Invitation & Accessory Boutique
Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
You have questions...well, we have the answers!
Should I make or buy my wedding invitations?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions by today's brides. Just like with anything, there are pros and cons with doing it yourself. If you love crafts and want to exercise your creativity, making your own invitations can turn out to be quite a fun and memorable experience. Just remember, making your own invitations is not always as cost effective as you first thought. After using several papers to achieve a layered look, purchasing wraps and pockets, or having to outsource printing in order to imprint on specialty papers such as shimmer or vellum, you could end up spending more than you anticipated. If you have particular ideas in mind about your invitation, bring us photos of what you have seen and what you would like to create and we will find or help you create that special invitation. Our goal at The Wedding Cottage is to work within your budget while helping you find an invitation you love and are pleased to present to your guests. With over 100 invitation books to view, and hundreds of options to explore, the possibilities will seem endless! We pride ourselves on offering the best service for Portland wedding invitations, so make sure to browse our selection when searching for invitations.
How much will it cost for 100 wedding invitations?
With the largest selection of invitations in the Portland area, we can produce 100 invitations within a large range of prices. As an estimate, we can do 100 invitations for as little as $100.00 all the way up to 100 invitations for several thousand dollars. As always, we will work with you in selecting an invitation that fits within your budget as well as complements your wedding theme and personal style.
How many wedding invitations do I need to order?
When determining the amount of invitations to order, make sure you are counting invitations not people. Most invitation companies require ordering in blocks of 25. Always order at least 15 extra invitation sets as it is quite expensive to reorder.
How many invited guests should I expect will actually attend my wedding?
Generally, if you're having over 200 guests, you can estimate that about 25-28% of your guests will not attend. If you are having less than 200 guests, the percentage usually decreases to about 15-20% or even less. Other factors include how many out-of-town guests you invited and the travel distance required to attend the wedding. Remember that every family and every guest list is different, so be prepared in case everyone is able to come!
When should my wedding invitations be ordered?
Invitations should be ordered when all of the details of the ceremony and reception have been confirmed. Information such as the date, time, and place of your service and reception, as well as an accurate guest list count, are needed when placing your invitation order. We advise you to order invitations no later than four months before the wedding.
How long will it take for my wedding invitations to arrive once they have been ordered?
Invitations take approximately three weeks to arrive. If you need to rush your invitation order, the shipping can be expedited.
When should I mail out my wedding invitations?
Invitations should be mailed out approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the wedding date. If you send them out any earlier, some guests may misplace them. If you think that your guests need to be notified earlier, consider sending save-the-date cards before you send out your invitations.
What are save-the-date cards?
Save-the-date cards are sent in advance of the wedding date asking your guests to do just that...Save-the-date! These cards are usually sent twelve to nine months ahead. They are not only great for Portland weddings, but for destination weddings, as well as those weddings occurring during the summer months or over a holiday weekend. Save-the-dates are now available as magnets, stickers, and variety of other unique styles.
What are considered traditional wedding invitations?
Traditional invitations are white, ivory or ecru, with or without a panel. Traditional invitations can be printed in thermography or engraved.
What is the difference between thermography and engraved printing?
Engraved printing is the most formal and also the most expensive process. The paper is pressed onto a metal plate, causing the letters to be raised on the paper. Once you create a die, you "own" it, and the stationer will usually keep it on file for you.
Thermography printing is a process that infuses ink and powder together on paper to create raised lettering. The letters are not pushed from behind, and no metal plate is used, therefore, this costs about half as much as engraved invitations.
What is the purpose of the tissue included with my wedding invitation order?
In the past, tissues were used to guard against ink smears. Today's printing methods don't require tissue, but many continue to use it for the sake of tradition.
What is the purpose of the double envelopes included with my invitation order?
Up until the 20th century, almost all wedding invitations were hand delivered. Thus the origin of the double envelope, which protected the invitation from being soiled en route to its destination. The courier rode up on horseback and handed it to the butler, who discarded the outer envelope, placing the inner envelope onto a silver tray. This ensured that Madame's hands would never come into contact with the filth of the mail. The postal system has since improved, and most invitations are mailed today, but the double envelope remains a traditional choice for many.
How can I let people know that we don't want children at the wedding?
The only thing you can do is to not include the children's names when addressing the invitations. However, you'll find that some people will still bring their children. You might want to be prepared with a "kids table" that includes crayons, coloring books, etc. You may consider hiring a babysitter to look after the children at the "kids table". You can have "Adults only please" or "Adult Reception" printed on the invitations, but be advised that some people may ignore the printing and assume "their children" are of course invited.
How can I let people know where we are registered?
According to etiquette, word of mouth is really only the "proper" way to inform people where you are registered. You really must wait until they ask you or other family members. All friends and family members should be told where you are registered so they can inform others when asked. Today, many brides are including cards from the department store where they are registered in their shower invitation. However, this is still never done in the wedding invitation. Another popular new trend is to build a wedding web site. Tell people about it and be sure to include information about your wedding registry at your web site.
How can I ask for money instead of a gift?
This is actually a cardinal rule of etiquette...there is actually no way of wording the asking of money for wedding gifts in lieu of something else without it being tacky or being offensive to your guests. The only thing you can do is tell your friends and relatives your preference. Then, when others ask, your family and friends can say that you would prefer money because you are ... (i.e. saving for a house, etc.). Then, guests can do whatever they like. If they take the hint - great - but if they don't, accept the gift with a gracious thank you!
Can registry information be included in the shower invitations?
Yes! Traditionally the bridal shower is when the word of mouth about your gift registry really begins. Most shower invitations include registry information and the theme of the shower. This information makes it convenient for your shower guests to buy a gift you really want.
What pieces are included when sending out wedding invitations?
A Response Card will ask your guests to reply with whether or not they will be attending your wedding. If you are having a plated dinner, rather than a buffet, and are giving your guests menu choices, the Response Card will allow them to reply with their meal selection. The Response Card includes a preprinted envelope addressed to you in which they will mail the Response Card. As a courtesy to your guests, you are to place stamps on the return envelope.
A Reception Card is necessary when the ceremony and reception are at different locations. This card bears the name of the reception location and its address.
Maps and/or Direction Cards, as well as Accommodation and Website Cards are other inserts that you may consider when ordering your invitations.
When should I order wedding programs?
Once you have the order of service, and all other ceremony details are complete, you are ready to place your wedding program order. Please allow at least four weeks before your wedding to place the order.
Who is invited to the Rehearsal Dinner?
You should invite all those who will take part in the wedding ceremony, including: spouses or dates of all adult attendants, parents and grandparents of the bride and groom, and your officiant. It is not necessary to invite the musicians or soloist unless they are close friends or family. If you are having small children in the wedding, the parents of the children should be invited. It is appropriate to invite other family members who are not part of the ceremony and highly suggested to invite out-of-town guests to join the rehearsal dinner.