This is an interesting article written for informal or modern wedding invitation wording.

There are a few rules you should keep in mind when wording your wedding invitation and stationery:

Who is inviting your guests?

The style of wedding invitation and dress code should match the wording of your wedding invitation

Check your spelling and grammar

Wedding invitation wording can be a contentious issue!!! The wedding invitation wording isn’t always based on who is paying or who is paying the most! Weddings are emotional times for families and friends, so it’s always best practice to be upfront and flexible.

If your preference is for a more modern, casual or relaxed wedding, you should consider the following when constructing your wedding invitation wording:

? Modern wedding invitation wording does not typically use titles before names

? Use relaxed language, eg. ‘&’ instead of ‘and’

? The inclusion of phone numbers and email address in RSVP details

Once again it is important to be clear about who is inviting your guests, with more modern wedding invitation wording your options increase. For example: the bride’s family may be hosting the guests, the bride and groom may be hosting the guests or the bride, groom and all parents may be hosting the guests!

Sample wedding invitation wording, where the bride, groom and all parents are hosting the guests.

Kay & Clint

together with their families

would love

…………………..

to celebrate their marriage

………………….

You may also like to incorporate the use of a short poem or romantic saying on your wedding invitation, for example:

You have shared in our children’s lives and now we

Alan & Robyn Stoles

are delighted to invite you,

Todd, Regan & Samantha

to celebrate the love and marriage of

Ava and Harrison

at

………………

on

……………

Once again, the wedding invitation wording and dress code could coordinate, for example if you would like a beach, cocktail or garden wedding, where the dress code is casual, lounge suit or after five, then your wedding invitation language should reflect this.

Another issue is which printer is the most suitable for printing your invitation.

The first question you should ask yourself when choosing to print your wedding invitations is, laser or inkjet?

Printer options can greatly affect your wedding stationery choices, below are some useful tips on what printer you can choose to print your wedding invitations.

If you are creating your own wedding invitations, the printer you are using can determine your paper choices. Many manufactures will state on their packaging what printer the paper is compatible with – test printing is always advised if you are unsure. Some papers with inclusions and most handmade papers are not print compatible at all, so choose wisely.

A useful tip to keep in mind when selecting your wedding invitation paper and stationery is, if the paper is metallic or pearlescent, it isn’t suitable for an inkjet printer. The wet ink does not adhere to the metallic/pearlescent surface of the paper and therefore will not dry and simply smudge off. You can purchase a special pouch to rub over these papers which places a coating on the paper and then you can use it in your inkjet printer. Once again, test printing is always advised.

If it does not state on the manufacturers labeling what printer the paper is compatible with, consult the customer service representative. Always ask which printer the paper is compatible with, this includes your envelopes.

What’s the difference between printers?

The difference between laser and inkjet printers is heat, toner and ink.

A laser printer works with heat and dry toner, like a photocopier and takes large barrel-type toner cartridges. Laser printers are usually more expensive to purchase, especially colour laser printers, however are generally more economical to run in terms of consumables (toner).

An inkjet printer works with wet ink and takes smaller flat box-type ink cartridges. Inkjet printers are usually less expensive to purchase compared to a laser printer, but are generally more expensive to run in terms of consumables (ink cartridges).

Laser printers will give your print work a sharper more professional finish and you don’t have to wait for the ink to dry.



By: Wedding Guru


wedding invitation site wedding invitations offers wedding invitation how to advice

Most brides now use the internet to find that perfect invitation, or at least get ideas of what other brides have used.  With so many details and so little time, how do you find the right invitation for your very unique wedding? Here’s a quick checklist to think through when pondering what type of wedding invitation you want to go with. Stay tuned for our next article, which will run you through the Elements of a Perfect Invitation. Ponder this:

In what type of setting are you getting married – church, formal, casual, outdoor, beach, gazebo, destination? What are your wedding colors? Is there an overall theme to your wedding? Will your wedding be ethnic or religious related? In what season will your wedding take place? What personal touches will you be adding into your ceremony? Are there symbols that you might want on your invitation that will carry through the wedding? What is the style of your wedding – will you want traditional or modern invitations? What type of flowers are you having in your wedding? How important is traditional wedding etiquette to you? Do you want to include your photo on your wedding invitations? How much have you budgeted for your invitations? Does your budget include any other print items, such as ceremony programs, reception table and place cards, etc.?

