STOP!!! Before You Order Those Invites

Ordering invitations is one of the fun things that comes with planning an event but can turn the event into a disaster if done incorrectly. How could one order invitations incorrectly??? you might ask...Keep reading and you will find out how people do and some helpful tips so you won't be one of those individuals.

5 Common mistakes people make when ordering invitations

• Not ordering enough
• Ordering way too many
• Not finalizing the guest list
• Not getting organized
• Ordering too early or too late
• Not ordering extra envelopes

Before you even THINK about ordering invitations

• Double check your guest list, if you can, have someone else look it over with you
• Look for names you may have erroneously added twice
• Make all final additions and cuts to your guest list
• Make sure your only sending one invitation per couple.

If you are sending invites to a B list make sure you order enough for them as well. Don't expect the regrets on your A list to send back the invitations so that you can send them to your B list. Asking them to do so can be viewed as unethical.

When to Order Invitations

Unforseen things (pregnancy, job change, injury etc.) could happen that may effect the date of your event so don't order your invites obsessively early. However, don't wait until the last minute either. Ask your invitation stationer what their turn around time is for the particular invitation that you are planning to order. In the event that you have not determined what you are ordering, just ask what their shortest to longest turn around time frame is. If you have to give a venue a final guest count, order the invites early enough so that you give your guests 2-3 weeks to respond which should be at least a one and a half or two weeks before the guest count is due to the venue.

Time, Money & Stress Saving Tips

• Use an addressing service to address your envelopes that will alleviate errors, extra envelopes and saves time (see resources below)
• Hire a company to handle your responses (RSVP's) you won't have to buy response cards and it will alleviate the time it takes to track responses so spend more time focusing on the event. Some companies even contact non-responsive guests for you (see resources below)
• Ordering an additional 25 invites intially can be as much as $75.00 cheaper or more verses ordering them later

Remember

Whether planning an event for yourself or a surprise event for someone else always order at least one additional invite so that you or they can have it as a keepsake.

Invitaiton Resources

Online Wedding Invitations & Accessories
www.yourinvitationplace.com/Default.aspx?WebName=affairelegance

Online All Occassion Invitations & Accessories
www.affair-elegance.cceasy.com

Addressing Service
www.affair-elegance.com

RSVP Resources
www.affair-elegance.com/4.html

Other Resources
Event Planning Resources www.affair-elegance.com
Travel Planning Resources www.mydreamescapes.com