Wedding Invitation Etiquette

With December being the most popular month for engagements, many happy couples have now begun that long and winding planning path that leads to the aisle. One stop along the way is selecting the invitations, which can be done as soon as all of the ceremony and reception details are finalized, says Gail Sturm, co-owner of .

“As a general rule of thumb, wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the event,” adds Sturm. “However, if the wedding falls during the summer months or around a holiday, we suggest the eight weeks since people tend to make their holiday/vacation plans well in advance.”

Invitation ensembles typically include four to five traditional pieces: the invitation itself, the reception card, the response card (with envelope), the directions/accommodations card and the informal note (thank you note).

Save the Date cards have also become popular as engagements are lasting longer (almost 15.5 months in 2011 according to the 2011 BRIDES American Wedding Study), and couples want to make sure family and friends are aware of their event.

“Save the Date cards are preferably sent out six months to a year before the wedding date and are invaluable if you plan to invite long distance guests or if your wedding is planned for a popular vacation place or time,” Sturm says.

As for color and style, most of The Paper Spot's invitation orders incorporate some element of color, with navy having been very popular recently, Sturm reveals. Clients can choose to add ribbons, bows or wraps, as well as select a color ink or paper. In addition, using a colored liner for the outer envelope pulls the ensemble together and makes an elegant impression when the envelope is first opened, says Sturm.

For more information on wedding invitation etiquette, please call Sturm or co-owner Mary Ann Wall at 815-464-8533 or stop by The Paper Spot at 105 S. Ash in downtown Frankfort. The Paper Spot is also online at www.thepaperspot.net and www.facebook.com/thepaperspot.