Having a good idea to most of these points will make the process much smoother when you sit down with your wedding planner or invitation designer. Call Atlas Designs today at 561.445.7630 or visit our site to see a gallery of designs our brides have loved. We’re at http://www.atlasdesigns.org/.  Our designs our unique, fresh, and custom tailored to every brides’ specifications.  Not a single invitation is identical to the next.  Our brides receive one-on-one service and designs that are uniquely, unquestionably theirs.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? How did you narrow down the myriad of invitations out there to the perfect one that will herald your event?  We’d love to get your comments.



By: Atlas Designs – Invitations & Announcements

Designing the Unique Moments of Your Life!

The custom options available for wedding invitations are unlimited. For the couple who want a truly unique look for their wedding, the invitations are a wonderful place to start. There are many ways to create unique and lasting invitations of your special day. Choosing an invitation for your wedding is important, because it will be one of the most lasting mementos of that day. Take the time to select an invitation that reflects the true spirit that you share as a couple, and do not worry about whether it presents a traditional look. Some ideas to consider:

 

Photo invitation - Invitations with the engaged couple’s photograph are a touching way to invite others to your wedding. There are a variety of ways that photographs can be incorporated into the wedding invitations. Some invitations include a full color photograph of the bride and groom. Others use a black and white, low contrast (or “watermarked”) photograph. With the full color photographs, you will have to put the invitation’s wording on a separate panel so that it will be clearly visible. If you choose the low contrast photography, the writing can appear either on a separate panel or over top of the photograph.

 

Invitations with drawings - Subtle, black and white line drawings are a romantic touch to wedding invitations, and a wonderful way to make your invitations unique. A simple drawing of a church, wedding bells or a depiction of the couple as children all add an interesting touch to wedding invitations. There are many invitations available that have drawings already, or, you can work with the printer to customize your invitations.

 

Adding some fun - One way to add a unique twist to your wedding invitations is by adding something fun to the invitation envelope. You may choose confetti, stickers or a funny photo of the bride and groom. If you are hosting a destination wedding, include a brochure about the area where you are getting married. Another popular trend is embellishing traditional paper invitations with large or colorful bows in satin, organza and lace.

 

Go nontraditional - Some couples balk at the idea of following the strict format of wedding tradition. If you and your future spouse would like to try something different, there is no reason to stick with traditional invitations at all. Print your wedding details on small cards, and enclose them in a small box of chocolates for each guest. Write a love story about you and your fiancé, which culminates in a wedding invitation, and have it printed in booklet form, and mail to your guests. The options are endless, and limited only by your imagination.

 

Keep in mind that invitations do have an important job. No matter how carefree or nontraditional you and your fiancé are, the invitation should include the date, time and location of the wedding and the reception. If you expect a response from your guests, it is also important to include a self addressed envelope with postage included. As long as these important pieces of wedding etiquette are adhered to, you can be as unique and nonconforming as you like with the rest of the invitation.

 

Is it acceptable to have a unique wedding invitation even if you are planning a traditional wedding? Absolutely. While some people like to coordinate their invitations with the style of their wedding, it is not strictly necessary. If you have a fun or different idea for your wedding invitations, then, by all means, choose the invitation that you want. If you plan on celebrating with a formal ceremony, make sure to mention that on the invitation, such as “black tie requested”. On the other hand, if the wedding invitation is off-beat people may assume that your wedding will be a more casual affair unless you specifically state otherwise. Putting the information on the wedding invitation prevents any confusion.

 

Unique wedding invitations are a fun way to express your personality. Most importantly, they do not have to cost a fortune. There are a variety of personalized options available online and in stores. Do-it-yourself invitations are usually the least expensive option until you consider the time it will take you to print and assemble them all. Online invitation vendors can save you time as well as providing a higher quality invitation than what you would buy at the local office supply or discount retail store. But to use a famous advertising phrase, “some assembly may be required”, particularly if you have chosen a style with multiple layers or bows.

 

Do not hesitate to add your own flair to personalize your chosen invitations and make them your own. If you still have doubts, consult with the sales professional at your wedding store for ideas on standard invitations, adding custom touches to personalized invitations, or creating your own invitations with a do-it-yourself kit.



