When it comes to planning for a wedding, there are so many details to consider. Invitations can often be overlooked or put on the back burner when in reality it is one of the most important components of a successful wedding. From invitation etiquette tips to addressing envelope rules and thank you note dos and don’ts, we have partnered with Ann Elizabeth Print Studio to answer all of your FAQs surrounding wedding stationery!
1: When should I book my stationery wedding vendor?
We recommend looking for a stationery vendor as soon as you know the event date and booked the venue/location. Keep in mind that if you are interested in going the custom invitations route, this can be a months long process from start to finish. (i.e design phase, production, assembly, mailing etc.)
2: What is typically included in an invitation suite?
What to consider is how much information you and your guests will need. A full invitation suite typically includes the invitation, details card, rsvp card, rsvp envelope and mailing envelope. There are cases where all of the rsvp and details can be found on a wedding website, so the couple may only need a formal invitation. Being the paper lovers that we are, we love the added special touches of envelope liners, wax seals, silk ribbon, wrap, belly bands or vintage stamps. Those added elements help create an even more personalized tactile experience for your guests. After all, this is their first sneak peek into your special day!
3: What should I look for when hiring a stationer? Are there specific questions I should ask before booking?
It’s essential to make sure their design aesthetic is along the same lines as yours or what you are envisioning. Always take the time to look at their previous work on their website or social media. Ask how their design process works and a timeline for production to make sure it’s in line with when you want to mail out your invitations.
4: What is the protocol for sending out Save-the-Dates?
We recommend sending save the dates at a minimum 6 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding you want to give your guests plenty of notice so they can plan accordingly, in that case we suggest 8-12 months in advance.
5: How early should I send out wedding invitations?
Invitations should be sent at a minimum of 6-8 weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings it’s recommended to send them 3-4 months in advance. Click below for in-depth tips on invitation etiquette and rules for addressing your envelopes.
6: MAILING ENVELOPES
For a formal invitation style, only the two lines of address are used without a name above the address. However, this is one rule that we break quite often. We find that the mailing envelope is a great opportunity to reinforce a motif and invitation style. You will often see us add a name or monogram above the return address (often decoratively so that we can pull script lettering into the layout) as well as add a hint of the motif used on the invitation the envelope contains. The invitations should all be issued from the same return address from both sides. (i.e. do not print 2 different return addresses depending on whether the guests will be on the brides side or the grooms side.)
7: RSVP ENVELOPES
If the bride and groom reside at the same residence prior to the wedding, It is discouraged to have the rsvp envelope addressed back to both individuals because it is considered a “no-no” to announce that the bride and groom are living at the same residence (yes, this may seem old fashioned). In this situation, our suggestion is to use the brides name and the return address where she resides. However, personal preference plays a fairly major role in this kind of decision. Decide what combination of name and return address you’re most comfortable with for the RSVP envelopes. The same guidelines apply to the return address on the outer mailing envelopes.
8: When should I mail my thank you notes?
Who doesn’t love receiving a hand written thank you? The act of sending a thank you note will never go out of style. It’s suggested to send thank you notes 1-3 months after the event. When writing the note, try to be specific and customize best you can to whom you’re writing the note to. Write thank you’s for receiving gifts, those who attended your wedding and don’t forget to include the vendors that helped you pull off your special day!
To learn more about Ann Elizabeth Print Studio and their offerings, CLICK HERE.
