One of the largest wedding planning tasks for any couple is browsing for and selecting their wedding invitation and stationary. The wedding invitation is the first introduction guests have to the type of wedding the couple is planning and often serves as a basis for other parts of the wedding, such as the overall style. With the rise of online wedding invitation companies such as Wedding Paper Divas, Minted and designers on Etsy, ordering invitations has never been more simple. But is simpler necessarily better? I set out to figure out if it is still important to go with tradition and order your invitations in person from a stationary store.
I often think that brides and couples are lured into ordering their invitations online because they feel that route will be less expensive and faster. After looking around online it seems that is not always the case. At Rustic Wedding Chic, I often notice that brides order their save the date cards and thank you cards online, but it seems that some brides are still ordering their invitations with the help of a stationary expert.
In order to explore the benefits of ordering invitations in person rather than online, I sat down with wedding invitation expert Mary Thornton, who is the owner of Party Party in Fairfield.
Why do you feel it is still important for couples to order their invitations in person?
"It is so important to order your invitations in person! You wouldn't select your venue after just looking at photos on the internet or your dress online. You shouldn't chose your invitations that way either. It is important to see the paper stock, feel the texture, see the ink colors in person. You won't know the quality you are are getting from just looking at a picture. Also, you won't get the service or insight that you get from working with a shop. We have worked with hundreds of brides and have great relationships with our vendors to get you the best product. We will see your order through from being to end."
Is there a significant price difference ordering your invitations the "old fashioned" way instead of ordering them online?
"Apples to apples there is no price difference ordering through a shop or online. A Crane wedding invitation ordered on line is the same price as the one I would carry. My vendors do not discount on the internet. There are certainly cheaper wedding invitations online but you get what you pay for and are probably getting a lesser quality paper or printing process. We offer a wide variety of choices to fit any budget."
With all of the options available online do you feel ordering invitations in person limits the choices?
"Choices are not limited. Most shops carry many different vendors and choices. If you have something in mind tell the shop and often times we can create exactly what you are looking for. The vendors are willing to work with you to create your perfect invitation."
What are a few tips you offer brides and couples when they come and see you at Party Party to order their wedding stationary?
"It is helpful if couples have an idea of what they like. Think about your day…is it going to be formal or more casual? Do you want traditional or more modern? Bring in samples or pictures of invitations that you have seen. Do you want color? Is there a print method that you prefer? I usually have my brides and grooms look through my samples and at my invitation board to see if there is anything that pops out at them. Also, know your budget. It is helpful to have an idea what you want to spend so we can guide you to something in your price range."
Do you see a trend towards a certain type of wedding invitation style, brand or wording these days?
"I think the biggest trend is customization. Many brides want a unique invitation that reflects them and their special day. Whether that be color, custom artwork or monograms or your theme for the day, your invitation sets the tone. Pockets are also very popular, particularly for destination weddings that have many enclosures. As for invitation wording…we've seen it all. We can guide you as to the etiquiette for each situation."
Visit Party Party in Fairfield for more information from Mary on how to order invitations.
Maggie Lord is the founder and editor of the popular wedding blog Rustic Wedding Chic and the online wedding resource guide, Rustic Wedding Guide. Maggie is also the author of Rustic Wedding Chic the book, currently in stores and Barn Weddings coming in August 2013. Maggie lives in Fairfield with her husband and young son.
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photograph: Afterglow Photos