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Wedding Invitations set the stage for your wedding.  
They are the most important and the most complex of all your wedding stationary

Components of a Wedding Invitation
Main invitation
Reception Card
Ceremony Card
Response Card
Envelopes:  Mailing, Inner & Return


 Main Invitation

There is much to do before invitations are printed
Here is a step by step guide...

1.  Draft your beginning idea and search for beautiful papers
Search the internet, invitation books and card shops for stationary designs
Search arts and crafts stores and the internet for papers

I buy most of my basic papers from the Artist section and accent with scrap booking papers.   The actual invitation paper should be about 120 lb.  I like a paper with texture.  It adds a level of quality and elegance.   Since your printing will not be embossed, as it would be from a professional printer, the textured paper gives a similar illusion.  It is just the paper that is raised instead of the printing.

The Artist papers are usually in their own section of the Art store.  Do not be intimidated by the large sheets of paper, these papers can be cut down to 81/2"" X 11"" to fit into your printer.   You will often save money buying in larger sheets.  If you do not have your own means of cutting paper, a copy center often has self-serve large cutters available at no cost.  Or they will cut papers for you for a minimal fee.  Note:  Handmade papers are beautiful, but will not go through your printer well.  There are ways to include them in an invitation design, just do not plan to run them through your printer.

The scrap booking section will give you many beautiful options.  However, you most often pay per sheet of paper.  Cost saving idea: Consider how you can use these beautiful pieces as accents rather than as the main parts of your invitation.  In the sample below, I created a sleeve for the invitation in a size that allowed me to get two from each 12 '' X 12'' sheet and the remaining 1'' scrap was used as part of the program.  Also, when you create a sleeve for your invitation, it replaces the inner envelope, adding a bit more beauty, creativity and uniqueness.
 

 Vellum is a new and beautiful piece of artwork.  However, all vellum is not created equal.  If you are planning to print on vellum, test it first, some forms of vellum do not absorb the printer ink well and /or needs extra drying time.  (This might require pulling each piece from the printer as it is printed so as not to smudge between sheets).  I have had good success with vellum.  In the sample invite below, the blue hydrangea design was printed onto clear vellum sheets to create the final vellum sleeve.
2.  Once you have decided on your papers and style,
It is time to typeset your invitation.  I like a publishing program like printmaster for typesetting.
Find your envelopes before you complete your design and print your invitations
Click here for more on envelopes

3.  Put it into words
Use the third person tense when choosing the invitation wording.  
Do not use nicknames or abbreviations other than Mr. Mrs. Ms. and Jr.

Proof read and have someone else proof read after typesetting is complete.

4. How Many

When determining how many invitations to order, count each couple, single adult, attendants, parents and clergy.  
Add a few for the unknown and/or keepsake. (Extra envelopes are a good idea)

Reception Cards and  Ceremony Cards

Reception or Ceremony cards are similar, but are used for opposite reasons.
They are small cards that slip inside of the invitation inviting a selected number of guests
 to one or the other of these events.

For example,  If you are planning a small intimate ceremony on the beach,
but are planning a large celebration afterward,
your invitation would invite guest to the reception and a
ceremony card would be used to invite a select number of guests to the ceremony.

Or, If you are planning a very small reception
but would like to extend an invitation to the ceremony to a larger number of guests,
the invitation would be an invite to the ceremony and a reception card
would be used to invite a select number of guests to the reception.

 If you are planning to invite the same guests to both the ceremony and reception,
but do not plan to include the reception information on the main invitation.  
A reception card would be included in every invitation inviting guests to the reception

If you are planning an all adult reception, but would like to invite children to the ceremony,
a reception card would be included specifying 'all adult reception'.


 Response Cards or RSVP Cards

Use RSVP cards when reception counts or dinner selections are necessary.
Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the RSVP card

Be sure to include on the RSVP card the date you would like responses returned by.
Give yourself time for follow-up.  Guests are not always good about returning cards.
Your reception site will need final counts about a week before the reception.

 Envelopes

I find this to be the greatest challenge.  Fine envelopes are difficult to find.  
28 # is a good high quality weight, heavier is better
I buy from www.actionenvelope.com

A vellum envelope can be used for an inner envelope.
Although I have seen them used for mailing envelopes, I would check with the post office
Also check with the post office on postage cost.
I have some great small square envelopes that I use for response cards (5 x 5) they cost extra because of the square size.

Envelopes are traditionally hand addressed in black.  
Guests names are written on the inside envelope.
However, with the beautiful fonts computers can print, I often run envelopes through my printer.
(Never use labels clear or otherwise)

All envelopes should be the same weight, color and shape.  Be sure the back flaps match on all envelopes.
For example, your mailing envelope should not have a square flap and your return envelope have a pointed flap.  
This is a dead give away that your invitations are not professionally printed.