Reader Question: What's the Best Format for Multiple Ceremony Invitations?

I'm having trouble finding the right wording for my wedding invitation. My fiance is Hindu and I'm Catholic, so we're having a 2-day ceremony in Costa Rica! Friday is the Hindu Ceremony which will be the more casual affair and followed by dinner. Saturday is the Catholic ceremony and will be more formal, followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing. All of you guests will be invited to both ceremonies. I'm not sure how to word the events on the invitation without being too wordy or it looking crowded, and I would prefer to avoid doing 2 separate inserts....please help!

Stationery Guide Cathe of Feterie suggests doing a double sided invitation that lists all of the events, starting with Friday.

Stationery Guide Carey of Lasso'd Moon suggested a gatefold invitation. This would allow you 6 printed panels (one for Friday, Saturday, Reception Info and then directions or other info your guests might need), so that each event could have its own section. You could have it designed so that when folded your names and date are on the front, and then when opened, the other info would be on the inside.

Don't forget to use your RSVP to figure out who is coming to what.

Best of luck and thanks for writing in!

Save the Date!

Your engaged! You set the date, booked your ceremony and reception sites and now you want to tell everyone you know to mark their calendars. Whether you are planning a destination wedding, a formal and elaborate affair, or a small casual gathering, sending a Save the Date is a great way to let your family and friends know about your big day while reflecting your own unique style.

A vintage Save the Date Card from Lasso'd Moon Designs

A unique map Save the Date Card from Lasso'd Moon Designs

A bright and cheery magnet memento Save the Date Card from Fin + Roe

A damask Save the Date Card from Designed By M.E. Stationery

Before you send those Save the Dates out, there are some etiquette guidelines you'll want to consider:

• Send Save the Dates only to guests you are positive you will be inviting to the wedding. You don't need to send a Save the Date to everyone you are inviting, but everyone who receives a Save the Date should also receive a wedding invitation.
• Your Save the Dates should be mailed 6 to 9 months in advance. If you are planning a destination wedding, it is acceptable to send Save the Dates one year in advance. This will give guests plenty of time to plan for and make travel arrangements.
• Keep in simple but be sure to include all the necessary information such as date, location and accommodations, if available.
• Let your guests know they will be receiving a wedding invitation. Many Save the Dates include the phrase "formal invitation to follow".
• Wait until you have your date and location finalized. If your plans do change, you'll want to pick up the phone and let your guests know about the change.

Your wedding day is going to be unforgettable to you. Sending a Save the Date helps provide insurance that your loved ones will be able to attend and help make all of those wonderful memories!

The Envelopes, Please...

For any special event, the envelope that your invitations or save-the-dates are mailed in is the first indication your friends and family will see of your event. From traditional white to colored envelopes and colored ink — there are a plethora of options to work with. What's also important to keep in mind is the technical aspect of the envelope as well, since it is a working item that must also work within the confines of the United States Postal Service's requirements. After all, you do want to have each and every envelope arrive safely to their destinations.

Take into consideration some of these tips when choosing colored inks and/or colored envelopes. If you are not located in the U.S., make sure to check with your local post office on your country's postal requirements.

1) Make sure that there is enough contrast between the ink of the addresses and the envelope color.

2) Our trusty USPS would much prefers that black ink is used, however they do allow for some flexibility in using these inks colors: Brown, Gold, Crimson, Blue, Grey and Purple.

3) If your envelopes are dark in color, consider a white or light-colored calligraphy.

4) Remember that hand-canceling is an option if your envelope contains invitations with delicate details. It's important to check with your local post office if they are willing to do this for your invitations.

The following are samples of colored envelopes and inks that works with the USPS' addressing requirements.

--Cathe (Feterie)

{Image courtesy of Lassod Moon Designs}

{Image courtesy of Feterie}


{Image courtesy of Tulaloo}