Remember that for each couple, whether married or living together, you will need to send only one invitation. The same with a couple that is not living together. A child over sixteen receives a separate invitation, even if still living with their family. Don't forget to order invitations for your parents, your bridal party, and your officiant. For a guest list of 100 you may only need 60 invitations if most of them are couples. If you have budgeted $180 for invitations, then you can spend approximately $3.00 per invitation.

Elements of Styling. If you are thinking of elegant invitations, consider using cotton fiber, linen, vellum and parchment. Corrugated is good for edgy, urban chic designs. Other alternatives include jacquard, handmade paper, rice paper and glassine. For example, Modern, elegant and luxurious, the Vera Wang Boxed Stationery  collection provides the perfect means to communicate your unique  sense of style. Keep in mind, however, that original, one of a kind invitations that could serve as elegant gifts and are often made of sumptuous materials, with special wrapping, folding and can run as high as $30 per invitation.

Embellishments. If you are looking for a special, one of a kind design that stands out, you may want to incorporate some of these elements into your ordinary invitation:

• Wrapped invitations opening like a present
• Sealing wax
• Sheer ribbons
• Layered invitations
• Wrapped invitations that open
• Botanical elements
• Architectural boarders

Printing. Ask your stationer to show you samples of printing processes, as there are several to choose from. Your budget and style will influence which one you'll go with. 

Engraving: this method is the most traditional and formal of all, but also the most expensive (requires use of special equipment). The letters are slightly raised on the front side of the paper, producing the sharpest image of any method. 

Letterpress: this newly trendy but old-fashioned process works exceptionally well on delicate papers and fives a wonderful, antique effect. If you run your finger over the surface you will feel the grooves of the printed characters. Like engraving, this process is also pricy. If it is important for you to set the tone of your wedding, consider using it. 

Thermography: this is the most popular choice for invitations today, because it gives you nearly the same look and feel as engraving, but at about half the cost. The main difference is that the text can be a bit shinier, while the back of the invitation gives away itself away because there is not dent from the raised letters.

Offset: this is one of the least expensive options, where the ink lays flat on the paper (like in magazines, fliers, stickers, etc.).

Ink jet: this is yet another very inexpensive method, which can be implemented at home using your own printer (this could be a great way to print programs or simple invitations).

Calligraphy: has become increasingly popular. It is an elegant, old italic script used primarily in the past to address envelops.

Cost. The numbers below will help you get an idea how much in costs you'll be able to save by going with one printing method over the other (for 50 invitations):

• Engraving: $500
• Letterpress: $400
• Thermography: $230
• Ink Jet: $25

What to Include in Your Invitation. Despite there being thousands and thousands of variations on invitation wording, certain elements must be included. You need to mentioned the following:

• Who is hosting the wedding
• Date and time
• Location of the ceremony
• Formality of the wedding
• Location of the reception (if you use a separate card, you may indicate it there)
• Any specific information, such as a wedding website where more details can be found, if the wedding will be outdoors, if Champaign or hour' doves will be served  

Wedding Invitations Wording. There are several rules about wedding invitation wording:

• Use full names and avoid nicknames
• Everything needs to be spelled out except Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Jr..
• Dates and times are typically written out in full (the year may be omitted if preferred)
• The bride's name always comes before the groom's.
• If your ceremony is taking place in a house of warship (church or synagogue), use the phrase "request the honor of your presence"
• In secular locations (home, restaurant, or country club) or on an invitation for the reception only, use the wording "request the pleasure of your company"
• When requesting a response, you may write it in any of the following way: "Please respond," "The favor of a reply is requested," "Kindly respond," or "R.S.V.P."

(Wording to avoid: never indicate that children are not invited or welcomed. Instead consider indirectly addressing the invitation to the parents (that is, to the parents only). Also, never mention on your invitation where you are registered for gifts). 

Money saving tips. Determine how much you have budgeted for invitations and how many guests you're planning to invite. That will give you an idea of your price range per invitation.

Wedding Idea: If you buy your wedding dress from a bridal store that also sells invitations, you may also ask if they offer discounts on wedding invitations.

Wedding Idea: You can also make your own initiations. Many craft stores sell invitations that you can print from your own computer.

Wedding Idea: Save-the-date notes are not really necessarily. The current trend is to just send emails or e-cards. The printed save-the-date notes sometimes cost as much as invitations.

Wedding Idea: You may further save money by buying your own envelopes with stand-out colors, adding pretty detailing to no-frills invites (e.g. adding little tied-on ribbons).

Related sites:

• NEW - VERA WANG fine papers!
• Create the custom wedding invitations of your dreams. Personalize your invitation online, view the preview, and order it on the spot!

	Web www.brightweddingideas.com

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