Invitations?

Question

I am in the process of checking out these new invitations and it is a toss up between the Seal N Send Invitations(which are much easier) and the Regular Invitations.
If I decide to order the regular invitations, what do I need to purchase? They have all these things listed with the invitations that come with it.
Examples: The Invitation, Outer Envelope w/ printed return address for invitation, Lined Inner envelope for invitation, Reception Folder, Respond Card and Respond envelope Informal Note. What is all of this and what do I need to purchase?
These are not my invitations but I attached a link so you can see what I mean under the invitation and also a link for the seal n send invites.
http://www.annsbridalbargains.com/We_ViewEns.cfm?sItemCode=WedEns0747&sCatalogCode=WedEnsVA&iStartRow=1&lCriteria=969&strcontinue=yes&strsearch=yes&format=WedEnsVAa&vid=A05EB3E992
http://www.annsbridalbargains.com/CasPage1B.cfm?sEnsembleCode=CasEns00764&page=1&strcontinue=yes&strsearch=
Help!

Answer 1

It all boils down to budget... and a little bit about pride.

The seal & send invitations are an economical way to get the word out and provide your guests with a way to RSVP, by tearing off the postcard reply. Functionally, they do what you need - leave the recipient with the info they'll need and provide you with the response card so you can plan accordingly. Potential drawback - sometimes people consider these 'tacky'... or they don't necessarily realize it's a wedding invitation because they're not used to seeing non-traditional formats. (That's where the pride comes in. If you don't really care about people's opinions, I mean it is YOUR money being spent here, this is a potential way to go.)

As for the formal wedding invitation, generally you would have:

- An outer envelope which would be addressed to the recipient. The outer envelope contains the inner envelope.
- An inner envelope (usually lined) with the guest's name handwritten on it (or blank, but typically this is where you would see "Jessica & Guest", etc.). The inner envelope then contains:

* the Invitation
* the Reception folder (which is just an extra card with the reception details - you could potentially make this info part of your invitation - eg. "with a reception to follow at ABC Catering, 712 Main St., Wilson, NY")
* a Response Card
* a Response Envelope (again, you have the option to make your Response Card a postcard, which negates the need for an envelope. This way you can save a little money on postage since the rates for postcards are lower - another economical plus)

Another option is to skip the inner envelope and just put the Invitation, Reception detail card and the Response postcard inside the outer envelope. This limits the amount of money you are investing in the invitation and gives you a couple extra bucks for the many other wedding expenses you're sure to incur.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Everyone else has addressed your question, but I will add one thing I learned the hard way- make sure you get a sample of your invitation before you order. Even if they just send the paper, don't shell out money for something before you hold it in your hand.

I saw an invitation that I loved online. I ordered a sample just because they offered it for free, but I was certain that I wanted them. Then, I got the sample- it was awful. The paper was so cheap and thin, I hated it. I would have been so upset if I ordered them, because then I would have been stuck. I kept shopping, found another company, got a sample- and loved it. People loved our invitations and I think the whole thing cost under $200- and we had a formal invitation with a vellum overlay and chiffon ribbon.

Shop around, but get a sample before you pay for anything!

Answer 3

You need the outer envelope to mail it in with their address and all of that..
Then, inside of that will be the inner envelope where you write just their first names or their kids, all of the people the invitation applies to.
The invitation itself goes inside of that.
Along with the invite, in the inner envelope, you put the response card, usually tucked in with the response card envelope, but not inside it. The response card envelope should be self-addressed and stamped so they can fill out the card and send it back to you.
You don't need the informal note unless you want to put in some additiional information.
Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I love Ann's bridal bargains for lots of things, do what ever will make you happy, do not let spending a little extra time on assembling formal invitations be a regret later. good luck and congrats, you do not need anything else but stamps and you must decide if you want to send the rsvp cards (the date you must notify the bride and groom you are comming) just have no regrets because once they are printed you do not want to spend to do it again... keep looking if you have time, there may be another one that is just right with out all of the formalcards and folders

Answer 5

ok all u need to get is the invitation (of course :) ), envelopes (they should come with plain white ones for free, the outer and inner, well mine did) dont get the preprinted that is just more money than needs to be spent, you need response cards and envelopes (again should come free and addressed back to you), and thank you notes (again should come with free enevelopes) all the other stuff is just extra that you really dont need to buy.

Again all u need is:
Invitations/envelopes
Response cards/envelopes
thank you notes/envelopes

Answer 6

do the simplest way.

you don't need the additional stress. the wedding will be beautiful if you end up sending invitations written on a coffee shop napkin. lol