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STATIONERY WORDING GUIDE

Tips for putting together your
wedding invitation and day of stationery wording.

  • What should be included on my invitation card?
    1. The Hosts of the Wedding Who is throwing the wedding? Your parents? Your fiance's? Both? You as a couple? Whoever it is, formal etiquette says you'll want to list this on the invitation card. 2. The Request Line There are lots of ways you can ask your guests to join you. "Invite you to join at the marriage of", "request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of", "invite you to celebrate at their wedding", etc. Pro Tip: Formal etiquette states that "Request the honor of your presence" is traditionally used if getting married in a house of worship. You can also use the Old English spelling “honour”. 3. The Couple of Honor This one may be pretty obvious. Each of your names should be included on the invitation card so everyone knows whose wedding they are being invited to. You can list your full names (first, middle, last), first and last only, or keep it simple with your firsts. BUT, if you aren't including your full name, make sure your last name's appear somewhere (like the return address) so guests aren't confused as to which Bob & Nicole are getting married. Pro Tip: If you share a last name with your parents and they are being listed on the invitation, you can stick with first and middle or first only. 4. The Date and Time This is an important one! Formal etiquette states all weekdays, months, and dates should be formally written out. This may change depending on the design of your invitation. Other ways to list your date: Formally (ex. the eleventh of December, two thousand twenty-one); Casually (ex. December 11, 2021) Numerically (ex. 12/11/2021) Your ceremony time should be listed on the invitation card. If your reception is being held at a different location, the start time for this portion of the day will be included on the reception card or details card. If your date is listed out formally with no numeric characters, we recommend having the time follow suit. Ex. "five o'clock in the evening" vs. "5pm" or "5 o'clock". Generally, we will format the way we see fit. 5. The Venue If your ceremony and reception are at the same location - great! That makes things easy. If your ceremony is at a different location, we have a few options: List both ceremony and reception venue and times on the invitation card. (This can get a little crowded depending on layout.) Include a separate Reception Card within your suite. The invitation is reserved for the ceremony and the reception card features all details pertaining to the party itself. List reception info on your details card. Pro Tip: The address should be left off the invitation card (especially if no numerical characters are already being included). 6. Dress Code If you have a specific dress code, you’ll want to communicate this with guests so they show up appropriately. Traditionally, we list this on the bottom right hand corner of the invitation or reception card. The dress code is tied to the reception and not the ceremony if they are at separate locations. So, if you've opted for your reception info to appear on a different card, the dress code will follow it. Pro Tip: Know your crowd! If you live in a locale where it's assumed that a wedding is formal, no need to list 'formal attire' on the invite card. If you feel like your guests may not know that they need to dress formally, go ahead and list it.
  • What is included on the details card?
    Your details card can be used for any information that you want your guests to know. We often include accommodations info, transportation details, and a list of other events going on during the wedding weekend. 1. Hotel Accommodations If you've reserved a block of rooms for your guests - here is where you'll want to communicate this. It's also helpful to have all of this listed on your wedding website with direct links to booking sites. Be sure to include the following: Hotel Name Hotel Address (at your discretion) Room Block Name Book By Date 2. Transportation Info If you're providing transportation (a shuttle, trolley, Ubers, etc.) for your guests - you can include this info here. If it's not pertinent for guests to know in advance - save it for your website or include on the welcome card in their hotel gift bags. 3. Wedding Weekend Events Have a jam-packed weekend of wedding celebrations? Welcome Party? Farewell Brunch? Drinks with the Newlyweds? Include these details here! You can also include a separate events card if necessary. What if only *some* of your guests are invited to an event? Ex. Rehearsal Dinner. We can create two different versions of the details or events card - one for guests invited to the rehearsal dinner and one for those who aren't. OR - we can include a separate rehearsal dinner card for those guests only. Both options include additional fees. 4. Wedding Website If you'll be creating a wedding website to offer more details on the event or events surrounding the wedding, we highly suggest including the web address on the details card. By doing so, you must have the site up and running by the time the invitations will be mailed out. Pro Tip: Purchase a unique domain name for an elevated look and so your guests don't have to type in a long-winded URL. If you don't feel like purchasing the domain, shorten the link in the preferences of your website provider to something easy to remember and type in (i.e. the knot.com/rachelandross2024). 5. Reception Info If your reception info isn't included on your invite card and you don't plan on including a separate reception card - the details card is where this info will appear.
  • When should I set my RSVP date for?
    We suggest 6 weeks before the big day. This gives you a week for follow-up and a week to put together seating arrangements so that your guest list is finalized one month before the wedding.
  • What should I include in my ceremony program?
