How To Get The Wedding Invitation Of Your Dreams Without Breaking The Bank

I would like to help take some of the stress of decision-making off of you by offering some hints and tips that will help you in choosing your wedding invitations.

1. Proofs:
Find out if there is a charge for proofs. If there is a charge, pay it! It is better to pay a small fee for proofs than to have to pay to reprint all of your invitations because of an error on your part. E-proof, online proof or printed proof? A printed proof is best.
But if you have already purchased a sample in the same colors and confirmed that you are satisfied with the colors, a proof sent via email will do.

Even when you are offered an online proof after you personalize your invitation online, it is still best to get a proof e-mailed, faxed or mailed to you. Some companies only offer a black and white faxed proof, which does not allow you to make sure you are satisfied with the colors. Find out how many revisions you are allowed and what the charge is for additional revisions and/or proofs.

2. Colored inks and printing in more than 1 color:
Most wedding invitation companies charge an extra fee for colored inks instead of black only. They might also charge you an extra fee to print a second color. For a more contemporary style invitation, look for invitations that are printed in full-color.


3. Raised lettering or thermography:
There is usually an extra charge to have your invitations printed with raised lettering. There is also usually a very limited color palette to choose from with this option. That's why more and more brides are choosing invitations that are printed in full color so that they can match their wedding color scheme, no matter what their colors are.


4. Adding extra lines of text:
It is not uncommon for traditional wedding invitation companies to charge an extra fee for adding extra lines of text. (Some companies do not even offer the option of adding extra lines of text.) Custom invitation boutiques usually do not charge extra for this.

5. Layout changes:
If it is even offered at all, many companies require an additional charge for any invitation or card you would like set up differently than shown in their sample or catalog. For instance, if you want your text to be right-aligned instead of centered, or if want your
names to be in a larger font, etc. The exception to this is custom invitation boutiques that will create your invitation for you exactly to your specifications. The problem is custom invitations can be quite expensive. A more affordable option that would give you more options for customization that traditional invitations are customizable invitations. Customizable invitations are based on a particular design, but can be made to look like a custom invitation by changing the color scheme, layout, fonts, wording and even adding a photo.

6. Changing paper colors:
Be aware that some papers cost more than others and may be offered in limited colors. For instance, metallic papers, textured papers and vellum typically cost more than smooth papers.


7. Changing colors of the design:
You will have to look pretty hard to find a company that will allow you to change the colors of their design. If they offer that option at all, do not be surprised if they charge you an additional fee for doing so, or if they only have 2 or 3 different color schemes to
choose from. Again, if you want to customize your invitation to match your wedding colors scheme, your best bet is to look for customizable wedding invitations.

8. Adding a photo and photo touch-up:
There are some companies that offer to print your photo on your wedding invitation, but, (except for high-priced custom invitations)they usually have predetermined layouts that your photo must fit into. If you photo needs some correcting, adjusting or cropping, be sure to find out if you will be charged an extra fee for that.

9. Turnaround time and rush fees:
Make sure you find out the estimated turnaround time so you can order your invitations far enough in advance to leave yourself time to address the envelopes, assemble the invitations, stuff and stamp the envelopes, etc. You'll need to find out how long it will be before you receive a proof, and then how long the printing will take once the proof is approved. Add on several days to the estimated turnaround time to allow for revisions and additional proofs. It is important to start the ordering process early because rush fees can be quite hefty. Your wedding invitations should be mailed out to your guests six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date.

10. Extra envelopes:
You should always get extra envelopes in case of addressing mistakes or invitations that get returned because of wrong addresses. They will cost a lot more if you don't order them with your initial order.


Just like buying a car, a home, or a new refrigerator, you can get stuck with some surprise fees if you don't read the fine print.

Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life and you deserve to have everything exactly the way you want it - including your wedding invitation. You don't have to settle for less than "perfect." But you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get your "perfect" invitation, either. As you just read, expenses can add up very quickly, but knowing what questions to ask and what to look for in wedding invitations can save you a lot of heartache, expense and rushing around.

How to be Creative on Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are one of the few pieces of mail that people enjoy receiving. It’s fun to open up that envelope knowing there’s a custom invitation inside. But amidst all of today’s junk mail, how can you make your envelope stand out to get your guests’ attention?

There are actually several ways you can make your mailing envelope as unique as your wedding invitation.

• Shape - With so many wedding invitation designs available today, you could easily select a uniquely shaped style such as square or tea length. The mailing envelope will then reflect that same distinctive size to fit the invitation.
  
  
• Style - Another option is to select a Seal and Send wedding invitation style. This all-in-one invitation is designed to be folded into a self-mailing piece eliminating the need for a mailing envelope. The response card is attached to the invitation so it can be easily detached by your wedding guest along the perforation. This also eliminates the response card return mailing envelope and saves on your postage cost as it only requires a postcard stamp.
  
  
• Color - How about using color for emphasis? Some wedding invitations now come with colored mailing envelopes. In particular, self-mailer invitations often include a colored envelopment. The envelopment holds your invitation card and has a built-in pocket for keeping any extra enclosures. It is then folded up wrapping around all your invitation pieces to become your mailing envelope.
  
  
• Decorative Seals - Adding a seal to your wedding invitation envelope could be that extra touch you’ve been looking for. Even though your envelope is sealed, you can choose to place a special seal on the back so it gives the illusion that the seal is actually holding the flap down. There are many seal design choices, from monograms to first names to specific themes. Their appearance can be clear, white, silver, gold, embossed, etc.
  
  
• Custom Wedding Stamps - There are now websites that offer you the option of creating your own personalized postage stamps using an uploaded photo or choosing from ready-to-use wedding designs. This is a great way to dress up your wedding invitation envelopes to reflect your personal style.

You want to be sure your wedding invitation gets the attention of your guests as soon as it arrives in their mail and that it doesn’t get lost in their sea of junk mail and bills. Using any of the above suggestions will surely accomplish this and will start building their excitement even before they see your actual invitation.