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Introduction - We have made it easy for you to use the world's leading web site exclusively devoted to the topic of Social Invitations. Everything you need to know is here. And to make it very easy to find that information . . . Just move your mouse over each black menu topic to see an explanation of what is covered in that topic. Move down to the red submenu for even more details. |
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HOME? - you're here! Your Ensemble Papers - consist of Invitations, Responds, and so on. Here, you will find information on . . .
Wordings - probably the most important part of your paper ensemble, how to create a wording for an invitation or announcement. We give you all the basics and then have a complete inventory of wordings for all occasions . . .
Getting your Invitations Printed - No, we do not print Invitations. Instead we tell you how it's done, what methods are used, excellent advice on printing your own, sources of paper stock, cost comparisons, and getting smart by learning the terminology . . .
Your Resources - include . . .
Ensemble Papers - A Wedding or other Social Ensemble can consist of Invitations, Announcements, Respond Cards, Reception Cards, Direction Cards, Map Cards, Pew Cards, Place Cards, Thank You Notes, Personal Notes, At Home Cards, Wedding Program, and Envelopes. This section helps you understand the use of each paper, social etiquette, and accessories such as Napkins, Matchbooks, Bookmarks, and other items. Envelopes and Addressing - Addressing: front or flap, etiquette on persons with titles, Assembling an Invitation and the Respond Card. How's your handwriting? Etiquette - For the Bride or Host, For the Guest or Honoree. Did you ever receive a Respond Card without a stamp on the envelope? When you send a Respond Card, what do you write in that blank line, M________? Do you leave it blank and let the guest write their name? NO! NO! NO! We tell you why! The Guest List - The basics on building, maintaining, and using The Guest List to minimize costs and prevent social mistakes. Guidelines on what the Guest List should include and what you might expect from wedding planning software. The History of Invitations - The history and traditions surrounding handmade and printed invitations. Explains why raised ink is not important. Explains why there are Inner and Outer Envelopes. Explains what calligraphy is all about. And if you are concerned about printing your own on a computer printer (no raised ink), This is a must read! Wordings - An introduction and primer to help you understand the basics behind creating a socially correct wording. We also provide basic examples of typical situations (like parents divorced). We give examples of how to specify event locations properly. There are also example of how to correctly include military rank when either the bride or groom is in the military. We discuss the purpose and use of Add In Wordings. Similarly, we provide information on the proper use of Footntoes. Wordings for all Occasions - Extensive lists of wordings for almost every occascion . . . Weddings, Anniversary, Bride's Maids Party, Reaffirmation, Dinner Party, Garden Party, Birth Announcements, Mitzvahs, Debutante, and many more social events. These examples of socailly correct wordings are provided for all the papers in your ensemble, not just the Invitation. You will find wordings for Announcements, Responds, Place Cards, At-Home cards and so on. Commercial Printing Companies and Print Shops - Your local print shop or wedding consultant uses large commercial printers. Some print shops print their own. What should you expect? What are the costs? Mail Order Printers - Bridal magazines list many discount printers. What should you expect? What are the costs? Should you Print Your Own - using special invitation software designed for the Bride or Host, using generic desktop publishing software, by hand, or using a Calligrapher Paper Stock for Invitations, Accessory, Envelopes - Learn about the generic plain paper AND the pre-printed and embossed designer papers that you can use to print your own. Learn about computer paper stocks that are perforated for separation. Paper and Terminology - Understanding paper quality, weight, grain, suitability for laser or ink-jet printing, microperforated stock, thermography, engraving. Costs - What should you expect to pay? Compare Raised Ink with Engraving. Will you save money if you print your own. If you print your own, can you do things the printing companies cannot do that set you apart? Invitation Printing Companies- Commercial print shops and mail order printing companies. If they are not listed here, then avoid them. Invitation Paper Suppliers - Yes, you can buy blank, predesigned invitations and matching accessory paper. This is where you can find them. Invitation Software for your Computer - Software products you can use to print your own invitations. Invitation and Envelope Calligraphers - People and companies that hand write or use calligraphy to do your invitations and envelopes. How's your handwriting? Product Reviews - Our own reviews of products of interest. Wedding Planners, Consultants, and Professionals - They cost but are they worth it? As a rule of thumb, budget 10% the cost of your event for professional help. Sounds expensive. But that Planner, can often save you 10% (thus paying their own way) and at the same time help you insure a rock-solid event. They have connections you don't. Wedding and Social Web Sites - a good listing. Bridal Magazines - a listing of all the popular magazines. Marriage Statistics - Very interesting! How many folks get married each month? Is there really such a person as the June Bride? |