There are many things to consider when planning an event.  Here are a few helpful hints I have learned along the way:

Ordering Invitations

It is suggested that you order your invitations about 4 to 5 months prior to the event.  Using your guest list, determine the number of invitations needed and add approximately 15 to 20% to the order.  For example, if you are inviting 100 guests, order 120 envelopes.  This allows for name or address changes, errors, or last minute additions.  

Essential Ingredients

Your invitation provides your guests with all of the information they need to know about your wedding.  If applicable, you can add menu cards, hotel/accommodation information, and map/direction cards.  Be sure to include your return address on the envelope.

Paper

The best choice of paper for handwritten calligraphy is a fine, smooth surface paper.  Organic or textured papers may cause ink to bleed or catch the pen tip causing an irregular print

Determining How to Address your Invitations

If you like the look of handwritten calligraphy, we can schedule an appointment for you to look through my portfolio.  I have over 14 years of experience as a calligrapher.  We can discuss different font styles, ink color, or special touches.  Samples can be created during our consultation.

Turnaround Time

It is advisable to mail your invitations 6 to 8 weeks in advance of the event.  I suggest getting your invitations to the printer/calligrapher at least one month before the mailing date.  This allows time for an initial consultative meeting, envelope assembly, and review prior to sending.  My services are done on a first come, first served basis.  Generally, it takes approximately 7 to 10 days to complete a calligraphy order for 100 invitations (including both inner and outer envelopes).  Expedited services are available and I will work with you to meet your timeframes. 

Pricing

Calligraphers typically charge by the item (i.e.., $amount per envelope). 

Other Offerings

Additional services include handwritten table cards, placecards, monograms, menus, direction cards, and programs.  Envelope assembly also offered.

Putting It All Together … Before Mailing

There are many time-honored traditions for addressing invitations and the following suggestions are based on those traditions.  If you would like more information on formal etiquette, there are a variety of websites and books I can suggest.

Etiquette

It is traditional to use the complete, formal name and address of your invited guests.  For example:

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith

Versus

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Smith

It is also traditional to spell out Avenue, Road and Street as well as the State name.  If you are providing response cards, it is traditional to place a postage stamp on the reply envelope to make it easy for your guests to respond.

Standard Invitation – Two Envelopes (Inner and Outer)

Married couple, living at the same address:

OUTER ENVELOPE:            Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith

200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10003

INNER ENVELOPE:            Mr. and Mrs.  Smith

Married couple in which the woman has retained her maiden or professional name, living at the same address:

OUTER ENVELOPE:            Mrs. Jane Jones                                        INNER ENVELOPE:           Mrs. Jones

Mr. Robert Smith                                                                                     Mr. Smith

200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10003

               

Unmarried couple, at the same address should be listed alphabetically, or also acceptable is placing the woman’s name first:

OUTER ENVELOPE:            Ms. Carol Clancy                                      INNER ENVELOPE:            Ms. Clancy

Mr. George Everett                                                                                   Mr. Everett

Three Greenleaf Lane

Huntington, California 90260

Family with children:

OUTER ENVELOPE:            Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith                      INNER ENVELOPE:            Mr. and Mrs.  Smith

200 Park Avenue                                                                                     Mark and Susan (listed by seniority)

New York, New York 10003    OR

INNER ENVELOPE:            Mr. and Mrs.  Smith

                                                                                                                                                                Mr. Smith and Miss Smith *

 

* You may use the title Master if the young man is under thirteen years old.  It is also considered correct to send a separate invitation to children over eighteen years old. 

Standard Invitation – One Envelope (Outer only)

The same guidelines apply as stated above.  All invitees should appear on the outer envelope, including children’s names (listed separately by seniority) or state “and Family”.

“AND GUEST”

If you are not able to find out the name of the “guest”, it is correct to address as: Ms. Carol Clancy and Guest.  This information would appear on the inner envelope when using two envelopes or on the outer envelope if sending a single envelope invitation.

Assembly

The invitation and enclosure cards are placed in the envelope ( or inside the inner envelope, if applicable) in order of size and importance.  The largest enclosure cards are placed closest to the invitation.  For example, from bottom to top: invitation, direction cards, response envelope with response card (tucked under response envelope flap), and reception card.  When using two envelopes, the inner envelope is unsealed and inserted into the outer envelope so the guest’s name is the first thing seen as the outer envelope is opened.  

Mailing and Postage

Typically, invitations are mailed out 6 - 8 weeks prior to the event; taking into consideration out of town guests who need to plan travel arrangements.  It is highly recommended you take your full invitation, with all enclousures, to be weighed by the post office.  Remember that when you mail your invitations, have them “hand canceled” (issuing the round, red mark over the stamp and envelope).  If your envelopes go through the postal machine, there is a chance it may be crumpled or torn. 

Leaving a Clue

Here's a helpful hint: use a pencil to lightly mark a number on the back lower corner of each response card. Keep a numbered list with corresponding names. If you can't read someone's handwriting, you can use your code to uncover the mystery!