Give your guests a secret number!

When assembling your guest list, give each address a number.  Write this number lightly, in pencil, on the back of your response card prior to mailing.  If guests forget to write their name on the card, or if you can not read their writing, you know who is responding by their secret number.

Consider KwikSeal Self-Sealing Envelopes!

KwikSeal Self-Sealing Envelopes are available with most Birchcraft invitations and save time and effort when mailing your wedding invitations.  Simply uncover the self-adhesive edge by peeling off the protective strip and press the envelope closed.  Save even more time when you choose to pre-print your address on the back of these envelopes.

Why is it so important to put your address on the back of the invitation envelope?

Nobody is perfect!  Should you have an error on your guest list, the invitation will be returned to you by the post office.  Otherwise you will never know your invitation did or did not arrive.  For a minimal charge, you can have your return address printed on the invitation envelope in a matching ink color and lettering style when your invitations are being printed.

Why do you send a Response Card?

Response cards are a convenient way for your guests to reply and for you to plan properly.  They save time and money on your reception cost, especially if a meal is being served, by allowing you to keep track of an exact head count.  If you are offering a meal choice, this can also be indicated on the response card.  Response cards include a reply envelope printed with your name and address (or that of a parent or friend collecting the RSVPs).  Do not forget to affix stamps to the reply envelope!

Why is using the correct postage most important?

Before addressing your invitations, put together a complete invitation ensemble with all of your enclosure cards and envelopes.  Bring your invitation ensemble to your local post office and have them weigh it and determine the proper amount of postage.  Invitations that are over one ounce, or square or oversized (which is most invitations) require extra postage.  If your invitations are returned for insufficient postage, your envelopes will be ruined and redoing them will not only cost you more money, but interfere with your time frame.  While at the post office, ask the postal clerk to show you their beautiful wedding stamps.

When do you order your invitations, and how many do you order?

Be sure to have confirmed details of your ceremony and reception before ordering your invitations.  This includes the date, time and the location(s).  You should also have an accurate head count.  Order one invitation for each single adult, and one for each couple/family invited.  Order 25 extra invitations now, just in case.

When do you send out your wedding invitations?

Invitations are traditionally sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.  Send a Save the Date card or wedding announcement 4 to 6 months before your wedding to notify guests you are getting married, especially if it is during a holiday weekend or if they need to travel.  This will provide plenty of notice if travel arrangements and hotel reservations are required.

Find more great advice for wedding invitations in our Wedding Invitation category.

The Bloomery is pleased to feature invitations from Carlson Craft and Birchcraft, most at a 30% discount.  You can order online from either site and still receive the discount.