Wedding traditions evolve, and so do invitations, to a point. The details of your wedding probably look vastly different than the details of a wedding from 40 years ago. There’s much less emphasis nowadays on following a set of rules, for example. However, no matter how you change things up, one thing remains the same if you want there to be guests at your wedding then they need some sort of invitation. Wedding invitations are therefore arguably one of the most important aspects of wedding planning. If you’re wondering at all about wedding invitations in Montgomery County, PA, you’ve come to the right place.

1. When Should We Send Them?

If you want guests to be able to attend, the key is to give them plenty of time to plan. Traditionally, invitations go out six to eight weeks before the wedding, which offers guests time to make travel arrangements and so on. A destination wedding requires a bit more planning, so if that’s your wedding plan, send the invitations out three months ahead of time. You also have the option of sending out save-the-date cards six to eight months before the big day, which gets the date on people’s calendars with the promise of a formal invite to come. The save the date is the perfect place to introduce people to your wedding website if you have one.

2. What Should the Envelope Say?

This can be tricky. It’s generally a pretty formal affair, and therefore warrants a pretty formal envelope. The outer envelope is the most formal, and traditionally includes titles and full names. The inner envelope is less formal. If you’re close to the person receiving the invitation, you can leave off some of the formalities. The return address typically goes on the back flap of the envelope. What you also need to remember is the RSVP card. Those envelopes need to be addressed to whoever is receiving them, be it you, your parents, etc. It’s also customary they include postage.

3. What Information Should I Include?

The words on the invitation as well as the tone of the invitation are what will tell the guests everything they need to know. The guests are going to want to know when and where the wedding and reception will be, but they’ll also need to know the time of day and how to dress. An invitation can’t be cluttered with words though, for logistical as well as aesthetic reasons. So, the style of the envelope and actual invitation card should give someone a clue about how formal or casual your big day is going to be. Bubbly fonts, bright colors, and general whimsy suggests a wedding and reception that are more laid back, as does a morning or afternoon event. A cursive font, sophisticated decorations, and calligraphy on the envelope suggest a much more formal affair, as does an evening time slot. Not everyone catches on to subtly, however, so putting a simple, “black tie” or “casual dress” or “semi-formal” note in the lower corner will suffice. A wedding website is a good place to fill guests in on additional details. The RSVP card includes dining options if guests get options, as well as an indication of who, if anyone, will be attending.

4. Where Do I Go for Wedding Invitations in Montgomery County, PA?

Montgomery County has some great options for wedding invitations. Schank Printing in Conshohocken is one such place. Their printing consultants will work closely with you to ensure a personalized invitation while helping to make sure you’ve included all the informational and decorative touches you want. Paper Source in Ardmore gives you some creative freedom by featuring templates and various decorative elements, but also offers professional guidance if you feel you need it. Stone Hill Paperie in Skippack is a charmingly sophisticated choice. Their specialists are available by appointment to offer you one-on-one attention.

Thinking about wedding invitations in Montgomery County, PA, doesn’t have to cause you more anxiety. As important as wedding invitations are, remember that the most important part is the big day as a whole experience, and the happy years ahead of you. It’s important that you not give yourself too much work to do. Recruit some helpers to spread out the stress and responsibility. It takes a lot of time to handwrite hundreds of invitations and response card envelopes. If you or your helpers can’t budget tons of time to this, ask some of the above mentioned professionals about addressing services they offer.

Contact PineCrest directly at 215-855-4113 to schedule a tour of our Lansdale, PA wedding venue. Our event coordinator will assist you with all of your wedding planning.