Helpful Hints and Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to send Save the Date cards?
Save the Dates cards are very popular these days. Although not required, it is a good practice to send a Save the Date card 6-12 months before your wedding (but not more than a year in advance) for a number of reasons:
• You are getting married during a holiday weekend
• You are having a destination wedding
• You are planning to invite a lot of out of town guests who need to make travel and hotel arrangements
2. When should I order my invitations?
As you plan your wedding, you should begin the invitation selection process at least 14 weeks prior to your wedding date. Here’s how the timeline breaks down:
• It typically takes 4 weeks for the invitation and favor selection process — from the time we first meet until the final products arrive at your doorstep. Don’t worry, if you’re in a rush, we can help expedite your order!
• Take at least 1-2 weeks to address your invitations. If you are having your invitations addressed by a calligrapher, be sure to check the amount of time he/she will need.
• Mail your invitations 8 weeks prior to your wedding date to allow your guests enough time to respond. This gives you time to make final adjustments to the seating chart or reception hall layout.
3. How many invitations should I order?
You will need a single invitation for each single adult (proper etiquette indicates anyone over the age of 18), couple or family invited. Joysentials will automatically order you an additional 25 outer and inner envelopes to allow for any mistakes when addressing your invitations. You may also want to consider rounding your order up by 25 invitations to allow for momentos, last minute additions to your invite list, redos, etc. Ordering additional invitations at a later date will cost more and may delay sending your invitations.
4. Do I need to include a Response Card?
Response Cards are a convenient way for your guests to reply and for you to plan properly. They save you money on your reception costs, especially if a meal is being served, by allowing you to keep track of an exact head count. If you are offering a meal choice, this can also be indicated on this card so your guests can notify you of their dinner selection or special dietary needs. Response cards include a reply envelope printed with your name and address, but don’t forget to affix stamps on the reply envelope.
Tip: When assembling your guest list, give each address a number. Write this number lightly, in pencil, on the back of your response card prior to mailing. If guests forget to write their name on the cards, or if you cannot read their handwriting, you know is responding.
5. Do I need to include a Reception Card?
Reception Cards are traditionally included when the ceremony is held at a separate location from the reception or when there is a gap of time between the ceremony and reception. The Reception Card provides key information such as time and location so your guests can plan accordingly. However, Reception Cards can also be used if your ceremony is being held at the same location as the reception (such as at hotel or country club). Joysentials can help you find the wording that meets your needs.
6. Why is using correct postage most important?
Before addressing your invitations, put together a complete invitation ensemble with all of your enclosure cards and envelopes. Bring your invitation ensemble to your local post office and have them weigh it to determine the proper amount of postage. Invitations that are over 1 ounce, square in shape or oversized will require additional postage. If your invitations are returned for insufficient postage, your envelopes will be ruined and redoing them will not only cost you more money, but will interfere with your timeframe.
Tip: If your reception site requires meal selections to be made in advance, your guests might forget what they ordered by time your wedding date arrives. To help avoid any confusion, unhappy guests or shortage of meals, indicate the meal selection on the back of the table cards. With a single letter (i.e. B-Beef, F-Fish, C-Chicken, etc.) and a number for how many, your reception staff & your guests will be able to quickly remember.