By: Arianna Jordan

Arianna Jordan is a freelance writer and blogger who offers suggestions about event planning. Ms. Jordan writes about weddings and specific items which can make a wedding standout such as unique wedding invitations.

A wedding is an incredibly special day. The amount of planning and preparation that goes into a wedding pays off in memories that last a lifetime. Of the many decisions that have to be made when planning a wedding, choosing what color to design a theme around is high on the list. In many instances, the color theme chosen is also represented in the wedding invitations.

There are of course many colors to choose from. While the number of color choices may make it easier to personalize the particulars of your wedding, it can also seem overwhelming when you are sorting out all of the details in the initial planning stage. Finding the right color for your wedding invitations should be something that you enjoy. Still the question remains, how can this task become a smoother process?

Choose a color theme for the wedding



Before you choose a color or colors for your invitations, choose the overall color theme for the wedding. There is no rule that states that you must use your wedding colors on your invitations, but if you do decide to, you will already know what color to use.

There are many different ways to settle on a color theme for your wedding. Some brides have known since they were little girls what colors they wanted to use in their wedding. Some grooms have a strong opinion about one color or another. Still, other couples choose seasonal color and some choose colors which will coordinate with their wedding flowers. There is no rule for how to choose a color theme, or how many colors to choose.



Extend the color theme to your invitations



Some people want every part of their wedding to be color coordinated. Others are less sure. For some people, the traditional ivory paper is what they always imagined as part of their wedding day, while others want their invitations to be as unique as their relationship with their future spouse.

For many people who are planning a contemporary wedding, implementing the wedding colors into the invitations is more straightforward. A popular invitation style for contemporary weddings is with a solid, vibrant color for the invitation, with the ink in a lighter color. Pink, green and yellow cards come in a variety of shades, and make gorgeous contemporary invitations.

If you are planning a casual wedding, you can still add color to your invitations. Pastel paper, accent ribbons and colored ink are all popular ways to add color to wedding invitations. If you stray far from the traditional ivories and whites, you may want to use the colors from your wedding, to maintain a coordinated look.

Other color choices



If you do not want to use your wedding colors on your invitation, you will probably want to stick with the more traditional ivory or white paper, with black or, for a more formal wedding, metallic ink. You can use these colors on your invitation and be perfectly proper, whether your wedding colors are bold or pastel, traditional or contemporary.

If you want the look of a traditional wedding invitation, but would like to implement your wedding colors, consider using one of your colors as the lining color for the envelopes. This is a subtle and attractive way to customize the appearance of your invitations. Other places to add accent colors are on envelope seals, monograms and motifs. Careful use of color can add drama or whimsy to your invitations without adding much to the price.

Combining ideas



Some couples choose a neutral color for the invitation itself, and compliment it with ink in one of their wedding colors. You can also add a bow to many invitations. If your invitations have a bow, you can choose a color that coordinates with your ink color or matches it. No couple is beholden to extending their wedding color theme into their invitations, many do, but there are many other alternatives.

Making the right choice



There is also no “right” choice when designing your wedding invitation. There is no one color that will look acceptable. Many people choose colors from their wedding theme to help coordinate the look of their wedding, but that is not necessary. It is more important that you choose a look that you love. The wedding invitation is a lifelong keepsake of your special day.

If you choose to use colors other than those which are your wedding colors in your invitations, consider how you will choose reception place cards. These are often chosen to coordinate with your invitation. If the reception hall will be decorated in different colors than the invitation, consider how the place cards will look on the tables before committing to a particular color. Paying attention to these small details can help ensure that your wedding and reception commences without any missteps.



By: Arianna Jordan

Arianna Jordan is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events. Ms. Jordan specializes in writing about specific aspects of a weeding such as the wedding invitations.

you’ve have had a chance to ponder the considerations for your wedding invitation, we’re breaking down our earlier article into more detail. Ready to move forward? Ponder this…

Choosing the Writing Style for your Invitation

The first important consideration in creating your invitation is to select the best writing style. There are three major options:

Third-Person Formal – Use this for formal dinners, fundraisers, balls, galas, black tie affairs, and formal weddings.

Semiformal – Use this for cocktail parties, dinner parties, big birthdays bashes, graduation invitations, bridal or baby showers, cool theme parties, and less formal weddings.