    Your wedding program gives guests information to guide them through the marriage ceremony. This can be super detailed or an outline of the basics. Here are some suggestions on what to include: Basics (Good for Flat Program Cards): - Your names - The date - The ceremony location - An outline of the ceremony proceedings - A list of the people in your wedding party - A brief word of welcome, a blessing, a meaningful quote, or a prayer More Detailed (Good for Folded Booklets): - Explanation of cultural traditions - Your "how we met" story - A message to honor those that are no longer here or could not attend - Notes on being an unplugged ceremony, if applicable - Detailed overview of the ceremony - Maybe this includes full readings or song lyrics Standard Order of Ceremony Example: Prelude (Song name and artist/composer is usually listed) Wedding processional (Song name and artist/composer is usually listed) Greetings Readings (Include the names of the passages and who is reading them) Vows Presentation of the Couple Processional (Song name and artist/composer is usually listed) We suggest you contact the officiant to provide you with a breakdown of the ceremony, especially for religious ceremonies.
  • How do I address my inner envelopes?
    Here are some guidelines (both traditional and contemporary) for addressing your inner envelopes. Either format is acceptable - choose based on your personal style and the level of formality of your event: Married Couple (same last name) Formal: Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin Contemporary: James and Heather Married Couple (different last names) Formal: Ms. Swift and Mr. Brookes Contemporary: Sandy and George Single Woman Formal: Miss Cartwright and Ben (only if you do not know the name of the guest should you write "and guest") Contemporary: Cynthia and Ben (or Cynthia and Guest) Single Man Formal: Mr. Anderson Contemporary: Ben Unmarried Couple (at same address) Formal: Ms. Smith and Mr. Green Contemporary: Colleen and James If children or families are invited, their names are listed under those of the parents: Formal: Mr. and Mrs. Brown Kevin and Katrina Contemporary: Andrea, Steve and Family or Andrea, Steve Kevin and Katrina Judge If single: Judge Brown If married: Judge Brown and Mrs. Brown Doctor (Medical) If single: Doctor Grimes and Guest If married: Doctor and Mrs. Grimes Doctor (PhD) If single: Dr. Henry Skinner and Guest If married: Dr. and Mrs. Skinner Married Woman Doctor Doctor Strokes and Mr. Miller Married Couple, Both Doctors The Doctors Kelly Clergy The Reverend White Officer- Male, active duty or retired from service Captain and Mrs. Greene Officer- Female, active duty or retired from service Captain Hart and Mr. Carl Waters
  • When should I start the process of ordering my Wedding Stationery?
    You'll want your invitations finished 3 months before the wedding date. As a rule of thumb, we suggest ordering invitations as early as 6 months before the wedding. If you're including save the dates, get started as early as a 12-18 months in advance. Click here for a handy guide to determine exactly when you should order and mail out your invites!
  • When should I mail my wedding invitations?
    Rules on this vary. Our recommendation: 10-12 weeks before the wedding date. This gives plenty of time for your invitations to make their way through the postal system to your guests AND time for your guests to respond. To guarantee this, order your semi-custom invitations 16-18 weeks before the wedding date. Get started 6-8 months ahead for custom design.
  • How long until I receive my stationery once it's ordered?
    The design process varies based on the scope of work. Standard timing below: Online Store Orders: Orders will ship out 12-24 days after approval based on order specs. Semi-Custom Design Orders: 8 Weeks - Timing varies based on scope of customizations, ranging from 5-10 weeks. Custom Design Orders: 12 Weeks - Timing varies based on scope of customizations, ranging from 8-16 weeks. Our print pieces go through an extensive quality check process and all of our assembly is done by hand. This takes time! We do offer rush options if you're running a bit behind schedule.
  • Do you work with clients remotely?
    Absolutely! We are happy to work with clients all over the globe. Our entire process is done virtually and we ship worldwide.
  • What does the average HP couple spend on their Wedding Stationery?
    For an invitation suite, the average investment is about $5,000. For a fully branded event, the average investment is about $9,500.
  • Will I see a proof before my items are printed?
    Absolutely! You will receive a realistic digital PDF proof via email. See here for details on how many proof sets are included with each order. Additional edits and proofs are available for a $75 fee.
  • Can you help me with the wording for my suite?
    Yes! Wording can be confusing, but don’t worry - we’re etiquette gurus. We will provide you with a guide to collect your details and we'll take it from there.
  • What is the custom design process like?
    We’ll start with a phone consultation to learn more about your wedding details and style. You’ll then receive a proposal outlining what we’ll work on together as well as a price quote. After the proposal is approved and your contract is signed, we’ll get started on the design and proofing process where you’ll see everything come to life! Once approved, our print artisans will begin creating the final product and our assembly specialists will finish up with final touches. More details on the custom design process here.
  • How long should we give our guests to RSVP?
    We are a punctual group of gals so we suggest giving your guests 6 weeks before your wedding date. This assumes you are mailing your invitations out in our recommended timeframe of 10-12 weeks before the wedding.
  • How many extra sets should I order?
    We recommend ordering a surplus of about 10% over your guest list. (To ensure you won't have to re-order later on!). Extra sets are suggested in case any get lost in the mail, you have last minute additions (you know you've got a B-list), and to have as a keepsake, etc..
  • Do you offer mailing services?
    YES! Let us take care of stuffing, stamping and mailing your beautiful suites to your guests. When you receive your design proofs, you will have the option to opt in or out of our mailing services.
  • How much does postage typically cost?
