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not equal to the number on your guest list. If you’re inviting 150 guests, you do not need 150 invitations. You probably have a great deal of families and couples that only need one invitation per household.

Also keep in mind, however, that it’s a good idea to have at least five to 10 extra invitations on standby. You never know when you may wake up one night in a cold sweat with the sinking realization that you completely forgot to invite dear Aunt Martha up in Minnesota. But apart from any last-minute stragglers, you also want to make sure you have a few copies of your stationery suite to save for yourself. When your wedding day finally arrives, don’t forget to grab one to be photographed at your venue!

TACKLING THE TIMELINE

Traditionally, save-the-dates are sent out eight to 12 months before the wedding date. Don’t send save-the- dates to guests unless you are certain that you are inviting them to your wedding. Your more formal invitations are typically mailed about eight to 10 weeks before the wedding — but this is not a hard and fast rule. If you are planning on having a destination affair, for example, informing your guests earlier is always appreciated so that appropriate travel arrangements can be made.

Consult your vendors to see when they need a final head count and then tack on a few extra weeks to give yourself some leeway. As much as we would all love for people to RSVP on time, chances are you’re going to have to do some last-minute follow up with some of your less punctual guests.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

The shining star of your wedding stationery, the invitation suite is a package that includes the design of your invitations, as well as all of the little details that make them uniquely beautiful (every tie, every ribbon and every stroke of the fountain pen). Your invitation suite includes an outer envelope, many times an unsealed inner envelope, the invitation, a details card, a response card and a response card envelope. Additional materials like printed maps, menu cards and hotel information can also be included in your suite.

It can be a bit overwhelming, so let’s break down the basics: Envelope – Use an outer and inner envelope to identify the invited guests. Invitation – Indicate the who, what, when and where of your big day. Details Card – Include your hotel accommodation information, wedding website and additional guest information. Split into multiple cards if needed. Response Card – Give guests a way to RSVP to your wedding. It can also be used to gather dinner selections and the number of guests attending from each household. Response Card Envelope – Include postage for guests and the host’s address on the envelope. You want to make sure your guests can reply to your big day as easily as possible.

After your invitations are sent, there are a few other elements you may want to think about to round out your wedding stationery. These elements include your ceremony programs, table cards, seating chart, menus, favor tags, as well as your thank-you notes. Work with your stationer to keep your overall look and design consistent throughout your big day.

THANKS SO MUCH

Although it may seem like a tedious task, it’s incredibly important to send a thank-you note to all of your guests no more than three months after your celebration. Hand-writing every single thank-you note may sound like an endless endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be distressing. Try carving out a time each week after your wedding when you can get a handful of them completed.

While there is a lot involved in creating your wedding stationery, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Find a professional stationer who can give you the customized invitation suite you envision. He or she can guide you through the process from concept to delivery. Set yourself up for success by getting a head start and taking things one step at a time, and you will be sure to get your guests’ seal of approval. ■

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Letters

Before heading to the mailbox, read these helpful tips to avoid any costly missteps with your wedding stationery.

INVITATION SUITE

Not every couple opts to include all of these items, but this comprehensive list gives you a place to start. Add ribbon, wax seals and other details for a finishing touch. • Outer envelope • Unsealed inner envelope • Envelope liner • Invitation • Reception Details card • Guest Accommodations card • Custom map • Reply card • Reply envelope, with postage

DAY-OF WEDDING STATIONERY

Work with your stationer to create on-brand material for a cohesive look throughout your wedding. • Ceremony program • Seating chart • Favor tags • Menus • Table numbers • Place cards • Thank-you notes