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Copyright 2009 Debbie Worden, The Sophisticated Scribble
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Tips and Considerations

Before you order your wedding invitations, consider the following:

1)  The number of invitations required (plus 15-20% extra envelopes)
2)  The date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception
3)  Who is hosting the event and how to present their names on the invitation
4)  To whom the RSVP should be sent
5)  Your theme and color palette
6)  Your budget


Decide if you want the traditional double envelope or if you want to go with a
single envelope.  The double envelope system allows you to specify exactly who
is invited on the inner envelope but many couples now are going with a single
envelope for cost and/or environmental reasons.  

Square envelopes will cost more in postage than a traditional size.

Pearlescent, textured or glossy finishes or paper with inclusions may not work for
hand calligraphy.   Generally, papers with a higher cotton content are better.  
Dark, opaque or lined envelopes will usually incur extra fees from a calligrapher.

Unless other arrangements are made with your calligrapher, it is traditional to
have the return address pre-printed on the envelope.  An embosser can be used
as an alternative.

Check and double check your address list for errors.  After you are satisfied with
the accuracy, have someone else who is familiar with the guests check it once
again.  Often a fresh set of eyes will pick up mistakes that your eyes may have
skimmed over.  

For correct zip codes, visit USPS zip code lookup.  This will also tell you if a
street name includes street, road, circle, court, etc.  

To determine correct postage, bring an entire invitation with all contents to the
post office and have it weighed.  Because of the unusual size and weight of
wedding invitations, they often require extra postage.  Ask to see their special
wedding stamps.   When the time comes to mail the invitations, you can request
that they be hand-cancelled to minimize unnecessary markings on the envelope.  

Often, people forget to write their names on the RSVP cards.  To determine who
is coming, assign a number to each person or couple on your address list; then
lightly pencil this number on the back corner of the card or envelope.  If it has
been left blank when you receive it back, you will be able to match up the number
with your list.

When you receive your completed order back from your calligrapher, be sure to
check the envelopes for accuracy.  If you find any discrepancies, report them all at
once.

Crane.com  is a good source for envelope addressing etiquette, along with
theknot.com.   For more in depth information, we recommend  Crane's Wedding
Blue Book.       
Tips