1. Be sure all details are secured before ordering any stationery!

2. Be sure to have an accurate guest count and order extra invitations right away. Smaller orders for additional invitations will cost you more per invitation.

3. Carefully proofread your order before signing. Have a second person go over the order. This simple extra measure could save you hundreds of dollars in reprints!

4. If most guests are in-state mail invitations six weeks before the wedding date. If you are inviting guests from out-of-state be sure to allow eight weeks.

5. You will save yourself some headache if you devise a system for tracking returns even before the invitations go out. A very simple method is to have a master guest list handy and check off the names, number attending, and dinner choices if applicable. Then file the reply card alphabetically in a card file.

6. Most stationers estimate that you can expect to receive only a 75 to 80 percent return. Simply telephone those who did not respond when it comes time to give the reception hall / caterer an accurate guest count.