When your guests will be flying and staying in a hotel during a busy season or near a holiday it is nice to give them a heads up 4-6 months before your wedding, allowing them plenty of time to make their travel and lodging arrangements. Most often a save-the-date is a simple postcard made in a color and font likely to be used on the wedding invitation. Keep in mind, the post office will deliver a postcard at a greatly reduced rate but there are some restrictions. There are upper and lower size and weight limits. We have the Post Office size chart at Paper Depot and we will be happy to help you choose the right size. Your save-the-date should include the names of the couple, the date of the wedding and if you have a website, your web address for further details. We have many samples for you to see.

Is it cheaper to make your own invitation? That depends on what you mean by D-I-Y (do-it-yourself). Some brides buy their paper, pay someone to do the layout work, pay someone else to do the printing and cutting, pay yet another person to do the assembly, and finally, pay someone else to do the calligraphy on the envelope. There will not be a lot of savings on this type of D-I-Y wedding invitation. The good news is, the average person can do everything required to make a beautiful wedding invitation. Instead of paying others to do the work you can pay yourself. And then not only is it definitely cheaper, but there are many rewards in the process. Our customer workroom is well equipped with the latest tools and diecutting machines to cut the very popular pocket invitations, all free to our customers, and our staff is always available to offer their expert help.

At Paper Depot, the samples and varieties of invitations seem endless. Should you use a pocket folder, a gate fold, a long #10, a 5 x 7 flat card, layered, stamped, punched, with or without ribbon, vellum overlay, rounded corners....? Our design staff will help you with design, layout, color, cardstock, paper, and embellishment choices. They build a mockup for you, allowing you to try stamps, inks, ribbons, punches, etc. When you like what you see, we will calculate your price, do all the math, and create a layout sheet that shows you how to layout each piece of your invitation including instructions showing you how to set up your computer enabling you to print them yourself.

Wording choices vary greatly depending on your individual circumstance. Good sources for ideas can be found by Googling "wedding invitation wording". Choosing fonts (typestyle) is as great a part of personalizing your wedding invitation as are the colors you choose. When looking at wedding invitation samples that please your eye: note the choice of fonts; the color of the font in comparison to paper colors; the varying font sizes used to accent names or phrases; how the words are positioned on the paper (ie. centered, left justified, right justified); the amount and location of white space around the wording; and the use of overlapping images.

There is a lot of software available to make it easy for you to layout your invitations yourself. Because you are working with a variety of sizes when creating a wedding invitation, the easiest method is to use software such as Microsoft Publisher that allows you to create a "text box", allowing you to use the same artwork in several places by enlarging, reducing, or turning the text box and copy-pasting it where you want it. It also enables you to make multiple copies of the same image on one sheet of paper. Doing your layout on 8 1/2 x 11 paper makes it easier to print because most printers work best in that size and it is the most commonly available size of paper. One caution, be certain to remove the lines around your text boxes before printing. Stop in to the Paper Depot and one of our designers will sit at the computer with you and show you how.

How or where you print your invitations will be determined by you paper choices. The thickness, texture, and surface coating of the paper will determine what type of printer (inkjet, laser, offset, letterpress) will work best on your paper choice. Always test the paper with the printer you want to use to insure that the ink will not bleed, smear, or rub off. Whether printing at home or taking it to a professional it is a good idea to have 10% more paper than you need to allow for set up, mistakes, fingerprints, etc. One of our designers will be happy to help you with your choice of printing. They can tell you how to do-it-yourself or help you to choose a printer from our list of select printers.

Inner and outer envelopes are rarely used in the world of D-I-Y wedding invitations. Originally double envelopes were necessary for the Pony Express, both addressed to the recipient, in case the envelope was damaged in the saddle bag. The original method became the tradition. Names can be written on the outer envelope. For example, the invitation could be addressed as follows: "John and Mary Jones, or Mr and Mrs John Jones, Mr and Mrs John Jones and Family. When children are not invited it can be made clear on the RSVP card. When using a pocket folder style of invitation it can be used in place of an inner envelope.

