Who Mails the Invitations, and Does It Really Matter?

[MomToEli]

Since I first posted this question, I've had three people from different shows comment on my invites. All comments were incredibly favorable, one saying that it was by far the most compelling invite she'd ever received for any home party type thing. So, I guess I'll keep doing it.

The other thing I've heard though ... I working with a bride who was telling me about the wedding invitations they are sending. They are four fold - and sealed with a seal - a LOT like the tri-fold invites I mail, only mine has one less fold. She was told by the place she ordered them from that they are mailed at postcard rates! Well, if they are, my invites sure should be! I'll be taking a trip to the post office on Monday to check this out. That would save me almost 50% of my postage costs! I'll let you all know what I find out ...

 

[chefann]

If you check the USPS guidelines, anything that's folded CANNOT be sent postcard rate. Only flat cards are eligible for that rate. And if the card is too big, it also doesn't qualify for postcard rate.

 

[Evelynt]

I use labels for both the host and guest information.
I too have been having at least 1 $1,000 show a month and it is usually the one I mailed the invites for.

 

[MomToEli]

If you check the USPS guidelines, anything that's folded CANNOT be sent postcard rate. Only flat cards are eligible for that rate. And if the card is too big, it also doesn't qualify for postcard rate.

That's what I thought, Ann, so I've been putting $.41 stamps on them. I'm anxious to find out what exactly the bride was told. I suspect it had to do with the reply cards - they tear off the invitation and THEY could be returned at postcard rate.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Sandy,

I would be really interested in seeing one of your invitations....is this something you could attach as a file?

 

[MomToEli]

I'd be happy to, Becky, but it will be tomorrow. I'm reply right now because I want this to kick up again in New Posts next time I log in ...

 

[MomToEli]

Here is the invite I use. I change up the artwork and sometimes the bullet points of the left side of the first page to fit the show. On the second page, even though that far left panel is orientated down the side of the page, if you highlight the wording you can change it.

I make three passes through my printer - print one side, print the other, then the third is a mail merge and I print the address in that blank panel on page three. I use the host's info for the return address.

I print these on 24 lb parchment like colored paper.

May, everything was pink, because all shows were Help Whip Cancer shows. I change the color of the background of the headers depending on what is going on. And, I have a cute photo of 4 girls holding hands, jumping into a pool. I use that one when I don't have a photo of the food ...

This invite started out as the Help Whip Cancer invites that Alison did. When I need a jump start on a new idea, she's my go-to gal. THANKS, ALISON!!

 

[mary64]

InvitationsI mail them myself after the host sends me the guest list. This way I know they were sent, but more importantly, I now have all these cotacts. If only half show up, I can call the ones who didn't and offer a show to them or ask if they wanted anything before I close the show. I have gotten bookings doing this. And I write-off the cost of the postcard stamps.

 

[AJPratt]

I mail the invites unless the host insists. As far as the food, I give them the option. If I buy it, I can write it off.

 

[Evelynt]

I do the shopping for the food and get reimbursed the night of the show.

 

[Christ Follower]

My show on Saturday is the first time I have offered to mail the invites. I figured 40 or so invites, no big deal...right? OMG! The guest list is now well over 150 for mailed invites and at least 75 for email! Good for show total, but a nightmare trying to get them all out quickly. I am eager to see how many actually come, but man - if even 1/4 show up that will be my largest show EVER!

What in the world would you make to feed all those people? I get nervous when the guest list gets to 16 because I'm afraid people will sit through the whole demo and not get any food at the end!