First Impressions Last
As with many rituals, wedding customs and protocol have evolved through the ages. Styles and trends change and new traditions are born. However, there are many wedding traditions which have consistently been upheld through the generations. One such tradition is inviting friends and family to witness the exchange of vows and share in the joy of the day. Wedding invitation rules for etiquette haven't really changed over time---there are still some basic premises that should be followed.
Ordering distinctively elegant and custom-designed wedding invitations---just for your day---is an item which should be at the top of all wedding couples “to do” list. Individually styled and designed invitations work to convey your personality and let your family and friends know how special the day will be. Nikki Charvat, owner of The Cottage House Paperie, located in Harlingen at 622 E. Filmore, works with wedding couples to choose just the right invitation for their ceremony. Charvat has several stationery lines to choose from, including traditional lines such as Crane's and William Arthur, and more contemporary papers from distributors such as Sarah Le Clare.
Your invitations also express to the guest the tone of the wedding---whether it will be formal, whimsical, spectacular, or simple. “One of the most important things with any invitation---and particularly wedding invitations---is that the information communicates the details of the day,” Charvat said. Wedding etiquette also dictates that you be clear in the text of the invitation about the times, dates, location, dress, activities, directions or anything else that would be considered pertinent information.
Wedding invitations should be sent out well in advance of the nuptials. Charvat recommends that invitations be ordered---at a minimum---three months before the wedding. She also stocks Crane's Wedding Blue Book which gives all the details and rules for addressing wedding invitations, writing thankyou's, and other important wedding etiquette how-to's.
Charvat also recommends that orders be placed early for the bride's thank-you cards and correspondence cards for the groom. The Cottage House Paperie can also print wedding programs, personalize almost anything, and it offers an array of gifts for the wedding party. Consultations with Charvat are by appointment only and can be made by contacting Nikki Charvat at: (956) 536-2595.
