Guide: Ordering Indian Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations set the tone of your wedding as they are the first hint your guests get. Invitations can be purchased in person, on-line, or via other methods. Some couples choose to take a trip to India and order invitations from there, others prefer being able to meet with local invitation designers.
Before you OrderBefore you get ready to narrow down your choices, do your research. Start looking around at least 6 months prior to your wedding.
- Go through different styles of invitations and choose a few that fit with your taste and the theme of your wedding. Look at websites and printing stores if there are any in your area.
- Decide on styles of paper or fabric that you want to use.
- Do your research on prices and come up with an approximate per invitation cost that you are comfortable with.
- If you have ideas for a unique invitation, draw them out or be prepared to thoroughly explain them.
- Contact a few printing companies and order samples of invitations you like.
- Determine the weight of the samples so you can get an idea of how much postage will be.
The ProcessOnce you have viewed samples and narrowed down your choices to a few companies, it's time to ask them some questions. Review the following with all companies in order to make your final decision.
- Can the printer customize the invitations? (For example, intertwining two religious symbols, using your monogram or adding gold tassels)
- Can the printer suggest options for how to word the invitations?
- Is there a minimum order that must be placed? Is there a discount for large orders?
- Can the printer create RSVP cards, thank you cards and other stationery? Can an outer envelope for the invitation be printed if needed?
- How long will it take the printer to create a proof of the invitation? How will the proof be delivered - via e-mail, postal mail, etc. (It is very important to see a proof of all parts of the invitation, including inserts and RSVP cards, as you may need minor corrections)
- Once the final proof has been approved, how long will it take to print the invitations?
- Can the printer provide you with contact information of previous clients?
- If ordering online, what will be the shipping/tax costs? If ordering in India, who will be responsible for picking up the cards and delivering them to you?
- Finally, what will be the exact final cost, including all card inserts and any extra fees?
Final DecisionAfter you have been given the answers to your questions and contacted references, choose the company whose quality and price you feel is best suited for your needs. Once you have made your final decision, contact the company and place your order. Be prepared to have your guest list finalized at this time.
Invitations should be ordered at least 3 months before the wedding so they will be ready in time. Invitations should be sent out approximately 6 weeks before the wedding, 8 weeks for out of town guests. Keep in mind that you should always order extra invitations (approximately 25 for a 400 person wedding). Additional invitations will be much more expensive after your invitations have been delivered so plan for this ahead of time.
Wedding invitations set the tone of your wedding as they are the first hint your guests get. Invitations can be purchased in person, on-line, or via other methods. Some couples choose to take a trip to India and order invitations from there, others prefer being able to meet with local invitation designers.
