party possibilities
The 411 on Invitations
 April 2007

Everyone, who knows me, knows that I *love* invitations. From the most important occasion to the simplest gathering, I send invitations. Why? Because they provide critical details about my party (what, when, where), establish the theme and make a great first impression!

Inside this issue of party possibilities, I provide help on where to buy, what to say and when to mail invitations, as well as share some alternative ideas and invitation etiquette.

Where to Buy

Online
 FineStationary.com and PaperStyle.com are well-known online specialty invitation stores. Both have a great selection and offer the option of printing or buying blank stock. However, my favorite online store for invitations is paperbuzz.com, which is a small boutique located in central Virginia. They, too, offer a broad selection of brand name invitations and the option of printing, but they offer more fun, modern-looking invitations and offer smaller quantities, usually sets of 10.

Retail
My new favorite local store for invitations is The Dandelion Patch, located in Vienna and now, the Reston Town Center. Like other stores, they offer a broad selection but because I get to walk around and see the invitations, I always leave inspired. Further, they provide outstanding customer service.

And beyond Virginia, but still in the metro region, I recommend Creative Parties in Bethesda, owned by my friend, Tracy Bloom Schwartz, CSEP, who is super talented. She not only provides boxed invitations but has the creativity to produce custom (award-winning) invitations.
What to Say

Need a clever message to excite your guests into coming to your party? Then, I have two suggestions. First, visit VerseIt and use the drop-down menus to reveal suggestions for any occasion. If you don't find what you're looking for, then peruse the online invitation web sites and read the text on their samples.
When to Mail

Miss Manners says to send invitations two weeks before the event. While that's fine advice if you are having a few couples over for dinner, I suggest more time if you're hosting a large party. Typically, I advise my clients to send out invitations at least three weeks in advance and most people feel more comfortable with a month out, especially if the celebration is very important (e.g. milestone birthday or anniversary) and expensive.

Note about Postage
Postal rates are increasing as of May 14, 2007. First class stamps will cost $.41 each and postcards will cost $.26 each but the cost of sending invitations over one ounce - like wedding invitations - will go down to $.58 each. Additionally, the USPS will issue a Forever Stamp, which may be purchased for $.41 (currently) and may be used regardless of postage increases.
Alternative Invitation Ideas

While I prefer to print and mail specialty invitations, there are other options for inviting friends and family to your next soiree. Email and phone are easy alternatives to get the message out, and in lieu of fancy, sometimes expensive invitations, why not use normal stationary or purchase materials to make your own.

Email
There's traditional email and better, evite, which has come along way in the past 10 years. evite offers many themed templates and an easy-to-use application, as well as options for driving directions, adding your event to the guest's calendar and sending reminder emails. Further, you can search for recipes and party decor ideas based on your theme.

Phone
If you have time, personally calling guests is a very nice touch. Just remember to speak slowly and clearly and provide all the event details including date, time, location and phone number to RSVP.

Stationary
When my husband and I were expecting our second daughter, our neighbors hosted a lovely dinner. Our invitation was handwritten on a beautiful note card. Granted, Martha has nice (and really straight) handwriting but it was a great keepsake for the baby's book and reminded me that you don't have to go to great lengths to extend an invitation.

Make Your Own
Paper Source, with retail stores in Georgetown and Alexandria, too, has the best selection of paper, envelopes and embellishments to make your own invitations. They offer a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, as well as decorative papers, do-it-yourself kits, labels, stickers, stamps, punches ... you name it. A vist to their web site or store will truly inspire you - to make something or take a class to learn. And, if not, then, they do offer printing, too.

Parties are fun to plan on your own but when your next special occasion requires more creativity, patience and time than you have to spare, please contact posh parties, LLC. With over 10 years of party planning experience, we make entertaining effortless and enjoyable for our clients!


Ashleigh Dorfman, CSEP
posh parties, LLC
phone: 703.476.6530