Archives for: February 2008

In most instances double envelopes are used for traditional wedding invitation ensembles. Pocketfold wedding invitations are a more contemporary style invitation that would be better suited for a single outer mailing envelope.

Create your own pocketfold wedding invitations

We offer double invitation envelopes for many invitation sizes sizes. For the 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 invitation card we do not offer the standard inner and outer envelope combination, however for many of our customers we have a good substitution. For the inner envelope we suggest our A9 Envelopes which measure 5 3/4 x 8 3/4 and is available either unlined or lined.

A9 Envelopes Unlined or A9 Lined Envelopes. Offered in 7 liner colors!

For the outer envelopes we offer an A10 Envelope that measures 6 x 9 1/2

A10 Invitation Envelopes

The best choice for the A9 & A10 inner and outer envelopes is the LCI brand, available in radiant white or creamy ecru.

At LCI Paper, customers ask us lots of questions about wedding invitation ensembles. What they consist of, how to put them together, what’s proper etiquette; the list goes on.

From all of the questions we’ve received, we’ve culled a few common ones and put them here, to give you your own little “cheat sheet.” After all, we aim to make a bride-to-be’s life just a little bit easier.

What are the components of a wedding invitation and how do I assemble them?

Invitation ensembles can consist of different elements depending on the type you’ve chosen. The essential parts of an invitation ensemble include:

• Outer Envelope

  This envelope encloses all of the other pieces of your ensemble. Traditional etiquette is to handwrite the guest’s address on the front of the envelope and your return address on the back flap. Handwriting the addresses adds a nice personal touch, but if you’re not confident in your penmanship you can also hire a professional calligrapher for beautiful results. Printing the envelopes is also acceptable.

• Inner Envelope

  This envelope protects the ensemble and remains unsealed (typically there is no gum seal on the flap). Long ago, these envelopes provided extra protection for the invitation, since it might have taken a while to reach its destination. If the outer envelope sustained wear and tear, the inner one sheltered the important deliverables.

  Today, inner envelopes are more traditional than functional. All pieces of your ensemble, the invitation, response card, and its return envelope are kept in the inner envelope. There is no need to write addresses on this envelope, but it is common to print first names on the front of the envelope. When you are ready to mail the invitation, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope with the names facing the back of the outer envelope.

• Invitation

  If the invitation folds like a card, insert all other pieces inside of it. If not, place all other pieces on top of the invitation and slide the contents into the inner envelope. The finished ensemble should look as neat and tidy as possible.

• Response Card

  Also known as the reply card or RSVP, guests complete it and return to you. This is how you arrive at your headcount. To encourage your guests to respond, include an addressed, pre-stamped response envelope. Typically, the response card and its return envelope are much smaller than the invitation. Insert it inside the inner envelope with the invitation. Other informal cards, including direction cards, should be smaller than the invitation itself.

Do I need to use double wedding envelopes?

No, it is a matter of personal preference to choose single or double envelopes. It also depends, in part, on the type of invitation ensemble that you choose. Many invitation kits today are available with more bright and decorative options, such as a single lined envelope or a colored envelope. Seal and Send invitations don’t require any envelope. However, double envelopes are the traditional method used to mail wedding invitations. Insert the contents of your ensemble into the inner envelope and close the flap. Then, slide this envelope into the larger outer envelope and seal. Be sure to address this envelope and include your return address on the flap.

Are my RSVP cards too small for my printer?

No. Regardless of the type of RSVP card you choose, flat or folder, you can print them on your printer. The standard size of a response card is 3 ½ x 4 7/8 inches (if it is a folding card, these dimensions apply to the folded card). For this size you will need to define the specific dimensions of the card in the printer’s software settings. Please see the links below for instructions on how to print your response cards.

General instructions for printing cards with Microsoft Word

Invitation Software

Do I have to order an entire kit or can I order pieces separately?

Yes, you can order all parts of a kit separately to mix and match. For example, if you liked one kit but liked the envelopes in another kit better, you could order those envelopes instead. We offer pre-designed kits to help give you ideas, but if you already have something in mind, feel free to create it yourself!

