Weddingguide


	INVITATIONS
	by Special Occasion Stationery

	20 questions frequently asked about wedding stationery
	We’ve all heard that your invitation is the first glimpse that your guests will
	receive of your wedding… Here are some questions and the answers to them
	to help you to make your first impression exceptional!

	1. What is wedding stationery, and what does it include?
	Wedding stationery includes your invitations, order of service leaflets, menus,
	thank you cards, seating plan, etc. – basically everything that needs to be
	produced from paper. Some stationers also offer table gifts, guest books and
	photo albums.

	2. When should the invitations be sent out?
	Six to eight weeks before the wedding. If you are sending any overseas, they
	need to go out even earlier.

	3. When should I start getting quotes and place the order for
	my stationery?
	Please do not wait until eight weeks before to the wedding! Most stationers
	are booked months in advance and you might struggle to find someone who
	can accommodate your order. You need to start investigating approximately
	six months prior to the wedding, in order to place and confirm your order at
	least five months prior to the wedding to avoid any disappointment.

	4. What is the cost of wedding stationery?
	The cost varies substantially and it depends on factors such as the design
	you select, the amount of handwork and the quantity you need. On average
	invitations may vary between R20 and R40 per invitation, excluding the cost
	of your other stationery items.
	A rule of thumb is to put aside approximately 10% of your total wedding
	budget for your wedding stationery (excluding table gifts).

	5. How much deposit is payable?
	Normally, a 50% non-refundable deposit is payable when you place your
	order to enable the stationer to order your materials and plan for your
	production. Please ensure that you have ordered the correct quantities, as
	you may not be able to reduce the quantities or cancel any items after
	placing your order.

	6. How many invitations should we order?
	You normally require one invitation per couple, making the number of
	invitations half that of the number of guests. You may have a secondary list
	in case some guests decline, and you may want to keep one as a keepsake,
	so order a few extra invitations. Get the number of invitations required from
	your guest list and add 10%. This should be the minimum number of
	invitations you order.

	7. How do we select the colour and design of the invitations?
	This is a personal preference. The best way is to select your design, paper
	and other stationery at the same time. Most stationers work on a consultation
	basis in order to finalise the design with you.

	8. Can we see a physical sample before production begins?
	Most stationers offer the option of physical samples – please enquire with
	your stationer.

	9. Where can I get wording options?
	Nowadays invitations are not always worded in the traditional manner. Your
	guests can be invited in just about any way that reflects your personality,
	although the traditional wording is the most elegant.
	Your stationer should be able to assist you with the wording and most bridal
	magazines also have a section advising you on the correct wording and
	etiquette. Always ensure that you include the basic information, in other
	words, who, what, where and when.

	10. Why does the bride’s name always appear first on the
	invitation?
	Traditionally, the bride’s parents host and pay for the wedding. Because the
	bride’s parents invite the guests, the wording will read: “Mr & Mrs Ferguson
	invite you to the wedding of their daughter, Susan, to Peter Williams”. The
	wedding is also the last occasion upon which the bride’s name will appear
	first. After the wedding it will be “Peter and Susan Williams”.





	11. Can we ask for money or mention a gift registry?
	Generally not, as this does not accord with good etiquette. The contact
	person to whom your guests will RSVP, can give guests this information
	verbally. However, if you really want to include this, you should have it
	printed along with the map and accommodation details, so that it does not
	form part of your formal invitation.

	12. Should the envelopes be printed or handwritten?
	This is a personal preference. Some stationers do offer the option of printing
	your envelopes with the names and addresses in the same style and colours
	as those used in your invitations. However, if your handwriting is neat and
	legible, handwritten envelopes will give the invitations a personal touch.

	13. We want to deliver all our invitations by hand. Is this
	advisable?
	If you have a short guest list, yes. However, if you have a large number of
	invitations, use the postal service. Even with the best of intentions, you may
	not get to everybody in time. If you are concerned that the invitations may
	get lost in the mail, make use of the speed service options or place your
	invitations in bubble envelopes.

	14. What about inviting children?
	Children 18 years and older should receive their own invitations. If you are
	inviting children younger than 18, add their names to those of their parents.
	If you do not wish to have any children at your wedding, once again, do not
	put this in the invitation, but rather provide this information to the guests
	when they RSVP. If you do want to state this on the invitation, then do so
	discreetly.

	15. By what date should guests RSVP?
	The RSVP date is approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the function date, but
	can be influenced by the requirements of your venue. If possible, use only
	one contact person, as it is easier to work from one list than to reconcile two
	or more lists.

	16. Should a map be included?
	This is always advisable to include a map, as a clear, legible map or
	directions will assist your guests in making their travel and accommodation
	arrangements. The map can be printed on the back of your invitation or on a
	separate insert. If the design of your invitation does not allow for a map, then
	the venue contact details can be included for easy reference.

	17. What if there is a spelling mistake?
	Your stationers should send you a proof copy of your invitation and other
	stationery layouts for you to check before going into production. It is your
	responsibility to check everything thoroughly before giving your signed
	approval. Thereafter the stationer will not take responsibility for any mistakes.

	18. What is the best method for a seating plan?
	There are many creative ways of showing people at which table they are
	seated, although the best and most practical method still remains a large
	board with clear legible writing. Normally, the names would be grouped by
	table, but for larger weddings, you can consider having an alphabetical list
	according to the names or surnames.

	19. Should we have individual name cards printed for each
	guest?
	You can consider it seriously, as it gives a personal touch and makes your
	guests feel even more welcome.
	However, if you have a seating plan allocating a group of people to a table,
	they normally do not have any problem seating themselves at their allocated
	table.

	20. Should we send thank you notes after the wedding?
	These are always warmly received. The fact that your family and friends
	celebrated this day with you is in itself a gift worthy of thanks, not to mention
	the gift that they meticulously selected for you, or the distance they travelled
	in order to share this day with you. These should preferably be handwritten,
	but even a printed card is better than none at all.
	Most stationers and photographers offer thank you cards, some even
	personalized with your favourite wedding picture.