Handwritten Notes – A great choice for very intimate or casual affairs including small birthday dinners, back yard barbeques, mothers day get togethers and housewarming parties.

Composing the Right Wording for your Invitation

The right wording can make or break your invitation. It will also set the event’s tone and formality for your guests even before the event begins. Remember that your invitation is the first glimpse your guests will receive into the type affair you wish for it to be. Consider this:

Formal – On the invitation, the hostess usually “requests the honor of your presence”, followed by the day of the week, date and the month spelled out, and the time and the place (i.e. “Sunday, the first of January/ two thousand and ten/ at half after six o’clock/ Sundy House, Delray Beach, Florida”). Engraved or raised print is the best choice with the formal invitation, typically written in an antique typeface. Consider, though, that laser printing and the myriad of computer fonts now available makes the formal invitation even more affordable for those on a budget. If you wish to go with the engraving but find it a little too pricey, consider the more affordable raised-print option of Thermography.

Semiformal – Semiformal invitations do not have to adhere to the etiquette of a strict writing style. You may choose a variety of ways to create your invitation, from bordered, textured or patterned paper, and size of the paper can vary as well. Many brides and party planners are moving away from the traditional 5 x 7 style and going with fun square or tall shapes so their invitations stand out. When creating a semiformal invitation, incorporate the event’s theme to get guests on board and excited. Use ink and fonts that match the party’s theme and stationery such as pumpkins for a Halloween party, fireworks for July Fourth, engagement rings for a bridal shower, a baby stroller for the baby shower, grill utensils for a BBQ…you get the idea.

Handwritten – The most important elements with handwritten invitations are the stationery and the legibility of the lettering. Make sure to choose beautiful stationary that really stands out, and either write very neatly or hire someone with excellent penmanship to write the text you’ve chosen. A calligrapher is a great idea for a truly beautiful and unique handwritten invitation.

Getting Your Wording Started

One of our favorite sites for invitation wording ideas is http://www.verseit.com/. You can browse by event type and get the idea juices flowing. And while you work on getting just the perfect wording, tune back into Part Two of our Elements Post coming soon, which will walk you through the tricky subject of working with a guest list and addressing your invitations.

Don’t forget to check out the galleries at http://www.atlasdesigns.org/ for additional wording ideas.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Share your ideas for wording with our other brides.



By: Atlas Designs – Invitations & Announcements

Designing the Unique Moments of Your Life!

When planning your wedding, deciding what invitations to send is one of the first big decisions you will have to make. The proper wedding invitation will set the tone for the entire wedding. Are you planning a formal or informal wedding? A lavish affair, or a casual get together? Often there is no need to explicitly state such a thing on your invitations; you can relay the message simply by choosing wedding invitations which reflect the style, theme, and tone of your wedding. There are a variety of ways to add personality to your wedding invitations. Adding ribbon, trinkets and photographs to your invitations are all ways to express your personality and the type of ceremony you are planning.

Another way to add sparkle to your wedding invitation is by the use of color. Adding color to wedding invitations allows an element of personality to shine through, as well as add some unexpected spark and levity to what is normally a formal and traditional announcement. Color can add an air of festivity to traditional invitations, introduce your wedding colors to your guests or add a touch of personalization to a stock wedding invitation.

How can color be added to invitations?

When deciding on where to place color in your wedding invitations, there are a variety of choices. You can opt for the traditional cream or white card stock and add a personalized color for the writing on the card. If this does not fit your style, the invitation itself can be your main color, and the script can be white. Many couples opt to include their color choice in the lining of the envelope. Thus, the invitation can remain the traditional black and white, but a touch of color can be found inside the envelope as the invitees open it up. Another way to introduce color to your invitations is through a ribbon adornment.

Do you have to use light colored card stock?

The selection of colors in card stock has never been wider. Cards are available in many shades of greens, blues, pinks and browns. Depending on the look that you are going for, you may choose a subtle pastel or a vibrant bold color for your card stock. Generally, couples who are looking for a more traditional wedding invitation will choose a lighter color, as will those planning a casual ceremony. For those planning a contemporary ceremony or a more formal affair, bolder colors are a more common choice.

Traditional Wedding: Can you still add color to your invitations?

