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Common Wedding Invitation Roadblocks and How to Avoid Them

You’ve got your wedding date set, and your guest list will soon be finalized. So, what’s keeping you from getting those dream invitations ordered, addressed, and in the mail? Here are some common barriers that brides face as they strive to finalize the invitation process. By learning about these common roadblocks, you can plan to avoid them. Don’t let anything come between you and the timely arrival of your dream invitations!

Problem: “The wedding invitations I like are too expensive.”
Wedding invitations can be a costly and stressful component of your wedding planning process. But they don’t have to be! We think it’s important, and quite possible, to find beautiful wedding invitations that fulfill your dreams AND fit your budget. Even if the invitations of your dreams are way outside your price range, don’t let it stop you in your tracks. Look for comparable styles at competitive prices, or consider cutting costs elsewhere. For more information on creative ways to cut wedding invitation costs, click here.

Problem: “I’m unsure how to correctly word and address my invitations.”
There are lots of resources out there to help you create the perfect wedding invitation wording. You can choose from a variety of pre-formatted invitation wording, or get as creative as you want to get. Of course you’ll want to be sure to include the basics (your names, the date, time, and location of the ceremony). Beyond that, wedding invitation wording really should reflect your personal style, and set the mood for the type of event you envision. Click here for more tips and resources on wedding invitation wording.

The addressing of wedding invitation envelopes can be tricky to say the least. With centuries of traditions and etiquette in place, your best bet is to consult an etiquette guide and reference the rules for proper addressing techniques.

Problem: “I don’t have enough time to order the wedding invitations I want.”
Particularly if you’re planning a wedding on a tight schedule, you’ll want to start thinking about wedding invitations as soon as possible. Until you get your wedding invitations out, and start getting responses from guests, you will have no idea what your headcount will be, which makes planning near impossible. In order to give your guests ample time to respond to your invitation (and to increase the likelihood they’ll be able to attend), invitations should ideally be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding date.
It’s very important that you understand the printing and shipping policy of the printer or paper company you are looking to work with. How long is processing? Do they offer expedited processing? Do they ship overnight? Etc. Get the answers you need. If the company can’t work with you to expedite the process, or if production of those invitations will put you far beyond your timeline, it’s time you look for alternate options. Can you work with a different printer to create a similar style? Can you have the invitations printed but compile them yourself? You will likely need to use some creativity (and probably a little flexibility) in order to get the invitations you want in the time you need.
For information on The American Wedding Printing and Shipping Policies, click here.

Problem: “I can’t figure out how many wedding invitations I will need.”
This is a common problem for almost every couple. Creating a guest list is an extremely personal process, one that can often take a lot of time and consideration. From experience, we offer you this simple piece of advice to expedite the invitation process: Get your mailing list in order as soon as possible! Don't try to estimate the number of invitations you’ll need and wait until the day your invitations arrive to think about who will receive them, and how you will address them. The sooner you get these details in order, the better.

For more information on calculating the number of invitations you’ll need, click here.