    Postage always depends on the weight and size of your finished suite. Reply Envelopes typically call for one 66c 1oz. forever stamp. Mailing Envelopes generally require a 2oz. forever stamp at minimum. We usually account for about $1.15 in postage. **We highly suggest taking your completed suite to the post office that you plan to mail from to have it weighed for exact postage prior to mailing.
  • What print methods do you offer?
    We specialize in Foil Stamping, Letterpress, Thermography, Embossing, and Digital printing.
  • Do you offer Guest Addressing and/or Calligraphy?
    Yes! We offer digital calligraphy (printed names and addresses) or hand calligraphy services.
  • Do you offer Wedding Day Stationery items other than invitations and save the dates?
    Yes! Some of the items we offer include Menus, Ceremony Programs, Escort/Place Cards, Seating Charts, Cocktail Signs, Napkins, Matches, Thank You Notes, etc.. Whether custom design or from our semi-custom line, we offer stationery packages that give you a sweet deal on an entire set of items to coordinate with your big day.
  • Do you offer custom watercolor illustrations?
    Yes! We offer custom artwork such as venue illustrations, monograms, maps etc..
  • Do you have handmade paper?
    We LOVE our handmade 100% Cotton Rag paper from India (insert heart eye emoji here).
  • Are any of your products recycled?
    Believe it or not, our most popular paper is totally treeless! Besides making for a delicious letterpress print, our Crane Lettra paper stock is made of recycled biodegradable cotton from the garment industry.
  • What's the deal with inner envelopes?
    The inner envelope goes inside your mailing envelope (or outer envelope). It holds the invitation set, features the liner, and remains ungummed so it is never sealed. The outer envelope is addressed to your guests, posted for mail, and sealed tight. Sending your invitations with both inner and outer envelopes is an age-old tradition that ensures that all of the yuck that happens during the mailing process doesn't effect the integrity of the invitation inside. The history is actually kinda neat. It dates back to the days when mail was hand-delivered and the journey was a bit more vigorous than today's trip through processing centers and mail trucks. The postman would deliver your mail to your door and upon greeting, open the outer envelope with all it's filth and hand you a perfectly clean envelope from inside, housing the letter you've been waiting for. Though many want to skip over what may seem like an antiquated mailing practice, here's some reasons why you may want to consider sending your invitations with inner & outer envelopes: Pros of the Inner Envelope: It protects the liner. There's nothing worse than spending alot of effort (and $) to devise the most beautiful envelope liner, only to have your guests slash through the envelope with a letter opener. By including the inner envelope, you ensure that your liner is safe and sound inside even if that outer envelope gets the slash. And it's not just the liner. The inner envelope leaves your guests with a full invitation set, envelope and all, that is clean, pristine, and free from all that dirt that can accumulate on its journey through the postal system. You can have some fun with guest names inside! You may call your grandparents something quirky like "Fanny" and "Pappy" but don't want to address their mail that way. The outer envelope can have the more formal "Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Alston" while the inner envelope can get more personal listing "Fanny and Pappy". It's the more traditional option. If you're wedding is super formal or black tie, you may want to consider including both inner and outer envelopes. Sure, your invitation set is gorgeous, but do you know how impressive two sets of envelopes are! Hello, fancy pants! You can be super clear on who is invited. No awkward texts to tell Cousin Ashley that her toddler, albeit adorable, needs to sit this one out but her older children can come. When including both inner and outer envelopes, the outer can address the heads of the household "Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Harrigan" or even "The Harrigan Family" and the inner can include full names "Ashley and Kevin Harrigan, Gianna and Greyson" I know what you're thinking, "But, is it okay to ditch the inner envelope?" Totally! Whether your event is a little more low-key or you're trying to save a little paper, it's perfectly okay to use only one envelope.
  • How should I seal my envelopes?
    There are a number of tried and true ways to seal your envelopes. Here are some of our favorites: Water + QTip: Grab a cup of water, dip your QTip in and use it to apply a conservative amount to the glue line of your envelope. Make sure to press firmly until the adhesive holds. Pros: Firm hold. Cons: Risk of moisture effecting the cards inside. Takes a bit of time to hold until sealed/dried. Glue Stick: Use a strong-hold glue stick and glide along the glue line of your envelope. Again, make sure to press and hold until the glue sticks. Pros: No moisture risk. Cons: Lengthy process due to the need to hold and press until the glue dries/sticks. Envelope Moistener: Grab a bottle of your favorite envelope moistener and apply to the glue line. Be conservative! This glue tends to spread quickly and you don't want any adhesive to get inside the envelope and compromise the cards inside. Pros: Quick application. Cons: The glue is a little messy and can damage your cards if you're not careful. Double-Sided Adhesive Tape *our favorite*: Use a double-sided adhesive tape and an ATG tape gun. Run along the envelope glue line, press firmly and voila! Envelope sealed! This is our preferred method and what we use when performing mailing services. Pros: Fastest method with strongest hold - no worries about your envelope opening in transit. Cons: It is the strongest hold so there can be damage to your envelopes when guests open. We recommend using an inner envelope if you will have a decorative envelope liner to ensure guests don't rip right through and miss it.
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