There are no rules for what is right and what is wrong when deciding how your wedding invitations should look. While a traditional wedding invitation is typically understated, adding a hint of color through ink, envelope linings or ribbon adornments are all acceptable and attractive options. If you are certain that you would like a traditional wedding, you may want to choose an understated color for these accents.

Can you choose any color you want?

The color choices for your wedding invitations are vast. While it would be an overstatement to say that you can choose any color you want for your wedding invitations, it would be accurate to say that the selection of colors available for wedding invitations has never been greater. Between the different color selections of card stock, ink, ribbons and envelope linings, it is possible to make your wedding invitations 100% unique even if you are choosing only stock options.



What rules should I follow when adding color to my wedding invitations?

There are no “written in stone” rules when planning your wedding. It is your wedding and your invitations, and you want to choose an invitation that expresses both you and your fiancé’s personality and the atmosphere you plan for the wedding. Whether you choose bold or subtle color, vibrant ribbon adornments or delicate lace edged ribbon, the invitation is uniquely yours. While there are suggestions on how to choose color for your wedding invitations, do not allow yourself to get stuck into a rigid template for how your wedding invitations should look.

Do I have to add color to my wedding invitations?

Just because technology has made it easier than ever to add color to your wedding invitations there is no reason to force yourself to add color if you do not want to. White or cream colored card stock with black or dark gray ink is still a popular as well as a correct option.

No matter how you choose to personalize your wedding invitations, the addition of color makes it easier to do. The addition of color to ink, ribbons or envelopes create a special and personalized invitation that will serve as a keepsake of your special day for years to come.



By: Rachel Jackson

Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events. Ms. Jackson often writes about specific aspects of a weeding such as the wedding invitations.

Wedding invitations come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, that means you may have a tough decision to make when it comes time to choose the wedding invitation that is right for you. You can choose from a wide range of colors, fonts and designs. These are all available in a variety of styles. Some styles that you can choose from are the following: classic, contemporary and destination.

The style of your wedding invitation should reflect the theme of your wedding. By choosing your wedding invitation style first, you can narrow down the options, making it easier to find a design that works well for you. Here are some great tips for choosing the perfect style for your wedding invitations.

First, consider that the wedding invitations are a reflection of the wedding theme. If you are going to have an informal beach wedding, choosing an elegant style for your wedding invitation might throw them off a bit. Similarly, if you want your wedding to be a black tie affair, sending out a bright colored modern wedding invitation may be confusing to your guests. Although you should be clear about the dress code and other elements in the invitation itself, the style really sets the tone. Even though you may really like one particular style, it may not be the best choice for your wedding if it does not match the theme you have chosen.

The theme chosen for your wedding affects the style you should consider when choosing a wedding invitation. Weddings can take place during any time of the year and color and styles reflect that. A fall wedding is usually more formal and a classic style invitation is an excellent choice for this type of wedding. Classic style invitations are usually white with black lace or a grey border. This provides your guests with the information that this wedding is formal.

Contemporary wedding invitations are similar to the classic style as they are also a great choice for a formal wedding. The main difference is that the contemporary or modern style provides more of a laid-back feel than the classic variety. Modern style invitations may contain an illustrated image of a wedding party, palm tree, or even a photo of the bride and groom. If you are not looking for invitations with fun illustrations, there are other options to consider within this category. There are also simple monochromatic invitations that are very similar to that of the classic theme.

If you are planning a destination wedding at the beach, you should not consider using a modern or classic style invitation. A wedding at the beach is very informal and this should be considered when deciding which invitations to utilize. One suggestion is to consider a photo invitation as this allows you to include a photo of the location. This allows your guests to get a sense of what to expect at the ceremony.

Another thing to consider when choosing the theme for your wedding invitations is your budget. Although you can find wedding invitations in all styles no matter what your price range may be, some styles may always be more expensive. Anything that is embossed, includes multiple elements, or is larger than a traditional size may cost more. Remember, although you want your wedding invitations to be reflections of you, you still need to set a budget when making these decisions. If you spend too much on wedding invitations, you may not be able to properly plan the rest of your wedding necessities.

With wedding invitation styles, your personal needs also come into play. Some minimalist styles, although very inexpensive, may not have all of the elements you need for planning your wedding. Consider whether your wedding invitations come with RSVP cards, save the card cards, and return envelopes. Some styles do not include these elements, which mean that you have to order them separately.

