For the next few weeks, our blog postings will discuss the various aspects of a wedding. First, we are going to discuss invitations.
Invitations can be traditional or contemporary–even a bit whimsical. Camille Breeden with Inscriptions (located in Fort Smith and Fayetteville) is today’s expert. Here are just a few questions that I posed to her:
Shellie (The Event Group): Camille, I know we have all heard different answers to this question, but how many months out should a bride order invitations and “Save the Date” cards?
Camille (Inscriptions): Invitations should be ordered four months prior to the wedding and “Save the Date” cards should be ordered six months prior to the wedding. That gives ample time for proofing, addressing and any problems that might occur.
Shellie: Is it pretty common to send out “Save the Date” cards?
Camille: Yes, they have been popular for the past four years or so. They give out-of-town guests plenty of time to make travel reservations. The most popular cards are actually magnets with a picture of the bride and groom. They are also relatively inexpensive.
Shellie: How cute! Ok, this is a tough one. What in the world can we do about guests not sending in their R.S.V.P. cards?
Camille: Yes, R.S.V.P. cards is a hard topic to cover. Although with the stamped return envelope it does make it easier. I think people do respond better to wedding R.S.V.P.’s than party invites.
Shellie: We must hear about the problem more since we are on the food end. I always tell brides they will probably have to make some telephone calls. A great way to cushion the conversation is to say that you are checking to make sure they received their invitation. It saves embarrassment on both ends.
Shellie: What are the latest trends for invitations?
Camille: Less on tradition and more on color. For instance, the pocket invitation is very popular now with backers three deep, sometimes layering with colors and the pocket holding the R.S.V.P. card, direction card and reception information.
Shellie: What are some average costs for invitations?
Camille: For traditional, the average is $2.00 each. For specialty invitations, anywhere from $3.25 up to $7.50 each. I still have many brides on a budget, and invitations are where they tend to cut back.
Shellie: What other materials are a “must have” for brides?
Camille: Monogrammed napkins for the cake tables, programs and favors. Although brides have been cutting back on favors the past couple of years, too.
Shellie: Any final words of wisdom?
Camille: When you come into the store to order your invitations, make sure you have all of your information (she does help with the various invitation wording styles). I love my work–total strangers come into the store and by the time they leave, I give them the comfortable feeling that they can depend upon me to get the job done. And I’ve made a new friend.
Thanks again to Camille Breeden with Inscriptions. Camille can be reached at 479-484-5559 or 479-287-4190.
