The Envelope Please...

There are so many choices when it comes to the big invitation decision.  Whether planning a wedding, bar or bat mitzvah or other event, you can decide to do-it-yourself (DIY), make it semi-homemade, buy engraved, thermography, letterpress, OY -- are you getting a headache yet?  Most of us want some customization and creative input but don’t want to completely do it alone, at home without support or expert resources.

If you are a DIYer, there are a number of options that allow you to choose the color of your paper stock, the weight or type of stock, the size, the envelope - to line or not to line, etc.  I will caution you right up front.  If you are watching budget, be sure to check postal restrictions on size and weight before you make any final decisions.  You could get a whopping surprise if you wait until you're ready to mail 200 invitations.  Skipping this step could be a costly mistake.
If you are going the DIY route, be sure to get paper samples and make sure that you can print on your home equipment.  If you have an inkjet printer and the paper is only laser jet compatible, you will have a problem printing -- not to mention a lot of wasted paper and ink.  Also, most home printers do not print white ink.  So, if you choose a dark colored stock, remember, your printing won't show up.  TEST ahead of time.
Here are some companies that offer a range of products where you can either do all or part of the invitation yourself.

www.invitationbox.com
www.invitationconsultants.com
www.windycitynovelties.com                                                                                                                           www.cutcardstock.com

The majority of invitation “shoppers” want to be able to do some research on their own before actually meeting with an invitation professional.  Ideally, once we have a sense of what we like, don’t like and/or what type of event we’re planning, we want to connect with a company or individual that can walk us through the process.  When working with an invitation company, here are some things to look for:

• Current samples of their work
• References from friends/acquaintances
• What is the turnaround time?
• How quickly can you get an appointment for one-on-one service?
• Do they carry a variety of styles and brands?
• Does their personality align with yours?
• Are there products in your price range?
• Can they handle the addressing and calligraphy?

Companies that offer full service invitation consultation and ordering:

www.invitesink.com; terri@invitesink.com

http://www.writeimpressions-mi.com/

www.weddingwire.com

www.rsvpplymouth.com

So, you are probably wondering what path I’m taking for my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.  After browsing through websites and my giant box o’ invitations (saved over the years) my daughter chose some favorite colors.  I ordered paper samples and then made an appointment for a personal consultation with Terri, owner/designer, Invites Ink! There is a line of invitation products called “Envelopments” that offers so many color choices and size options.  You are really only limited by your imagination.  Terri is getting us some additional samples and then we can test, test, test.  I can’t reveal too much yet but I will say, that Terri was able to steer my daughter in a great direction color-wise and it turned out to be the perfect mother-daughter compromise. 

Assembly, wording and timing comes next.  Stay tuned.