Start with a vision
Before diving into all the nitty gritty details of your stationery, take some time to envision what you want your invitations to look like. How do you want to feel when you see and touch them? Do you want a traditional look, or are you leaning toward something more modern and unconventional? Consider the vibe you want—romantic, rustic, elegant, or quirky—and think about the style that best suits you and your partner. This initial vision will help guide your choices throughout the design process. We highly recommend using Pinterest as a resource. Armed with your inspiration board, this is a great time to set up a free consultation with one our amazing designers to get started on the next steps! Book An Appointment
Set a budget and timeline
Having a firm grasp on your budget and timeline is key. Weddings can quickly become expensive, so it’s crucial to determine how much you can afford to spend on stationery without stretching your finances too thin. The average couple reports spending 3-6% of their total wedding budget on stationery related items. This includes save the dates, invitations, programs, signage, think anything printed! We have many budget friendly options. Be sure to discuss your budget up front with your designer, and she’ll be able to help keep you on course.
We recommend sending save the dates 6-9 months in advance of your wedding, though this window can vary depending on many factors of your event. Invitations are typically mailed 2-3 months ahead of the wedding. If you are interested in saving the money and hassle of two separate mailings, check out our exclusive “Save the Date + Wedding Invitation” designs. Your guests can tear off the perforated top panel for a keepsake Save the Date, while retaining the rest of the piece as the wedding invitation itself.
Set your Guest List
Sit down with your partner to create your wedding guest list. You want to invite everyone who’s important to you, but you may need to make cuts to stay within budget or fit the venue size. Start by listing your must-have guests and then expand based on available space and finances. Don’t forget to account for plus-ones, which can increase your overall guest count. When placing your wedding invitation order, be sure to order based on number of households on your list, not individual guests. This is a common mistake! Once you have your number of households finalized, we recommend ordering 10-15% extra. These will come in hand for keepsakes, your photographer, and any last minute adds or invitations that may be lost in the mail.
Send Invitations and Track RSVPs
Once you have your beautiful invitations in hand, it’s time to get them in the mail! Many couples are opting for online RSVP’s as opposed to traditional mail-back cards. Our designers can help you create the perfect online RSVP system. As guests respond, keep track of responses so you can finalize your seating chart, catering numbers, and other logistical elements.
Ready to get started? Make the first move and contact us!
E: design@trulyinspiredpaperco.com
P: 419-920-9346