different Venue, Different Wording

The good wedding reception invitation wording will be excellent in giving the direction to the guests about where they need to go, since the wedding ceremony takes place at the same venue as the reception. Commonly, these invitations are on a separate card that is included with the actual wedding invitation, if the reception will take place soon following the service.

Besides, you can also add a response card that enables guests to easily RSVP and gives you a proper head count to plan for at your celebration.

What about the Reception at a Different Time?

The private and quiet ceremony is preferable for several couples. And then, they will hold a larger reception later for all of their family and friends. At that condition, the right wedding reception invitation wording will allow guests recognize that the wedding has already taken place, and this event will be a part of what has happened.

Lastly, it is very great and beneficial in offering the inclusive information to the guests about everything concerning the reception. Please remember that reception can be awkward at times. You will be happy of seeing everybody attend to your great party in your lifetime with a perfect performance, right?

Cheap Wedding Invitations

Not everyone has a endless wedding budget but then again you don't really need one. There are many wedding invitations out there that will suit couples on a tighter budget.

Choosing a simple style such as a plain white card with black text can be cheaper that more intricate cards. However, simplicity adds a stylish, timeless feel that can make the card appear more expensive than it is.

Another option would be to choose a simple card and then add embellishments yourself such as ribbons, raffia, satin flowers or diamantés.

Some suppliers can supply their wedding stationery designs flat pack without inserts. This can reduce the cost significantly, sometimes up to 25% off the original price. All you need to do then is, using your home printer, print off the inserts and glue them to the inside of the card.

When choosing your stationery you can look at ways to cut down costs such as not sending a reply card with your wedding invitations. Instead include the RSVP address on the wedding invite along with your telephone or email. You might even want to set-up a wedding website and allow your guests to RSVP online.

When looking for your wedding invitations always make sure that you see a sample before ordering. This is especially important when ordering Cheap Wedding Invitations as some suppliers will use poorer quality materials. You might find that the invites are made out of very thin paper or card and the printing is not of a high standard. However, don't let this put you off. As mentioned before in this article simple designs are often cheaper. This is because they are easier to print and generally not due to the fact that low quality materials are used.

Other areas to consider reducing costs on is not providing menus. Although these can look nice on your reception tables they are not always needed. Most weddings have a fixed menu or if the guests have a choice it will have been made in advance.

Table plans are only necessary if you are having a large wedding. For smaller numbers consider just putting a place card out for each guest.

If, after looking around, you are still stuck on what invitations to buy then why not contact a few stationery designers. If you give them your budget they should be able to design something wonderful that doesn't cost a small fortune.

Destination Wedding Packages

Everyone dreams of a perfect wedding, and one of the basic elements in planning and preparing for a wedding is to find a perfect location to “tie the know.” If you have been dreaming of having your wedding in a nature park or exotic tropical island then start planning, because your wedding is something that you will cherish forever and look back to with fond memories. Destinnation wedding packages include everything you need.

If planning seems to overwhelming for you, and you can’t seem to get your thoughts together to organize such a special event, you can contact a wedding coordinator and ask about the many destination wedding packages that are available. These wedding packages will help you make your wedding something truly special – a far cry from the usual hotel wedding or church ceremony. Destination wedding packages are designed to give you less to think about, so that you can be stress free and ready for your “special day.” Every single detail regarding your wedding will be taken care of from the venue, to the decorations, food, accommodations for you and your guests, travel tips, etc. It all comes with the package.

The only thing difficult about destination wedding packages is choosing the one that is best suited for you. There are so many fabulous places to choose from at prices that range from economy to luxurious – it depends on what you want and what you can afford. Whatever package you choose, the chances are you will remember it forever.

Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding

If you have been recently engaged, you might find yourself looking at the list of things to-do to prepare for your wedding and dreading the whole thing. When it comes to planning a wedding there are many, many things to plan and prepare for. Choosing the reception site, choosing a caterer and picking out a menu are just a few of the items that you will need to consider. The list of things to be done can seem endless at times, making you wish that you had simply eloped instead. Nowadays the way to get around all of the stress of planning a wedding is with a destination wedding.

Destination weddings are great because they are much simpler to plan. If you want to get married on a beautiful sunny beach, all you need to do is make some general inquires into Caribbean weddings. Once you find out how easy it is to plan your destination you will be more than pleased. All you really need to do is choose where you want to have your wedding and then select the date. The local wedding planner will take care of the rest. This obviously makes sense since you are so far away. They take care of everything from the flowers to music to food.

Another great thing about a destination wedding is that once you get married you are immediately on your honeymoon! You don't have to worry about making your flight for your honeymoon the day after your wedding on time. You also won't have to worry about whether your flight will be delayed or if your luggage will get lost. You will already be setup for your all inclusive honeymoon; if that is the type of resort you chose to get married at. This way, you and your bride or groom can simply enjoy the relaxing pleasure of each other's company on the first day of your marriage rather than spending it with strangers cramped on an airplane.

If you do choose to have a destination wedding, you should definitely not overlook the resorts' luxury spa packages. There is nothing more relaxing than getting a massage with your new spouse right there on the beach itself. A nice soothing massage is a great way to get your marriage started on the right foot. With a destination wedding you will also have fewer guests to tend to. So those people who do attend your wedding are most likely those who mean the most to you. A spa package for them as well can be a great gift idea to say thank you for flying all this way for our wedding.

Southern California Beach Wedding Faves

Why is Southern California so popular for destination weddings? The answer is simple: wedding beach locations. Couples pay good money to vacation and recreate near the coastal zones. Whether it's the amazing and beautiful scenery of Laguna Beach, San Diego, or Orange County, beach weddings are here to stay. With the delicate, gentle breeze running through your hair, a wedding on the beach is hard to forget.

The first order of business when planning your beach wedding is where and when. Without question, the peak of the wedding season occurs in the summer. Fortunately, the weather is great anytime of the year. Even with the predictably warm weather, it is best to pack some warm clothing in case a cool ocean breeze sneaks up on you.

With your wedding date bookmarked, the next important decision is where. Let's begin with L.A. - a great place for weddings. Head south of downtown LA and you will arrive at Orange County - a total beach paradise for those who love the water. The O.C. is known for it's premiere restaurants, luxury hotels, and fine dining. While your there, make sure to check out Laguna Beach - a seaside resort and artistic community located in southern Orange County. Laguna Beach has some of the most amazing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean you will ever encounter.

Heading north back to L.A., you have the choice of wedding in Venice, Marina Del Ray, or Santa Monica. Equally beautiful in their own regard, they all have some romantic to offer for the modern bride. Located just north of Playa Del Ray, Marina Del Ray has over 7,000 pleasure boats and yachts, and is surrounded by high-rise luxury Condos, hotels, apartments, shops, and restaurants.

If you prefer a more colorful, hip environment, look no further than Venice Beach. Known for its diverse culture, funky little stores, beachside events, and activity community, Venice is always alive with energy. Fortunately, the beaches are public and guest parking is usually not an issue.

If you are planning an upscale wedding with privacy and luxury then Malibu should be on the top of your list. Located in western Los Angeles, the city of Malibu is a 27-mile strip of Pacific coastline; a beachfront community famous for its warm, sandy beaches, and for being home to countless movie stars and others associated with the So Cal entertainment industries.