A note of caution, greeting cards and off the shelf wedding invitations almost never use standard sized envelopes. They are usually custom sizes designed just for that particular card. Don't copy these sizes, you will be unable to buy open stock envelopes in those sizes. Always go to your paper store first and select an envelope size from their stock with which to work. That way you are assured of getting a size that is actually available to you.

Dimensions, weight, and thickness determine postage and surcharges. Postal surcharges are added to some envelope sizes, square envelopes, envelopes over one ounce, envelopes over 1/4 of an inch thick, and envelopes with bumps. Always take a prototype of your invitation to the Post Office to verify the mailing cost. If there is a postal increase on the horizon, be certain to put the increased postage on your RSVP cards if there is any chance they will be mailed after the increase is in effect. We have the latest postage charts and will be happy to estimate but ultimately the U.S. Post Office rules.

A seperate reception card is used when the reception can not be simply stated on the invitation: "Reception to follow" or "Reception to follow at Minneapolis Country Club". It is helpful to use a seperate reception card for any of the following situations:

1) There is a significant amount of time between the wedding and the reception.

2) The reception site requires an additional map and directions.

3) The reception site requires a "back up plan".

4) The reception includes a time line (ie. appetizers at 4, dinner at 6, dancing from 9-midnight).

Print about 10% more of each item than you think you will need to allow for mistakes.

Count households, not names when deciding how many invitations to make. Make 7-12 extra invitations to accomodate your mom and dad remembering Uncle Harold at the last minute.

Mail your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Allow extra time if mailing at a busy time of the year like Christmas.

An RSVP can be a simple postcard or a more elaborate piece with a matching envelope. Both are acceptable and you should attach correct postage to either one. Postcards are more economical as the postage rate is less and the envelope cost is omitted. When using a postcard be certain it is a size and weight that the Post Office accepts. Any of our Paper Depot staff can show you the Post Office chart and help you to choose the right size and weight. A small number of brides are providing a website on which to RSVP. Always include a phone number for your guest who will not try the website. Keep in mind, phone RSVPs may quickly exceed your answering machine's or voice mail box's capacity and RSVPs could be lost. Choose the number and person who will answer carefully.

RSVPs should include a date by which you would like them returned, generally two weeks before the wedding, but sometimes earlier if the caterer needs more time.

RSVPs should include a line for the names of those guests who will be attending.

RSVPs should include a spot for the total calculation of the number of guests coming from the household. Don't assume everyone can make it if they have checked "yes". NOTE: If children are not invited make that clear on the RSVP card by saying,"two places have been reserved for you".

If you are requiring menu choices, ask your guests to initial the menu choice for each individual attending. It is not necessary to provide detailed information about the menu choice on the RSVP. If you want to give more menu information put it on a seperate piece and include it with the map, RSVP. etc.

Unfortunately, not all of those you invite will understand the importance of the RSVP and either don't respond or don't indicate their meal choices even though they plan to attend. Here are some steps you can take to minimize confusion as the wedding day approaches.

1) Number you RSVP cards to correspond with your list of names and addresses. When an RSVP is returned with the number of guests filled in but not their names, you know who they are by checking the number on the card against the numbers on your list of names and addresses. You will also be able to tell who hasn't responded and you can call them to verify their intent. This is important when your caterer wants an accurate number or when menu choices must be accurate. If they checked two meal choices but did not initial who wanted what you will be able to verify by phone as well.

2) To avoid hard feelings and confusion, use two differently worded RSVP cards if some guests are only invited to the wedding or only invited to the reception and include the appropriate RSVP card.

A map is often enclosed to help travelers find their way to the wedding and reception and sometimes to the accomodations. If the venues are fairly close one map will suffice. Keep the map simple and easy to read. Choose lighter color papers and easy to read fonts when creating maps. Basic instructions from north, south, east, and west should be written with just the last few turns shown on the map. Highly detailed maps are often more confusing than helpful. If there are specific parking restrictions include them on the map page. If a seperate map is needed for the reception it can be printed on the back of the wedding map (clearly marked) or even the back of the wedding program used during the wedding ceremony.