There are many styles available when choosing a wedding invitation. When deciding which is best for your wedding, be sure to consider the location, budget and theme. The theme is important as this helps narrow down colors and invitation styles and formality of the ceremony. For example, if you are choosing a destination wedding at the beach during the month of August, you should consider a light blue informal invitation that may also have an image of the ocean.

Classic and contemporary are also excellent choices to consider because they inform your guests of a traditional wedding that is most likely taking place in a formal location. Budget is also an important aspect to consider and this helps narrow down the list of possible invitation choices. Consider these tips when planning your wedding and you should have a better understanding of how to decide the right invitation style for your wedding.



By: Lisa Parker

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events, often focusing on a specific aspect of the event such as wedding invitations.

If you are planning a destination wedding, there are many great invitation styles available. Destination wedding, whether they are in a tropical location, a foreign country, or even Las Vegas can be really special, and although fewer friends and family members may be able to attend due to the travelling involved, you should still send invitations to everyone you want to attend. A destination wedding invitation can perfectly compliment your ceremony, reception, and honeymoon.

Many weddings are held in tropical location or at the beach. Beach weddings are fun and natural, so look for a destination wedding invitation that matches. For example, an Enchanting Sands wedding invitation or a Shells of Love wedding invitation informs your guests right away that you are getting married on the beach. Perhaps you love the sun and water but not the sand. If you are getting married on a boat, choose an invitation, like the Ocean Liner wedding invitation that matches your big day.

A beach wedding provides an excellent theme for your wedding invitations and this location is a fun place to host a wedding. That said, it is not very specific, since there are hundreds of beaches around the world. You can find wedding invitations instead that showcase the country or city you are visiting for your wedding. For example, a Bamboo Breeze wedding invitation is reminiscent of Asia. By alluding to your location with the design, you are also setting the stage of your destination-wedding announcement.

You can also choose to theme your destination wedding invitations around the weather you should be experiencing at your wedding. Not all wedding destinations are warm and sunny! You might love the idea of a Winter Wonderland wedding invitation for a wedding that is taking place in a beautiful icy location like Aspen. On the other hand, if your wedding is in a warm location, you can choose an invitation with a sunny design. It is up to you and your preferences!

Of course, you can get even more specific if you want and show off the exact city of your wedding with the design of your wedding invitation. Las Vegas is the most well known destination wedding location and if you are getting married in this city, you can choose a fun Vegas-themed destination wedding invitation design.

It is also popular to not be too overt with your destination wedding invitation design. Although some people like to be clear that they are getting married in the mountains or by the shore, you can also choose to pick a more traditional style of wedding invitation. Staying true to the mood of your wedding is important, but your wedding invitation does not have to be covered with seashells to give off a vibe that is casual, flowing, and fresh. You can search for a traditional-style wedding invitation instead.

Sometimes, colors work best. Are you getting married outside in a beautiful garden? Choosing bright greens and whites can make for a nice design. Are you having a wedding in the fall forests in a mountain setting? The burnt orange, brown, and gold colors of fall are perfect for your destination invitation.

Keep in mind that you may want to send two invitations in case you decide to have a small ceremony for those who could not travel at the time of the wedding. This can allow you to celebrate with friends and family members who could not afford the trip, had scheduling conflicts, or were not healthy enough to travel. So, when ordering your destination wedding invitations, keep in mind that you may be sending two invitations in the same envelope. You can also choose to send the invitations separately, but they should relate to one another to avoid too much confusion.

Not every couple is lucky enough to have a destination wedding. While most would agree that a beautiful paradise destination would be a nice backdrop for one of the most important days of their lives, at the same time, it is also important that all of their loved ones be present at the ceremony, which is not always possible with a destination wedding. If you do choose to have your ceremony away from home, however, consider the hot new trend of destination wedding invitations. They can help to announce you wedding plans to your guests in a fun, beautiful way.

A destination wedding can take place anywhere and your wedding invitations should reflect this location. Colors are an important aspect of the destination wedding invitation. You should choose colors that reflect the area such as light blue for a beach wedding. Another option is to include a picture of the location, as this can help prepare your guests for what they should expect upon arriving at the destination. Whichever invitations you eventually decide on for your wedding, be sure to allow your guests enough time to plan the trip.