Do I need to use invitation tissues?

Invitation tissues are optional. Tissues were originally used to prevent smudging on hand-engraved invitations, as well as to separate the invitation from informal cards placed on top. Today, invitation tissues serve a traditional purpose only and add a formal touch to your ensemble.

Tags:
wedding invitations
invitation etiquette
invitation assembly
invitation tissue
double envelopes

The wedding program plays an essential role by outlining the day’s activities. It is the perfect way to inform your guests of the order of events, as well as any special traditions that you want to recognize. Your guests will also want to take their program home as a memento of this special event. It pays to be creative! The more you personalize your program and make it uniquely “yours,” the more it will be appreciated and cherished.

Wedding programs come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on your taste, you could have a one-page program on basic card stock. For more elaborate programs, you could opt for a bi-fold or tri-fold style, or even a booklet. Choose slim folding programs for an elegant, formal look (shown below).

Scrolls are another option that adds an elegant and romantic touch that is reminiscent of ancient times. Any single sheet of printable paper can become a scroll, so take your time choosing the right colors, textures and patterns to fit your wedding theme. For example, you might print your program on soft handmade cotton paper and roll it up into a scroll. Tie it with ribbon or fasten with a scroll ring or seal. Using a fine calligraphic font will add extra flair and formality. LCI's scroll wedding programs use flecked Japanese Tairei paper and a vellum band that you can use to print first names and wrap around the scroll (shown below).

Get creative and customize your program. One couple who dated in high school reprinted their senior prom photo onto a piece of vellum and overlaid it onto the program. If you have a distinct theme or color scheme, try tying it into your program. Any special touches you add can only enhance your affair.

Present your wedding programs creatively, too. At the entrance to the church or ceremony site, display them in baskets, antique trays, or attractive containers. This way, guests can take one as they arrive. Do you have a family member or special friend who isn’t part of the wedding party? Ask that person to pass out the programs. It’s a wonderful way to involve a close relative or friend in your big day.

Tags:
wedding program
wedding scrolls
scroll paper
folding programs
creative programs
program ideas

Despite what you may have experienced in the past, planning your child’s birthday party doesn’t have to be a stressful, crazed undertaking. If you start planning early, about 4 -5 weeks prior, and try the following suggestions, you can put together a fun and memorable day for both you and your child.

For starters, limit the size of the party. A frequently followed rule of thumb is to invite as many guests as your child’s age plus one. For school-aged children who might be concerned about classmates feeling left out, mail invitations to be discreet. (If you like, speak with your child’s teacher about coming in and having a simple celebration. You can supply the party favors; a little goody bag with treats appropriate to the age of the children.)

Set a time limit. The age of the children invited will help you determine how long the party should last. To keep everyone happy, plan to celebrate a maximum of three hours, and less than that for younger children.

Kids love “to do” stuff, so definitely involve them in their own party’s planning. Let your child choose a theme. Maybe it’s a favorite cartoon character or a favorite color. Remember, unlike adult entertaining, kids aren’t big into ambience, so don’t break the bank - balloons and crepe paper usually suffice.

Don’t forget the party favors. Kids come to birthday parties for the cake and ice cream, but party favors are an added attraction. The ages of your guests will drive what kind of favors you’ll offer, and the guest of honor should hand out the favors to say thank you.

Your food selection should be straightforward; no starting to cook days in advance for this shindig. Yes, some kids can be fussy eaters, but you probably won’t go wrong with the usual fare of hot dogs, burgers, or pizza. Be sure to check in advance with the guests’ parents concerning any food allergies.

Games and activities keep the party rolling along. Old standbys like Pin the Tail on the Donkey or Duck, Duck, Goose are good choices as well as face painting and arts and crafts. Set up little “stations” offering different arts and crafts, for instance, play dough at one, construction paper, crayons, glitter, and glue at another. This gives the guests a chance to create their own treasure to take home.

Tags:
birthday
children's birthday
birthday planning
kid's activities