Bridal Club Magazine
Creative wedding cards
You invitation is a reflection on the type of wedding its going
to be weather it be formal, informal or themed this will be
transparent in the invitation. The invitation is the only essential
stationary required everything else is optional.
Save the date
This card is sent several months in advance to guests that have a
long distance to travel, it is simple courtesy to let them know
your plans so they can start making their own. These cards only
need the Bride and Grooms names and the date and location of the
wedding. It's a good idea to include "Invitation to follow" so they
don't keep calling for the details that are not available yet like
reception location and time.
The Invitation
As before these will reflect the type of wedding to come so chose
the style accordingly. Most people spend between 1-2% of the budget
on the stationary. When ordering your stationary remember to
include 10 extra to provide for mistakes and late invites. This
will be cheaper than having to reorder a new batch. It a good idea
to let another person check the invites before they go out to make
sure all is in order and spelled correctly. The invitation will
include the names of the hosts; the brides name the grooms name,
the ceremony location, date and time, the reception location and
the RSVP address. If children are being invited include on the
invitation if not leave out.
Reply Card
The reply card is an optional but efficient way of getting the
guest list finalized. You can also include a menu option so that
guest with dietary needs can be catered for. Don't for get the
stamp so that guest can reply promptly.
Wedding Service Programme
Similar to mass booklets but contain more information. They may
include the whole wording of the ceremony, which will provide for a
lovely memento of the day especially if the couple has written
their own vows. This also offers the scope to mention deceased
loved ones or to give a little background on the wedding party or
to explain any unfamiliar rites. You can even go further by
including poems, photos etc.
Place Cards
These are traditionally small cards engraved with guests name and
each seating place. Now more couples are finding creative ways to
replace these. One option is to carve the names into small pebbles
or stones and offer to guests as a memento you imagination is the
limit with this so don't be afraid to let it run riot.
Thank you cards
These are absolutely essential to thank each guest for his or her
attendants and gifts you received. You can opt to match these to
the invitation cards or pick up a pack of pre-printed cards from
your local card shop. Take time to write a hand written note to
each on the card to each guest as it is only courtesy and will be
remembered.
Special Touches
Besides the choices of text, type, paper and design there are lots
of ways to personalize and add that special touch to your cards.
Trimmings can range from feathers to pearls, shells flowers or
ribbons each design can be unique. Another option can be the
original watercolour of the church where the ceremony is taking
place or the coat of arms of the bride and grooms family branded on
the invitation. Photogenic designs and laser cut monograms of the
couple's initials on the front of the card is a hot new trend.
Information packs
In addition to the invitation itself you can include directions to
the church and reception, local tourist attractions for distant
relatives and even details of the wedding list. Such details will
be appreciated by the out of town wedding guests who will be
unfamiliar with the place your getting married and be interested in
favourite bars, restaurants and tourist attractions if any.
DIY Stationary
One way to save money and add that personal touch to the
stationary is to make your own. This is more popular than ever and
there is an abundant choice of card paper and trinkets to choose
from including high quality hand made and floral paper. You can add
organza ribbon, feathers, shells the options are limitless all you
will need is a printer to add the script or why not try your hand
at some DIY calligraphy to add a definite personalized touch.
Although this method of creating your own stationary takes time it
can be highly rewarding.
About the author: Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer
providing advice on purchasing a variety of Wedding Dresses which
includes Wedding gowns, Designer wedding gowns, and more! His
numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of
interesting and relevant information for all of your wedding
interests. http://www.no1-in-wedding-dresses.com