Ordering your invitations and stationery can seem like
a daunting task. Here's the
10 Most common mistakes couples make
when ordering Wedding Invitations
Invitations available from
#1
Not ordering enough invitations
This is a common mistake and should not be overlooked. I suggest you order 20% extra to your invitation order. Why? Because you are bound to have
forgotten someone and MORE IMPORTANTLY it's expensive to have reprints. Most
companies will charge a 'Setting-up fee’, which will have to be paid again if
you return for more. Better to spend a few extra pounds at the beginning than a
larger price per card if you return.
#2 Ordering too many invitations
My couples are fortunate. I check and double-check the numbers. So
often when I ask, "How many invites do you need", they'll answer
"Oh about 100". "So that's about 200 guests then?" (Stunned
silence). Remember you need 1 invitation PER family. If a child of that family
is over 18 it's etiquette that you send them an individual invitation.
This is one of the advantages of using a local stationer, remember
an on-line company doesn't care if you order too many!
#3 Not checking proof thoroughly
Wherever possible I ask that my couples come back to the studio to
check and recheck all the details. This includes spelling, grammar and
punctuation too. The spelling and typos are YOUR responsibility and not your
stationery makers. Noticing typos once your order has gone to print or even
worse once your invites have been mailed out can be a costly mistake. You have
no option but to pay for your order all over again. So PLEASE CHECK, CHECK and
triple CHECK!
#4 Not signing proofs off in a timely manner
Once you receive your proofs to be checked, your wedding stationer
will have pre booked a slot in their diaries to reserve space for production.
This is especially important during busy times. If you delay, your space will
be filled with someone else's order and you'll be pushed to the back of the
queue. Reply promptly.
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#5 Setting your R.S.V.P. Date too far in advance
I know it's important and you are excited about your forthcoming
wedding, but if you send out your invitations early and put an RSVP date on
that is way ahead in the future, your invitation will more than likely be put
aside and forgotten. I suggest that the RSVP date be set at 2 months before
your wedding date. You'll most likely need to chase up late repliers 6 weeks
before your wedding as you'll need final numbers for your caterers 4 weeks
before.
#6 Leaving it till last minuite to order your invitations
This is especially important if you are having custom made
invitations. We advise our couples to order their stationery 4-5 months prior
to their wedding day. Why? ok, let me explain
RSVP date 2 months before the wedding, you'll need 1 month prior
to that to address, send out your invites and allow for postage times. And 1
month must be allowed for, for the stationer... especially during busy times.
Remember, after you've ordered. The stationer will have to work up proofs, get
them to you, make and changes, proof again, you need to sign them off and then
they have to be made.
Early ordering will make your stationer very happy! It will cut
stress on both our parts... and neither of us needs stress do we?
Invitations available from
#7 Not setting a budget
I'm always amazed at how few couples actually set a budget for
their whole wedding, never mind the invites. OK if money is no object then you
can have whatever you want, but more of my couples aren't made of money.
Invitations vary in price depending on whether you want a plain postcard style
or a more fancy pocket style with lots of card inclusions.
Speak to your stationer about what you have to spend. This will
cut time as they can direct you to the invitations within your budget, rather
than falling in love with an all singing all dancing invitation that's 3 times
what you have to spend.
If you need RSVP cards and Info cards as well, there are cost
cutting measures, so you can still have what you need. Many stationery makers
will also do you a deal on bundles. You just need to ask!
Communication is the key!
#8 Not considering postage costs
I've had couples come to me with pictures of fancy cards in boxes,
with a large silk rose plonked on the top and been asked if I can make
something like 'this'. Another one is a paper scroll type invitation... far
cheaper than a card... HOWEVER.... the postage of such items can be 3 times
what you pay for posting a card! A few pearls or diamonds here and there will
go for standard postage but BE VERY CAREFUL when setting your heart on
something you've found on Pinterest. Again it can be a costly mistake. Think about postage costs!
#9 Asking your wedding stationer to copy someone else's
design
ACK! ACK! ACK!!!! No! No! No! This is so wrong! While I am fine of
couples come with pictures of something they found in a magazine or (again) on
Pinterest, I'm assuming that the couple are showing me it for inspiration. If
you want something copied and your wedding stationer agrees, question the
honesty and integrity of that supplier! The reason? IT'S COPYRIGHT! And as such
it's BREAKING THE LAW and LIABLE so some pretty hefty fines! And we are talking
THOUSANDS HERE!
I have a sign in the studio, which says:
"Please do NOT ask me to copy someone else's idea as refusal
often offends!"
Go to and use the stationer whose work
appeals to YOU! If you like their style and ideas then ... buy from
them.
#10 Assuming that because a website is a .co.uk URL your
invitations are being sent from the UK
This is a real biggie for me and one that really gets me mad!
There are companies out there, usually but not always based in China. You look
at the URL... .co.uk .... But do a company check and you'll find its NOT UK
based. Their goods are shoddy, their service is slow (if in fact they turn up
at all) and their website can be closed in a flash!
Don't be caught out! One of the very first Brides I dealt with
ordered stationery.... they took weeks to arrive, the special pen enclosed in
her order to write on the awful super glossy card had leaked all over the box
and to cap it all? They weren't even in ENGLISH!
Complaining to the company was pointless as they requited a full
return of the items and postage would have been a fortune. Be VERY careful if
ordering stationery on the Internet. Far better to order from someone local,
meet with them in person and get 100% attention to detail over your wedding.Check the company out thoroughly
AND,
by shopping local you are supporting
a small, dedicated business,
who will be
grateful for your support.
I hope you've found this article useful. Please feel free to share it using the links below.
If you have any other hints and tips about ordering wedding invitations or any other aspect of wedding planning, please leave a comment..... because we believe... sharing is caring!
Love Sue xox
Article and photos (c) Sue Simpson - Inspired by Script
