Ordering invitations

You can start your stationery as soon as you have finalised the date, ceremony and reception venues. While it will take two weeks to have your stationery printed, the time it takes to finalise the design, text, illustrations, colours and quantities is up to you. Two to eight weeks is a guideline. Wedding invitations are mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding date. If your mailing date is close to Christmas, delivery can be delayed, so you may wish to post them earlier.

Wording

While there are ‘rules’ to the correct wording on a wedding invitation, the formality of your event will determine how strict you wish these to be. There are many online resources to help or inspire you, and our wedding professionals will advise you, or answer any questions.

Guest List

To work out your guest total, write a list of everyone you would like to attend your wedding, remembering to obtain any names from both families. The number of invitations you require will depend, if you have listed mostly families and couples or mostly singles. Children over the age of 16 should receive their own invitation. A rough tally will give you a more accurate stationery quote.

Reply cards

Reply cards allow guests to respond if they can attend your wedding, and indicate any other information that you may require such as the number attending or food allergies. An addressed envelope and return postage should be included. The reply date is usually one to four weeks before the wedding. Leave yourself enough time to finalise your seating plan and confirm catering numbers.

Thank you cards

A small handwritten note, mailed no later than two months after a gift is received, is customary. Usually sent after you return from your honeymoon. If the bride is taking a new last name and has personalised cards printed, do not send them until after the wedding, as the new name has not yet applied.