Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but what about all the other terms and items that are associated with them. Below are explanations of some of the more common terms and items that you’ll probably encounter while shopping for your invitations.

Seal n Send Invitations: This type of invitation is mailed to guests as a single-folded piece (without an envelope) having the respond postcard attached to the invitation by a perforation for easy removal. Since the respond piece is a postcard, you will save on postage for the return mailing. Prices for this product normally include seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap when initially mailing the invitation and on the perforated respond postcard.

Announcements: For those who won’t be invited to your wedding but you would still like them to know about your marriage, you can mail them an announcement card. They can be printed on the same paper as your invitation but mailed on your wedding day or immediately after with the wording stating that your wedding has already taken place.

Reception Cards: If there isn’t enough room on your invitation for listing the details of your reception or if not all guests will be invited to attend the reception, reception cards can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Respond Cards: These cards are essential to planning for your dinner/reception since an accurate guest attendance count will be needed for food and seating preparations. The respond card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your invitation. Remember to include a postage stamp on this small envelope which will also have a mailing address already printed on it so all your guests have to do is fill out the card and mail it back by the date you have printed on it.

Map Cards: These direction cards would be included as a convenience for any guests who might not be familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.

Printed Invitation Envelope Flaps: This option of having your return address printed on the outside envelope can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable invitations are returned to you. There is a small cost involved but it also gives an address to those who might not be able to attend but still want to send you a card or gift.

Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a colored lining to add a special touch to your invitation ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.

Envelope Seals: These self-adhesive labels add just the right finishing touch. They are available in many styles and are used on your outer envelope making it look like they are holding the flap down even though it has already been sealed.

Informal Notes: These are used separately from your invitations but should be included with your original order since they are usually printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. They are personalized with either your names or monogram on the front with the inside being blank for writing your thank you notes. Any leftovers can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are included with them.

Not all of the above items are necessary to make your wedding invitations complete. Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which ones you would like to include as part of your invitation ensemble.

About The Author  Sara Haese is the owner of www.PrintedCreationsWeddingStore.com where you will find hundreds of unique wedding invitation styles along with accessories. Visitors to this website can also sign up to receive a free Wedding Invitation Guide.  sara@printedcreationsweddingstore.com

Buying Wedding Invitations? A Step By Step Guide To Saving Money And Getting What You Order
 by: Kim Lapp

Wedding invitations can be ordered in several different ways. You can order your invitations online or in a stationery shop. You can also find a company that customizes your invitations based on your theme and style of your wedding. Choosing the perfect wedding invitation can be a daunting task. Making sure that the invitation wording is correct is essential. Many brides have had to reorder their wedding invitations because they made a mistake when entering their information during the ordering process.

Choosing your invitations
12 months before your wedding day
I like to have my brides order their invitations on the internet. There are several advantages to ordering online. The biggest is that you have the ability to preview your invitations with your customized text before you place your order. As soon as you have reserved your wedding date and location send your save-the-date announcements.

Ordering your wedding invitations
Six months before wedding day
Spend the money to order a sample, many times I have found that brides base their opinion on the picture from the internet. The images on a website do not tell you the thickness of paper or the colour of the invitation details. Don’t forget to order the thank you cards, wedding programs, reception and response cards.
Tip: Be careful when choosing your font, not all fancy script is easy to read.

Order a proof of the invitation.
This can delay your order for up to a week, but the satisfaction of knowing that you can edit or proof the wording on your invitations is well worth it.

Track your order
Make sure that where you order your invitations that website has the ability to give you a confirmation email and tracking number for your order. You will then get an email with when you invitations ship.

About The Author Kim Lapp owner and web designer http://www.yourwebsource.com Kim has owned Sandstone Invitations, an online wedding invitations company, since 1999.