Weddings Online 4-1-1

Part I - Wedding Invitations

Glossary of Terms

Busy brides and grooms today are taking advantage of their home computers to prepare for that all-important wedding. The wedding industry as a whole is seeing a tremendous growth in online sales, both of merchandise and services. In fact, Bridal Association of America found an astonishing 78% of brides surveyed at in southern California indicate they have used the computer for at least one or more wedding purchases.* Wedding dresses, tuxedos, invitations, flowers, disc jockeys, photographers, limousines, videographers, flowers, caterers, cakes and even jewelry are available online; giving brides and grooms the flexibility to make purchases and research local companies from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. If this is your first wedding, however, some of the terms used on these websites may be difficult to understand. In this segment of our series Weddings Online 4-1-1, we examine the glossary of invitation terminology from Be Our Guest! Wedding Invitations, located at www.WeddingInvitations.be.

Glossary of Terms (alphabetical order)

Annoucement

Stationery that announces the marriage without issuing an invitation, normally mailed within two weeks of wedding. Typically an announcement is used in place of an invitation in the case of private or religiously-restricted ceremonies. An announcement may be combined with an invitation to a Reception held in the couple's honor after the ceremony.

Bright White

Term used to describe very white paper stock. The lightest of white paper stock listed. (See also soft white and ecru.)

Ecru

A beige color somewhat similar to that of a manilla folder.

Envelope Liner

The glossy coating on the inside of envelope flap. A liner is typically used to improve paper weight, add color complimenting the ink color and add formality to the invitation. It most often is applied to the inside of the invitation's inner envelope, but may be on the outer envelope if invitation only has one envelope.

Favour

The spelling of "favor" used in formal stationery; i.e. "the favour of a reply is requested".

Honour

The formal spelling of "honor" used in formal stationery; i.e. "the honour of your presence".

Informal Note

A small folder with name(s) on front and blank inside. Can be used for casual correspondence or as a thank-you note.

Invitation

The invitation itself, with all pertinent information. (See Invitation page for additional information.)

Long Hand

The writing of numbers and dates in alpha form used in formal stationery; i.e. "on Saturday, the fifteenth of December, Two thousand and seven".

Printed Return Address

Address printed on back of outer envelope for return mail in font and color to match invitation. Note: return address is required by the United States Postal Service since 9-1-1. The address can be handwritten, by sticker affixed to the envelope, or printed; but must be present to ensure delivery. USPS may file all mail without return address as "undeliverable" in a dead letter file.

Program

A handout handed out to guests at the Wedding Ceremony listing the wedding participants, i.e. wedding party, musicians, soloist and clergy. May also include notation of sponsors and/or thank you notations to specific parties.

Reception Card or Folder

An enclosure used to let guests know where the reception will be. Typically, a reception card will only be required if the wedding and reception will be on two different locations, i.e. the church information is included on the invitation, but the reception card lists the banquet hall's name and address.

Response Card or Folder

An enclosure asking the guest to confirm or decline attendance at the event; a.k.a. RSVP card. It may also contain menu choices, if applicable. Prices include printed self-addressed envelopes for return.

Salutation

The title given to an individual, i.e. "Mr.", "Mrs." and "Ms.". May also refer to professional title; i.e. "Doctor" and "Esquire".

Save-the-Date

A magnet or stationery item informing guests of upcoming wedding; normally sent out 6-18 months before the wedding.

Seal

Adhesive seal used to close the outer envelope of the invitation; typically in style and color to match invitation paper. Seals may be personalized with the bride and groom's name; the term "blank" used to describe a seal featuring a decorative design but not bride and groom's names.

Soft White

Used to describe paper that is ivory or off-white, but lighter than ecru. See also bright white and ecru.

Thank You Note

A small folder that normally reads "Thank You" on front. May include a verse on the interior, or be left blank to write your own message.

Z-Fold

Stationery that folds out in three panels. May be used to describe a vertical or horizontal style.

25-Free

Be Our Guest invitations provides a discount of 25 invitations and enclosures free of charge. Please note: orders must be placed for the number required to ensure accuracy of shipping rates. Discount equalling the last increment of 25 will be given prior to credit card processing. Invitations by increments less than 25 discounted by the last increment price. See price listings for details.

*Survey results taken from Bridal Association of America bridal shows in January and April, 2006.