Finalize the number of invitations you will need for your family and friends.

Determine what you need - announcements, response cards, reception cards, programs, seating cards, Thank You cards, napkins, etc.

Determine the type of invitations you want - formal, informal, humorous, etc.

Select the paper, ink color, and type of printing - thermography (raised printing) or engraved. Do-it-yourself papers are also available for ink or laser printing.

Decide on the wording and style of text to be printed on the invitations.

Verify the correct spelling of names and places (ceremony and reception sites). Include addresses and maps.

Calculate the total postage cost. If possible, get a sample with all the contents in an envelope and have it weighed at the post office before making any decisions.

Response cards should include: a line for your guest's names, the number of people attending, a way for them to select accept or regret, and the deadline to respond. If you're having a sit down meal with multiple main course options, you should allow guests to make those selections on the response card as well.

Pre-address response cards so they can easily be returned to the proper person.

Each card should be pre-stamped. You want to make it easy for your guests to return them.

If a guest chooses to RSVP by phone or email, you should politely ask them to mail the card back. The cards make it easier to keep an accurate count and stay organized.

Stick to your response deadline. If you don't, then guests will wait until right before your ceremony to respond. Set your deadline about 3-4 weeks before the ceremony. Then you should begin phoning any people you invited who have not yet responded.

You need a good way of organizing your responses so you can keep track of who has returned the card and who is attending. You could create a spreadsheet document on your computer with a list of all your potential guests. Have four columns to mark: Returned Card, Accepts, Regrets, and Number of Guests Attending.

Keep all of the response cards and organize them by who will be attending and who will not. They can be a useful way of double-checking your final guest count and can be used to prepare the table seating.

If possible, find a reliable person to be responsible for tracking your response cards.