Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to all my past and present couples.
Congratulations to all lucky the couples that got engaged over Christmas and New Year.
With Christmas behind us, let the planning begin.
How far are you with your wedding planning? There are lots of lovely wedding blogs out there to help you with planning your dream day. One I especially like is http://english-wedding.com/ great blog to follow. There is so much information to help with your wedding planning.
Venue booked, you have your date, so what’s next?
I get many wedding invitation sample orders in January. What is the top color scheme for 2013? Purple is still very popular next year so is red, aqua and gold. Often the color scheme will change. You have vision of your big day only to find something you wanted doesn’t exist in the shade you wanted or the bridesmaids don’t look good in the intended color. Remember you won’t get everything to match exactly as it’s not possible but you can add a contrast color so that everything ties in with what you want.
When do you order your wedding stationery?
Most brides order their wedding stationery 6 – 9 months before the wedding, but it’s a good idea to start looking around before this. You may want to see a sample of the invitation in your colours. Is it available in other color schemes? Is there a minimum order? When will I receive them?
A lot of good wedding stationers get booked up really early in the year. You may make and enquiry then go back 3 months later to find they can’t fit you in.
When I get an enquiry there are questions I need to ask.
1. Which invitation are you interested in.
2. What is your color scheme.
3. Approx how many invitations.
4. Is it the same invitation for the evening guests.
5. When do you want to receive them. (important)
6. Will you be wanting stationery for your wedding day i.e Seating plan, place cards, table cards etc.
With this information I can usually answer everything in one email. Remember to think carefully about when you want to receive your invitations. Many times I book a slot for a bride. a few months later I get an email to ask for them earlier, by that time, I’ve usually given the slot to another bride so it can be really difficult in busy times to move the date. When you make an enquiry try to include as much information as possible.
If you would like to make an enquiry please visit my web site where you will find a gallery of wedding invitations and much more www.carolmillerdesigns.co.uk
When should I send out wedding invitations?
I normally suggest 4-6 months before the wedding date especially if it’s a summer wedding. A lot of your guests will be planning their summer holidays. Your venue will want numbers about 8 weeks before the wedding so it’s a good idea to send them out early enough giving your guests time to reply. I make a lot of wedding invitations that contain an RSVP but you would be surprised how many times I can’t start a seating plan even 4 weeks before a wedding because the couple are still awaiting replies.
Wedding Invitation Scroll
What do I need to include in the wedding invitation?
Apart from the usual wedding details some couples like to add an RSVP insert for their guest to return. It doesn’t mean your guest will reply any sooner, but it is a good idea to add an RSVP date. This should prompt your guests to send back a reply. Some couples like to add a menu choice to their wedding invitation as a lot of venues these days want to know what meals will be chosen well before your wedding date. I have been asked for maps but to be honest most people own a sat nav so there shouldn’t be any problems, unless of course it’s a new build. As long as the postcode is on the insert everything should be fine. Always remember if you are going to pack out your invitation with all the extra inserts take them to the post office to be weighed. A lot of invitations never arrive because of insufficient postage. The Post Office will leave your guest a card to collect with an extortionate fee to pay!
There are a number of different types of wedding invitations that can provide all this extra information.
Wedding Scroll Invitation
Jasmine Pocketfold Style Invitation
Cheque Book Style Invitation
Wedding scroll invitations, pocketfold style wedding invitations and check book style wedding invitation. These type of invitations can be made to accommodate all the extra details.
I have seen a wedding invitation I like, but it’s not in my color scheme
Make an enquiry.
Most of my wedding invitations can be matched to 50 color schemes. Just because the color isn’t shown it doesn’t mean it’s not available. I have invitations that I have made in many colours not all are on my web site as it will slow down my pages. I’m happy to send the photos by email or even put on to my web site should someone want to see the design in their chosen color.
I have an idea what I want but can’t find it
Princess Wedding Invitation
Make an enquiry.
Many times I get emails. A couple have an idea what they want, but can’t find it. It’s easier if you make an initial enquiry. I often ask a bride to call me to discuss their ideas. If a new color scheme is available it doesn’t always mean everything else is. If you speak to your stationer they will know if the idea you have, will also be available for your ‘on the day stationery’ i.e wedding seating plan, place cards etc. A couple of years ago I was able to find some purple butterflies which have proved very popular, unfortunately they are not available in coral. I wish it was that simple. your stationer will be able to discuss the options that are possible.
I haven’t yet decided on a color scheme for my wedding
No problem. A lot of brides make enquiries but the color scheme is not yet set in stone.
Most designs can be adapted to suit your final decision. I once had a wedding order. The bride ordered my ‘Ellie’ wedding scroll in ivory and champagne. We had spoken a number of times on the telephone. She had a different scheme for the day, but no one knew, not even the groom! I knew that on the day everything was Lavender. The invitations were sent out, but the seating plan, place cards, guest book etc had a lavender rose rather than an ivory one that was on the original invitation. You don’t have to stick to the color you originally chose for your invitations.
I may decide to have a different color scheme on the day
Wedding Breakfast Menu – Megan
This isn’t a problem. When an initial booking is made the color scheme is usually decided for the wedding invitations. Many couples want something different for the actual day. I had a couple last year. They had champagne ivory ‘Megan’ for the invitations. It was to be the same for the day. They were quite local and decided to collect one Sunday afternoon. They had gone on a shopping spree just before they came to me. By chance the groom ran back to the car to show me their teal centrepieces.They were gorgeous, I said, ‘why don’t you have ivory and teal then for the day? They both looked at me as though I’d said, ‘I’ll pay for the whole of your wedding’ ( I didn’t by the way) I got out my teal ribbons which were a good match. They were thrilled, so was I that I’d made them so happy. That was so easy they didn’t realize they only had to ask. Wedding stationers will make anything to accommodate your ideas. Believe me I get just as excited as you, planning your table stationery.
I hope this post answers some of the questions you may have. If there is anything you would like to know, feel free to drop me an email [email protected]
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Until next time Julie xx