Accomodations may be listed on a seperate sheet of paper or with the map or with other detail information enclosed with the wedding invitation. Include the name of the hotel, the complete address, and a telephone number (toll free if possible). If a block of rooms have been set aside under your name, remind your guests to mention this when making reservations. This may give them a better rate. Do not provide pricing details as there are usually many exceptions to the rule, based on your guests' requirements.

The size and shape of the wedding program is best based on the amount of information the bride and groom wish to share with their guests. In addition to listing the order of the ceremony and names of the attendants some couples include the words of a favorite song or poem, an explanation of a ritual, a memorial to a deceased parent, or a thank you note to all in attendance. Wedding programs can be printed on card stock or text (a lighter weight) paper; can be as simple as a half sheet of paper printed front and back, or a multi-sheet booklet, or a paper fan. Paper Depot carries fan sticks as well as having a fan die cut perfect for die cutting printed pieces that can be assembled with eyelets or brads into a lovely fan. Generally we suggest one wedding program per couple and recommend that ushers hand them out as guests are seated. Bring us your idea or use one of ours, we have many sample design ideas from which to choose.

Ribbons make a perfect decorative addition to your D-I-Y wedding invitation or your wedding program and our ribbon selection is bigger than that of most big box stores. We only stock the top brands but because of our high volume our prices are comparable to the prices of the lesser brands. Sold by the large spool or by the yard, our ribbon styles include double face satin, silk, sheer, mesh, woven, grosgrain, suede, taffeta, velveteen, and lace. While we have a large selction of whites we also have every color in the rainbow. Our cords include both natural and artificial raffia in many colors, colored strings, and various styles and colors of cord. Do you need help tying ribbon bows or knots? Ask to see our knot and bow samples. We will teach you how to tie them. Most of our customers use our ribbons in wedding invitations but my granddaughters love when I give them ribbons for their hair.

Wax seals make an elegant addition to any invitation. They can be used to seal the outside of an envelope, as a seal to a pocket folder, or as an embellishment on an invitation. Wax is made from two basic ingredients either used alone or mixed together. Traditional seals are made from a brittle wax candle that is lit and dripped in place. A metal or rubber seal is pushed into the wax while it is still liquid. The image from the seal transfers to the wax which hardens. The finished seal opens by being bent until it snaps. These seals are beautiful when done skillfully. They can be sooty when melting and they do not travel well through the US Mail. Because they are brittle they usually break in the mail.

A newer method is to use a hot glue gun with sticks made from colored glue. It is cheap (4-6 cents per seal), clean, easy to use, but looks like traditional wax and does not break in the mail. The glue gun should be a low temperature model. Since the glue will stick to the metal embosser it is necessary to use a releasing agent. We recommend Top Boss. Squirt the hot colored glue in place with a low temperature glue gun, press the seal into the Top Boss, then press it into the hot glue while it is still liquid. Let it set until the glue hardens. The image from the seal transfers to the glue which hardens. The glue seal opens by tearing it off. Because the glue seal will not break it will go through the US Mail.

There are hybrids mixing both wax and glue that come as a candle or glue gun version. These are more flexible than traditional wax and have softer colors than glue sticks. One of our staff will be happy to show these to you and explain the differences.

If you are unsure of your skill level, make your glue seals on wax paper. Peal them off and glue them to your invitation. Use only the seals that turn out well. Paper Depot designers will be glad to show you how to make a glue seal. Stop in for a demonstration next time your are in the area.

A word about mailing-If the seal is on the outside of your envelope there will be a postal surcharge for mailing. If your seal is on the inside of the invitation envelope and your envelope exceeds 1/4 inch in thickness there will also be a postal surcharge. See the USPS website or stop by your local post office for information.

