Knot Plan

1. Monique Lhuillier
2. Vera Wang
3. Priscilla of Boston
4. Elie Saab
5. Amy Michelson
6. Reem Acra
7. Maggie Sottero
8. Melissa Sweet
9. Anne Barge
10. Watters & Watters

The outer envelope includes the full address, preferably in calligraphy. The sealed inner envelope, which holds the invitation, is addressed with the guest or guests names in the same calligraphy. It is not polite to issue an invitation to John Smith and guest; a bride should find out the name of John Smith’s guest and address the envelope with the name. The tissue used to blot oil based ink, but modern technology has eliminated the need, but the tissue remains a part of the classic invitation. A sheet of it covers the invitation in the inner envelope. Etiquette experts insist that no reply card be included because the guest is expected to write a formal letter of acceptance or regret on his or her personal stationery. Try not sending a reply card today and see how many replies you receive. Trust me, not many. In today’s busy times sometimes tradition is left by the wayside. Only the true purists leave out a reply card.

A word about calligraphy. It literally means “beautiful writing” and using it in any part of your wedding stationery will add elegance. Calligraphers can be hired to address your envelopes, your place cards, or a framed wedding certificate. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who has studied the art of calligraphy and is willing to do the honors for you!

Engraving is elegant, expensive, and the most formal printing method. The text is engraved into the paper and creates a raised impression that can be felt on either side of the paper. Letterpress is another relief process where the letters are debossed into the paper rather than raised from it. This method is becoming more popular and is also very expensive. In thermography, resin is fused to the ink before it dries and made permanent with a heating process. The result is raised lettering that imitates engraving but at a much lower cost. Offset lithography is where ink is printed flat on the page and has a permanent matte finish. Laser or inkjet printing is an option for many do-it-yourselfers who can use their computer’s printer to produce an image similar to lithography.