By: Lisa Parker

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events, often focusing on a specific kind of an event like a destination wedding. Ms. Parker also discusses important parts of the event such as the

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The average wedding in the United States today costs more than $20,000 – before you keel over, you have to remember as you are writing those checks that this is going to be a special, once-in-a-lifetime day and that it’s worth spending a little extra to make it memorable! With that said, you shouldn’t spend a dime on your wedding until you know what your budget allows for each item. It is recommended that 5% of your budget be allocated to your wedding invitation package, which would include your invitation, response card, directions, reception invite, and all corresponding envelopes. If you’re also having your wedding programs, place cards, table cards and menus printed for your reception, bump that up to 8%. When considering that your Save the Dates and Invitation is the first glimpse your guests will receive into the grand affair that you dream your wedding to be, you want to be sure you’re sending the right message with the quality of your invitation. As a broad guideline, think of further allocating 10% to your wedding attire, 8% to your photographer, 5% to your cake, 8% to your flowers, 45% to your reception and the remainder to various costs and items you want to make it YOUR special day!

Atlas Designs can help you keep your wedding invitation package under budget!  We specialize in custom created invitations and announcements, working with the budget bride all the way through to the formal black tie affair.  We invite you to visit our website galleries at www.atlasdesigns.org and subscribe to our blog at www.atlasdesignsonline.blogspot.com.  We offer tips and advice to the wedding planning bride, as well as recommended vendors, customer reviews, and of course beautiful wedding designs that are sure to inspire!



By: Atlas Designs – Invitations & Announcements

Designing the Unique Moments of Your Life!

Invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of the nature of your event. Your invitation sets the theme and mood for your wedding. When picking out styles of invitations you need to remember the invitation may be the only clue your guest will have in deciding how to dress, what to bring and what to expect of the grand affair you dream your wedding to be.

Working with your Guest List

Make sure you count the addresses and not the guests when budgeting for your invitations. What special arrangements need to be made for your out of town guest? Should you send them their invitations earlier than local guests? The best thing to do is send your out of town guests a “save the date card” which contains information about the wedding as well as information about any special accommodations that have been reserved for them. This card should be mailed out as early as one year before the wedding so that your guests have time to plan and make flight reservations if necessary.

Can I Invite Some Guests to the Wedding but not the Reception?

Yes, this is perfectly acceptable. Your invitation can have a separate card used to invite special guests to the reception.

Sending out your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. The response cards must always be sent with postage. Make sure you have the right amount of postage on the response cards. You should never assume you are putting the correct postage on your invitation. Take one of your completed invitations to the post office and have it weighed. The correct postage will ensure prompt delivery with no postage due. Enclosing gift registry cards with wedding invitations should never be done…your family can get the message out about where you are registered.

Hand canceling your invitations is also a nice touch. It looks nicer and the envelopes tend to not get as damaged in the mailing process. Your local postal worker will frequently assist you with this. During the week mail gets set aside and sometimes misplaced so it best to mail invitations to your local guests on a Thursday. By doing this your guests receive them on a weekend and will be more likely to take the time to read and enjoy the invitation. Send invitations to out of town guests earlier in the week to allow for the extra mailing time. Always include your return address. This will guarantee that you know if your guest has not received their invitation.

Tracking Your Invitation Responses

Often one of the biggest headaches for brides is keeping tracking of who is coming, are they bringing a guest, are their kids tagging along, have they even responded? Atlas offers Invitation Tracking along with our design services. Your rsvp card would return to our office and we track every guest for you. You can receive daily or weekly reports of who is coming, who is not, and who you’re still waiting to hear from without the hassle of trying to keep track of it yourself.

Is it Mandatory to send a Thank You, even though I spoke to them already?

Yes, social etiquette says that you should always mail out a thank you note, regardless of if there was already a verbal thank you. A written thank you note should be sent out as soon as possible after receiving a gift. This is normally within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt. You do have up to about three months to send them all out.

Contact Atlas today and let us take care of all the details of your invitation, envelope printing, and guest list tracking. Email us at contact@atlasdesigns.org or by phone to 561.445.7630. We look forward to helping you Design the Unique Moments of Your Life!



By: Atlas Designs – Invitations & Announcements

Designing the Unique Moments of Your Life!