If you did not send out Save the date announcements, your wedding invitation is the first item your guests will see about your wedding. It gives your guests an idea as to the type and formality of your wedding.
Invitations may be printed or engraved. Formal invitations should be mailed 4-6 weeks before your wedding date. Informal weddings, invitations ten days prior.
When ordering invitations, order 25 more than you think you will need. It’s cheaper to order more in advance than ordering a small quantity at a later date. Also, order extra envelopes to allow for mistakes.
Invitation and announcements should be handwritten in black or blue ink or in dark ink matching your wedding colors such as Burgundy, purple, brown, and green. Red is inappropriate. Gold and silver may be used but they are difficult to read. Both envelopes should be in the same handwriting. You may want to consider calligraphy. It creates a very elegant look for your invitations.
Children’s names should be listed on the inside envelope on the second line. Never use “and Family” on the envelope. The rule is, if children are not listed on the envelope, they are not invited. However, in order not to create confusion, you may wish to indicate so within your communications. Any invited children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation.