Rochester Brides & Grooms Issue 52 November 2017 - May 2018 | Page 55

I nvitations Addressing Your Envelopes Invitations are always hand addressed in dark blue or black ink. You should clearly handwrite or engrave the return address in the upper left hand corner on the front of the envelope. If you do not have attractive handwriting consider hiring a professional calligrapher. They normally charge on a per envelope basis. Refer to the calligrapher in this publication for more information. The inside envelope is addressed to the family name and title of a person. Write the names of children under 18 beneath their parents’ names. Children over 18 should receive their own invitations. Spell out all names, street, city and state names. Abbreviations are acceptable for Mr., Mrs., Dr., Sr., and Jr. Insert the invitation, printed side up, into an ungummed envelope so it faces the flap. Next, insert reception cards, response cards (lying face up in their envelopes), map, parking instructions and pew number card respectively. Mailing Your Invitations You should mail your invitations at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Hand stamp the invitation and reply envelopes with attractive postage stamps. Remember to weigh the invitation with all of its parts before you buy the stamps so you know the appropriate postage to affix. Other Helpful Hints or ian November - May 2018 • RochesterBride.com For out-of-town guests you may want to include weekend accommodations, transportation, calendar of events, local hotels and/or restaurant information, prior to sending your invitation. Announcement cards may be sent to friends and relatives not invited to the wedding, following the ceremony. Thank-you notes for wedding gifts should be written within two weeks and no more than two months after the wedding. Both should share in the writing to guests. Saving your invitations and adorning them with flowers from your bouquet makes for a timeless keepsake. de r i n. co m 55