How Did THAT Happen? Part One.

I recently read a Facebook post where a bride had received her invitations only to realize she'd forgotten to add the location of the wedding (!) and she was anguishing over whether she should pay to reprint them or figure another way to fix the situation. I'm not sure what choice she finally made, but I felt so bad for her. (And, if you've read any of my previous posts, you'll know that when she said, "I wish I'd had someone proofread them for me!" my heart was breaking for her.)

As my children have become adults, I'm grateful to the person who first reminded me that they don't know what they don't know. So when I'm wondering why they would make a certain decision they've made, that phrase helps me remind myself that I was once their age too. And I didn't know what I didn't know.

This phrase couldn't be more apropos or pertinent when it comes to weddings. The vast majority of brides planning their dream wedding are doing so for the first time. Duh! So how do they possibly know what they don't know...unless someone tells them. And hopefully gently. Please.

Once you've picked the date and decided on your venue, the next biggest things to cross off your list are photographer, possibly videographer, and Save the Date cards and/or invitations. But if you've never designed and sent a wedding invitation before, how are you supposed to know all that you need to know? Someone tells you. And hopefully gently. Please.

Your invitations are the first creative piece you design for your wedding and the first thing your guests see (unless you do Save the Date cards.) These days, the sky's the limit when it comes to designing. This means that your stationery can be as much a reflection of your special day as your flower choices and bridesmaids dresses. Which is why, in your excitement, it's easy to make some mistakes. Let me put you in the know, so you'll finally know what you didn't know you didn't know. (Whew! Anyone else feel like they just fell into a glass of poison in The Princess Bride? Don't understand the reference? Contact me ASAP so I can help you live a fuller life.)

So here's a simple checklist for your invitations (other stationery items will have different checklists!)

• Names of the bride and the groom. I know, I can hear your eyes rolling back in your head. But I've realized that sometimes things we think should go without saying actually need to be said. So make sure both names are on there and that they're spelled correctly. And correct spelling of the bride's and groom's parents' names is just as important. Maybe more, depending on your relationship with your FMIL.

• Date and exact time of your wedding ceremony and your reception.

• Name and full address of the ceremony venue. In our current era, the vast majority of your guests will use GPS to get there. But inserting a small sheet of paper with a map and directions will be greatly appreciated by your older guests and even those who've come from out of town and are trying to figure out their rental car.
  

• RSVP details/deadline. Some newly-married brides will tell you this was one of the most stressful parts of their wedding. You can help reduce this stress by making sure your invitation has:

  • an RSVP card enclosed with a clear deadline

  • the contact info of the person to whom the RSVP will be sent in case they have questions

  • a self-addressed, stamped envelope (or postcard) so they can return it. (SVP just means please without the R!) These days a lot of brides are including an email address or a QR code to make responding easier - but don't forget that your unplugged guests might be more comfortable with the USPS.

  • If these three things are done and RSVPs are still causing you stress, contact me for help. (Or you could always bypass the stress completely and contact me from the beginning of this entire process!)
    

You may also want your guests to know about your wedding website, accommodation information for out of town guests, your registry details, the time and address for the reception especially if it's at a different location from the wedding and other special requests like no children or a dress code. Those details are better suited on the reverse side (if applicable) or, even better, on a simple insert. The last thing you want is for your invitation to be so packed full with info that it's too much work to read. (See last week's blog: Does That Invite Even Look Inviting?)

There are a few other things you should KNOW about those invitations you're going to send. But, at the risk of this blog being TLDR when it contains such important information, I'll cover those things on next week's blog.

I Need Part 2

Don't think you can wait another week?

Contact me and ask for Part Two to be emailed to you ahead of time. If you do, I may even send you details on a special discount that could be worth your while!

If you are a bride who is getting ready to design and send out her first stationery items and you don't have a trusted individual who can guide you down this path, then let ME be that guide. I promise to do so - gently!

Till next week...