My Top Ten List - $ave on Invitations

In keeping with end-of-the-year tradition, here is my top ten list. I thought I'd pass along some invitation money-saving tips!

1. Print addresses on envelopes using your computer. Save on calligraphy and mistakes.
   
2. Have an invitation party and invite friends and family to assemble invitations.
3. Avoid extras that go unnoticed (e.g. lined envelopes, jackets, multiple layers, etc.)
4. Skip the inner envelopes. Traditionally two envelopes were used for safekeeping in the mail. Since messengers and horses no longer deliver mail, you're safe with one envelope!
5. Keep with standard size invitations. Uncommon sizes, uneven surfaces and closure devices incur an additional $0.13 surcharge on one oz. or less.
6. Proofread. You'd be surprised how many people find errors on their invitations. Avoid re-order and extra rush charges.
7. Postcard RSVP. Not only will you save on weight for your invitation postage, but you'll save $0.15 in postage for each RSVP.
8. Be selective and only order the pieces that you really need. Wedding invitations and envelopes are a must, of course, but can you wait on thank you cards until after the wedding? Also, eliminating save the date cards as well as menu cards are another way to cut costs. Be sure to order everything at once so you can save money on shipping costs.
9. Create a wedding website or blog. Save money on printing extra enclosures by placing additional guest information online. Try Blogger.com, Ewedding.com or Mywedding.com.
10. DIY embellishments. Choose a simple, one panel flat invitation and then customize it to make it your own. Choose ink color that coordinates with envelope liners, add a vellum wrap and tie it with a matching ribbon. Buy it a la carte and assemble it yourself to save big money on invitations that look like the expensive ones in the store.