Party favors are a treat for your guest and are a traditional part of a place setting. What you use as a party favor could be anything...candies, truffles, lottery tickets, almonds, cookies, teas, fruit, candles, etc. Favors can be items of particular importance to the bride and groom or they me be tied to the location of a destination wedding. The packaging of the favor ties it all together, adding to the look of the place setting. Paper Depot carries a large selection of box and bag die cuts that can be color coordinated to your place setting. We have just recently added a die cut set of bride and groom party favor containers that you can make in colors to match your wedding party's colors. Punches, stamps, stickers, and ribbons also add to your party favor's appearance. Paper Depot carries a variety of ready made paper, cellophane,and taffeta bags and small boxes that can be decorated with ribbons and thank you tags, or wrapped in specialty papers. A wide variety of decorated party favors are always on display at Paper Depot.

Table numbers may be necessary when there is assigned seating. Table numbers should be easy to read, should face the entrance to the room, and should have a sense of order. It is sometimes helpful to have a map of the room showing how the tables are numbered just outside the dining room to help your guests understand the arrangement. Table numbers should not distract from the table settings but should include papers and colors that compliment the napkins and centerpiece. Table numbers can be displayed on a pick inside a floral arrangement or a folded free standing card on each table. At Paper Depot we have many different samples of table number holders. Decorate and design table numbers around the themes that are already in play at the wedding. Die cut numbers from paper that contrasts well with the background tent paper. Paper Depot has two sets of die cut numbers in two different fonts and sizes.

Place Cards are found at the table and include your guests name and possibly their menu choice. It is helpful to have an alphabetical list outside the dining area that directs your guests to their table.

Escort Cards are arranged in alphabetical order outside of the dining area and are picked up by your guests as they enter the dining area. Escort cards include your guest's name, their table number if there is assigned seating, and their meal choice (if applicable).

Paper Depot provides many easy options for place/escort cards and menu cards, including a die cut that cuts and scores a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 card stock into six foldable cards. You can write your guests name directly onto these cards, use your computer to print their names before die cutting, or use another die cut to cut 8 1/2 x 11 sheets printed with your guest names into a size that leaves a 1/4 inch margin around the nameplate. Ask for the printing templates for these in the store. Address labels can also be printed and applied to place cards. We have address labels in may colors and several shapes. Stop in to Paper Depot to view our many place card samples. As always, there is no charge to use our die cutting machines on papers purchased at Paper Depot.

Distinguishing a menu choice is important for those serving dinner. Keep in mind the lighting may be soft in the dining area and the wait staff will be looking over the shoulders of chatting guests at the place card to see the menu choice. Keep the distinction easy to see and if you are using two or three colors make sure they are not remotely similar (ie. do not use three shades of green).

1) Use a different color place card for each menu choice.

2) Use a different color label for each menu choice.

3) Write the name in a different color for each menu choice.

4) Attach a different color ribbon for each menu choice.

5) Attach a different color gem for each menu choice.

6) Punch a different shape image in the place card for each menu choice.

7) Stamp a different image for each menu choice.

8) Attach a different sticker for each menu choice.

You will be unable to complete your place/escort cards until all of the RSVPs are in or you have contacted those who have not responded. Do as much of the work as possible ahead of time.

These invitations can be great fun to make as they often revolve around food and fun. Whether formal, whimsical, playful, or classic, Paper Depot has papers to spark the interest of those invited to the fun. Groom's dinner (rehearsal dinner) invitations can be sent seperately or with the wedding invitation as the dinner is often held the night before the wedding, generally following a rehearsal at the same location as the wedding. Bridal showers and bachelorette parties, as well as groom's dinners require little more than the event name, time, date, location, and RSVP telephone number, so smaller invitations work well. Whether you are meeting at a sporting event, a restaurant, or someone's house, the invitation should reflect the tone of the event. As with most events, Paper Depot has many sample invitations to get your creative juices flowing. Bring your own ideas or use one of ours, we will help you make it happen.