Birchcraft Studios provides us with a handy checklist of things to remember when ordering your invitations.  Whether you're shopping for invitations on-line or in our shop (it's OK to go somewhere else if you don't live near us ;) ), you might want to print this out and make sure you have everything.  We've added a little extra information based on our experiences.  If you're just flipping through books for the first time, remember to take notes, especially the book title, book color, and page number.

1. Order 25 extra invitations, just in case you forget someone, or goof one up.
2. Choose your ink color.  Most invitations are shown with a colored ink, but prices are usually given for black ink.  In many cases (but not all), your invitations will be more attractive with a colored ink, but there will probably a small extra charge.
3. Choose your font.  Typefaces are usually given code numbers.  Feel free to choose whatever font you want, but invitations are shown with a recommended typeface.
4. Do you want a colored lining for the inner envelopes?  Invitations are usually sent in two envelopes--a larger outside one for mailing the invitation, and an inner envelope.  This inner envelope can have a lining that matched your wedding's colors.  It's more formal and more common to have a lined inner envelope, but there is an extra charge.
5. Does the invitation copy contain the time, place and date of your ceremony?  Most of the standard verses you choose from the priner remind you to add this information.  If you're writing your own verses, remember to include this information.
6. Return address printed on the invitation envelopes?  This is a good idea.  You need to put a return address on every invitation you send out, and you can either hand write it, or have it printed on the envelope.  There is an extra charge, but it can save a lot of writing.
7. Envelope seals?  These are stickers or a melted wax stamp you use to formally close your invitations.  Like all envelopes, the outer envelope has a glue you moisten to seal.  The seal adds a little extra formality to your invitation.  These are available for an extra charge.
8. Check all the spelling!  Especially if you are ordering on-line and typed in your information.
9. Reception cards.  These tell people where and when your reception is, and are more common on formal invitations or when your reception is in a different location than your ceremony.  On some invitatations, you can add an extra couple lines of copy about your reception.  This is usually done when your reception is at the same location as your ceremony.
10. Response cards.  These are how your guests tell you they are coming, and how many will attend.  If you have meal choices, remember to include them on this card.  The response envelope will be pre-printed with the response address--usually the bride's parents.  Don't forget to put a stamp on these as a courtesy to your guests!
11. Address on response envelopes.  This is usually the brise'd parents, but doesn't have to be.  Most of the time, printing of the response address is included in the price of the response cards, but not always.  Be sure to check.
12. Informals ot thank you notes.  Informals are blank cards that coordinate with your invitations.  You can use them as thank you notes, as well as to send a message to someone who couldn't attend saying they were missed.  Thank you notes have "Thank You" pre-printed on them.
13. Return address on informal or thank you note envelopes.  Make sure you use your married name and new address!  This is available for an additional fee in most cases.
14. Wedding announcements.  These usually serve as a "save the date" card, and are sent to family and friends to announce your engagement.  These used to be very common, and still are in some parts of the country, but have fallen out of favor in other parts of the country.
15. Programs.  In a number of cases, you can have programs that match your invitations.  They are certainly attractive, and give your wedding a very "together" look, but can be expensive.  If you want to print your own programs, we have a great selection of Warner Press wedding program papers on our site.
16. Wedding scrolls or bookmarks.  Many couples have a small scroll or bookmark as a favor to their guests, with verses or special messages chosen by the couple.
17. Napkins.  You'll need these for the bar and cake servings.  These are available in many colors and a number of designs.
18. Favor note pads or matches.  Again, just a small memento your guests can take home, available in your favorite colors.
19. Place cards.  If you are planning on assigning tables to people, these are a necessity.
20. Cake boxes or favor boxes.  You can send your guests home with pieces of cake, or cookies, or small favors in these boxes that coordinate with the rest of your wedding.
21. Bridal, reception and ceremony accessories.  These are personalized gifts you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen, ringbearer pillows, cake servers, toasting flutes, etc.  You can find a great selection on our site at http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/wedding_accessories.asp.
22. Re-check all spelling and dates!

[edit: April 9, 2005]

Feedback has asked what the bare minimum someone should plan to purchase.  You absolutely need the invitations and response cards.  If the invitation cannot accomodate reception information, then you will need reception cards also.