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LaMonir’s Guide to Wedding Stationery and Etiquette
All stationery for all occasions
He popped the question, and you said, "Yes." Or maybe you asked, and he said...
Well, however it happened; now you're engaged. From this moment forward,
stationery will help you organize, communicate, and celebrate your special day
with friends and loved ones. Invitations are your guests' first glimpse into all
the events leading up to your big day. More than just exemplify your wedding's
style, they invite, guide, and inform. They "request the honor of your
presence," get you to the rehearsal dinner on time, and tell guests that the
engagement party is a luau, so leave the tux at home. A complete invitation
includes more than just the date and location of your ceremony. Guests may need
to know how to find the reception or where the married couple will make their
new home. Likewise, a complete wedding includes more than just the ceremony:
showers, parties, and notes of thanks are all in order. Because invitations
convey information, you must remain sensitive to good etiquette. To some,
etiquette means a full-length dress instead of a skirt and a curtsey instead of
a handshake. Rather, etiquette is a set of social standards to help everyone the
hosts, bride, groom, and guests be comfortable and avoid problems ahead of time.
If you are hosting a black tie reception, inform guests with the invitation so
they know what to wear and, even though you love it, consider leaving chili off
the reception menu. (Your beautiful white dress will thank you.) Have a lot of
questions? Good. and Birchcraft Studios.com are both your etiquette and
stationery experts. We'll bring you up to speed on everything you need to know
about wedding stationery, from "Will You" to "Thank You."
Getting Started Before You've Begun
Some Opening Questions
Our stationery and ceremony go hand-in-hand, so before you pick out your
invitation you should have some idea of what your big day will be like. Will
your ceremony be formal, semi-formal, or informal? Will your reception be
traditional or contemporary? The formality of your celebration determines many
of your invitation choices. For example, formal invitations are fairly standard:
white or ecru cotton paper with black or dark gray engraved type. On the other
hand, the more informal the celebration, the more flexibility you have. Colored
papers, inks, or ribbons may accent your less formal invitations and emphasize
your personal style. Consider the timing of your celebration. Will the season
influence your wedding theme? Try invitations with blooming flowers for the
spring or richly colored leaves in the fall. Is the time of year fairly busy for
your guests? You may have to send invitations earlier than normal so guests can
schedule around holidays, vacations, and, of course, other weddings. These are
just the first questions you must answer before choosing the right invitation.
Once you determine the venue, date, guest list, and where the wedding will be,
you can start ordering your invitations.
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