Wedding Layers

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. Visit my website to learn about 17 more hidden costs to watch out for.

JoDitt Williams, known as “Your Custom Card Lady,” is an invitation designer and the owner of Joyful Heart Design, an online custom wedding invitation boutique. JoDitt welcomes you to visit her website to view the most up-to-date customizable invitations on the market. Please visit http://www.oohandaahweddinginvites.com

Author: JoDitt Williams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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“What am I supposed to have in my invitation?” This is one of the most common questions I get asked. The answer is quite simple: Anything! It’s true that convention doesn’t quite apply anymore with respect to what ‘goes’ for an invitation these days. That being said, there are a lot of components in the most common invitation styles. I should caution that there are literally thousands of options available – some a lot more unconventional and some are even bizarre. For the sake of brevity, I’ll keep my breakdown constrained to the more common components and options used in invitations today (as about 85-90% of invitation orders inevitably consist of these).

I’ve broken down my Invitation Anatomy 101 into two lessons: Typical Components and Optional (or Additional Components). The first I’ll describe here:

Typical Components

1) The Outer Envelope

• Anchors your ‘invitation package’. This is your guest’s first impression of your wedding or event at the mailbox!
• It is a good idea to have your return address printed on the back flap of the envelope in the same lettering as your invitation.
• Your guest’s address may be handwritten neatly or written using the services of a calligrapher.
• Outer Envelopes should be reasonably sturdy and presented to your post office (fully stuffed) to determine exact postage prior to stamping and mailing.

2) The Inner Envelope

• Historically, inner envelopes were created to provide added protection to the contents of letters. That is, the outer envelope often suffered quite a bit of wear and tear between destinations, so the inner envelope would preserve the contents while identifying the recipient if the original address information wore away.
• The need for an inner envelope no longer exists, but the romantic tradition remains. Nowadays, the inner envelope identifies only the invitees within the household (e.g. Mr. & Mrs. Wilhelm Schneider). No address is written on the inner envelope. All contents of your invitation package are placed inside the inner envelope. Usually the inner envelope back flap is left folded, but unsealed.
• On a side note, I’ve found that amongst my clients only a small handful a year actually end up ordering inner envelopes. The decline in the use of Inner Envelopes is primarily due to the durability and material quality of custom invitation outer envelopes. This makes Inner Envelopes both expensive and redundant.
• On a side note, I’ve found that amongst my clients only a small handful a year actually end up ordering inner envelopes. The decline in the use of Inner Envelopes is primarily due to the durability and material quality of custom invitation outer envelopes. This makes Inner Envelopes both expensive and redundant.

3) The Invitation

• Obviously, the most essential component of your invitation package. If your invitation is a folded card, all other components should be placed inside the invitation. If this is not possible, or your invitation consist of a one-sided card, place all other components on top of the invitation. The goal here is to make the invitation package as neat and tidy as possible.
• As mentioned, anything goes when it comes to invitations. However, some typical features of a custom or custom-inspired invitation may include the following:
• Outer Card – Heavier weighted stock that envelops or mattes the invitation contents. This is the foundation of your invitation. The outer card can be anything from a plain card backing, to a pocket-fold enclosure to a multi-panel pocketed fold-out!
• Outer Embellishments – Known as the finishing touches on the ‘exterior’ of the invitation. This can be a ribbon tie, wax seal, monogram, matted graphic, pictures, foil stamped image, name, slogan, clasp, etc.
• Inner Card(s) – Usually, an inner card contains your invitation wording. There are hundreds of inner card options including, vellums, vellum overlays, mounted card, bound card, embossed cards, imported stationeries, decorative papers, embellished card or paper, folded cards, loose cards, etc.

4) The RSVP, Response, or Reply Card

• Just as important as the invitation, the size and expense of your event is largely determined by the number of accepted/returned RSVP cards.
• RSVP cards usually contain a blank line where the guest fills in his/her name and indicates the number of persons attending from his/her party. Usually an addressed and pre-stamped envelope is included to encourage your guest to respond as soon as possible.
• RSVP cards can contain other information such as multiple dining options which must be chosen, or spaces for comments, requests, feedback etc.
TIP: Lightly number each RSVP card with a corresponding guest/invitation list. That way, if any RSVP card is returned blank without the sender’s information, you’ll know exactly which guest it is.
• RSVP sizes are usually much smaller than invitations and contain an appropriately-sized return envelope. However, there is a trend towards more oversized RSVP cards (though still smaller than the invitation size).

Congratulations, now that you’ve completed the first lesson, you’re ready for the “Invitation Anatomy 101–Optional Components” articles now.

Laura Paladino’s work has been featured locally and nationally across print and television. Her public and commercial clients range from brides to wedding and event planners to celebrities in Canada and the United States. For additional articles and resources, information on Laura Paladino, her invitation design collections, or her select bridal boutique products and studio services, visit http://www.laurapaladino.com

Author: Laura Paladino
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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