STOP!!! Before You Order Those Invites

2006-06-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

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

Gift Registry or Not????

2006-06-03T00:20:00.000-04:00

There are many controversies over Gift Registries. Many feel that it's unethical. Others feel that it is one of God's best creations. Overall they can make shopping for gifts much easier and reduce the tedious task of returning or making sure you don't have to wear that hideous outfit everything "Auntie Ann" visits. Gift Registries can also reduce duplicates.

5 Reasons to set up a Gift Registry

So that gift givers can get you exactly what you need if they choose
To have an organized running tally of your necessities and things you want
To avoid duplicates and the hassle of returning them
So that your mother-in-law can't say that she thought gingham plaid was your style
Just for the fun of it

Where can I sign up for a Gift Registry?

These days you can sign up for a Gift Registry practically anywhere and for just about anything. Most companies have online registries which give you the convenience of selecting your items from the comfort of your own home on your own schedule. Because of the convenience of the world wide web...your guest can shop on your registry no matter where they live and even have the gifts sent directly to you.

The Most Common Types of Gift Registries

Baby Showers
Birthday Celebrations
Bridal Showers
Housewarmings
Weddings

Other Gift Registry Examples

A college student may want to set up a Wish List Registry. An engaged couple living together might opt to set up a Honeymoon Registry in lieu of a Wedding Registry.

I can't set-up a registry... I will be stoned!

If someone has the potential to stone you, you may want to reconsider giving them your gift list anyway. Seriously, most gift givers usually appreciate your gift registry because it helps them purchase exactly what you want and really need without the worry of you returning it. Many people don't like to shop. Therefore your gift registry can serve as their shopping assistant.

A Few Tips for setting up a Gift Registry

Create a list of wants and needs before you initiate your registry
Whether you are initiating your registry online or in the store dress comfortable
Set aside a generous amount of time
For In-Store registries be considerate of geography for your guests
Select items of various price points for givers that buy in multiples or have diverse budgets
Set up your registry at least 4-6 months before your event to allow gift givers attending your pre-event parties to shop on your registries
Shopping is fun so ENJOY it!

To The Gift Giver

When giving a gift, it is the thought that counts but shouldn't the thought be to get the recipient something they really want and can really use? Be mindful that just because it looks great on your or in your house, does not mean it will suit the same for the receiver. Keep the gift receiver in mind when purchasing a gift.

To The Gift Receiver

No matter what your woes are about Gift Registries you must ask yourself ... What will the most beneficial, the least stressful and make you happy? In the end...that's the point of the gift registry anyway. Also, Remeber that gift giving is polite but optional so don't cause a family fued because they came empty handed.

If you choose to set-up a Gift Registry be polite, purchase Thank You Cards so that everyone feels appreciated.

Resources

Gift Registries & Event Planning Resources
www-affair-elegance.com

Travel Planning Resources
www.mydreamescapes.com

Event Planning Tips by Affair Elegance

STOP!!! Before You Order Those Invites

Gift Registry or Not????