Invitations
If you’re getting married quickly-between one and six weeks from now there won’t be time to get invitations formally printed and mailed. (There are, however, formal preprinted invitations available with space to fill in names, dates, and place, as well as computerized calligraphy services, available at many stationery stores).
If possible, guests should receive an invitation at least two weeks before the wedding. If time is very tight, your parents may send handwritten notes or invite guests personally by telephone, telegram, or Mailgram. Be sure that all information that would be included on a printed invitation-who’s getting married, where, when, style of the service, locations of the reception, R.s.v.p. address, and return address (so that guests know where they may send gifts)-is passed along to guests, however you should spread the word. If you are telephoning, indicate that your parents are the sponsors by saying “Mom and Dad wanted you to be with us…..”
Example of Handwritten invitation
Dear Mary,
Linda and John are to married at half past three on Sunday, the sixth of October, in the chapel of Temple Emanuel of Long Heights. It will be a small wedding with at reception afterward at our house. You know how much we all want you to be with us on that day.
Affectionately,
Ruth
Please respond to:
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Barnes
Thirteenth Stone Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 12355
Enclosures
These small printed cards are enclosed with the invitation and match the invitations in style and paper quality.