Preparing the guest list Preparing a guest list for a calligrapher is easy and also serves as a master list for ‘save the date’ mailings, showers, engagement parties, gift acknowledgements, invitations, place cards and catering needs. Envelopes can be hand lettered in a variety of colors and styles.
Depending on the size and budget of the event, the guest list may include:
- Parents of the Bride and Groom
- Immediate family – grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, in-laws
- Personal friends of both parents
- Personal friends of the Bride and Groom
- Business and Club Associates
- Judge/Reverend/Rabbi officiating at the ceremony
The final list* needs to be alphabetized and computer generated/typed along with full names:
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Smith Specific title, ie Doctor, Reverend, Admiral
123 Sunnyside Lane Apt. B6 Correct address (with apartment or suite)
Savannah, Georgia Full name of city and state
31401 Zip code
*Children under 12 are listed as ‘family’ on inside envelope only
*Young adults under 18 are listed by their full name on the inside envelope.
*All guests over 18 receive individual invitations.
When invitations and envelopes are ordered, the return address of the sender is preprinted on the outside envelope. Invitations and envelopes must be large enough to accommodate full names and full titles.
Delivery Dates:
- List of guests - Complete at least 5 months prior to event
(with titles, addresses & zip codes)
- Order Invitation sets - 4 months prior to event
- Deliver Invitation sets to Calligrapher - 3 1/2 months prior to event
- Calligrapher delivers Invitation sets ready to mail- 2 1/2 months prior to event
- Calligrapher delivers Placecards to caterer - 2 weeks prior to event
"Save The Date" cards are sent six weeks prior to invitations.
Items to be ordered at the same time as invitations:
Inner and outer envelopes (Order at least 25 more sets than your guest list)
Place cards (blank)
Response and Reply cards and envelopes
Cards for Maps (if needed) to be included in invitation – (Caterer may provide.)
Cards for Hotel suggestions and rates
A sample set includes invitation, outer and optional inner envelopes, optional reception card, response card and envelope, map card, and hotel card. The set can be brought to the post office for weighing before stamps are purchased. A request to have the sealed invitations hand cancelled can also done at this time.
Additional cards may be ordered for menus and table cards, if desired.