What to Know About Wedding Invitations Before Assembling, Addressing, and Mailing Them. Advice From Tampa Luxury Wedding Photographer Nina Bashaw
Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day, setting the tone for your celebration. As a Tampa luxury wedding photographer, I often see how much thought couples put into their invitations to match the elegance and style of their wedding. Before you dive into assembling, addressing, and mailing your invitations, here are key tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.
1. Double-Check All the Details
Before assembling your invitations, take a moment to review every element:
Names: Ensure all names are spelled correctly.
Dates and Times: Confirm the date, time, and venue details are accurate and consistent with other wedding materials.
Dress Code: If you’re requesting formal or black-tie attire, make sure it’s clearly stated.
RSVP Info: Include a return date (typically 3-4 weeks before the wedding) and clear instructions for how guests can RSVP.
Mistakes caught before assembly save time, money, and potential confusion later.
2. Assemble Invitations in Order
Wedding invitations often include multiple pieces, such as:
The main invitation.
RSVP card and envelope (pre-stamped).
Additional information cards (e.g., maps, accommodations, or wedding website details).
Assemble them in the proper order, with smaller pieces placed on top of the main invitation. This creates a polished presentation that’s easy for guests to navigate.
3. Address with Care
Your envelopes should reflect the elegance of your wedding theme. Here’s what to consider:
Formal Titles: Use proper titles like “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Dr.”
Complete Names: Avoid using nicknames unless the couple is casual.
Handwriting or Calligraphy: For a luxurious touch, consider hiring a calligrapher or using a calligraphy-style font for printing addresses.
Return Address: Include your return address on the back flap for an elegant and practical finish.
4. Weigh Before Mailing
Wedding invitations can vary in weight, especially if they include multiple inserts or luxurious materials like vellum or wax seals. Before buying stamps, take a completed invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage needed. For extra thick or uniquely shaped invitations, you may need non-standard postage.
5. Mail Invitations at the Right Time
Timing is key to ensure your guests have enough time to respond. Follow this general guideline:
Local Tampa Weddings: Mail invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Destination Weddings: Send invitations 3-4 months in advance to allow guests ample time to make travel arrangements.
If you’ve sent save-the-date cards, your guests will already have the basics and be prepared to RSVP quickly.
6. Protect Your Investment
Luxury invitations deserve extra care during mailing. Consider these steps to ensure they arrive in pristine condition:
Outer Envelopes: Use an outer envelope to protect the invitation suite from scuffs or smudges.
Hand-Canceling: Ask your post office to hand-cancel the stamps, avoiding the wear and tear of machine processing.
7. Keep Extras
Always order 10-15 extra invitations beyond your guest list. You may need these for last-minute additions or as keepsakes for your wedding album. And your Tampa luxury wedding photographer will need one full set and a couple extra envelopes for detail shots.
Your Wedding Invitations Set the Tone for Your Day
Your invitations are a reflection of your wedding’s style and personality. By paying attention to the details before assembling, addressing, and mailing, you ensure that each guest receives a beautiful and seamless introduction to your wedding celebration.
Capture Every Elegant Detail with a Tampa Luxury Wedding Photographer
From the first look at your wedding invitations to the magical moments of your big day, I’m here to preserve the story of your love in timeless images. Contact me to discuss how we can create breathtaking photos that reflect the beauty and sophistication of your wedding!
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