Whether you are planning a classic or modern wedding, choosing the right invitations is an important part of the wedding process. Whether you are working with a local stationer, designing them yourself or purchasing pre-made invitations online, there are many options to choose from that will fit your budget and style.

First, you need to decide on a design for your wedding invites. This will help you and your stationer create the look and feel you want. Often, the invitation will hint to your wedding theme by using specific colors or fonts. You can also find inspiration by browsing stationers’ websites and seeing what other couples have chosen for their weddings.

Once you have your design selected, it’s time to place an order for your wedding invites. Traditionally, invitations are sent out around six to eight months before the event, so that guests have plenty of time to plan their attendance. This gives them enough time to request time off work or make travel arrangements, as well as send back RSVP cards in the appropriate timeframe.

It’s also a good idea to include an envelope with your invitations, as these will protect them from damage in the mail. They are also useful for storing extra wedding stationery such as thank-you notes and wedding favors.

The outer envelope is a decorative addition to your wedding invites, and it’s a good idea to include a tissue in the inner envelope as well. This will ensure that your guests have a clean and fresh invitation to open.

Inside your wedding invitations, you’ll want to include all of the pertinent information about your big day. These include your names, the date and time of your wedding, the ceremony venue and address, and any other important details. If you’re planning a destination wedding, your invitation should include information about the travel and accommodation involved.

You’ll also want to include your wedding website url and password on your invitations, as this is an easy way for your guests to keep up-to-date with all of the latest news from the wedding. You can also add a registry link to your website so that people can easily purchase the items they need for the occasion.

Next, you’ll need to determine the number of cards and envelopes you’re planning on sending out. This will help you create the right size invitation for your wedding and save you money in the long run by not ordering a huge quantity of cards and envelopes.

If you’re working with a stationer, it’s likely that they will offer sample kits, which will let you see how your final products will look before you make the purchase. They’ll also be happy to send you a proof of your designs, so you can be sure your invitations are exactly what you want before they go to print.

The best part about wedding samples is that they’re free! If you’re still in the planning stages, you can always use Minted’s $10 sample credit to explore all your invitation options. Just enter the code 10FREE when you shop!