Invitation Ettiquette and Other Information

 

 

When ordering your invitations it is a good idea to count per household, rather than per guest. Unless it includes children over the age of 18, as they generally get a seperate invitation as well. For example if you have a guest list of 100 people, you would not be needing 100 invites, as some guests are couples.

 

Consider ordering a few more invitations than your first count incase you need to add guests later, and it save time and money.

 

Invitations are generally sent out 6 - 8 weeks before your wedding date, and a little longer for those travelling from afar. This gives people plenty of time to reply and arrange necessary arrangements. If you are planning a function around the holidays or other busy times, or are having a destination wedding consider organising save the date cards to inform your guests of your plans.

 

Remeber that in Australia, postage costs vary to the size of envelope you are posting -

A DL (110 x 220mm) and C6 (114 x 162mm) envelope is 1 standard stamp.
Square envelope (160 x 160mm) and C5 (162 x 229) envelope are 2 standrd stamps. Consider this when budgeting.

Reply dates should be at least 2 - 4 weeks prior to the wedding date, and check with the caterer or coordinator when they require guest numbers.

 

Another good idea is to discretly number the back of you reply cards (in pencil) so you can keep track of your replies, even if some guests forget to fill in their names when returning.

 

Arrange a First-In reply prize to get those replies in quickly.

 

Monograms are becoming a popular stationery idea however these monograms are traditionally unfolded at the reception, as a new image for the newly married couple. It is proper to have the brides monogram until then. Not everybody goes by tradition, and you may have a simplified monogram for your invites, and the proper monogram appearing at your reception.

 

Order of service booklets or Programs are a great way to dedicate special poems or verses from friends and family, and it generally introduces wedding participants.

 

Traditionally the thank you notes or cards are hand written with a personalised message.

 

Thank you notes are should be sent out no later than 2 months after the wedding, with the exception of late gifts.