The invitations are something you don't want to take for granted. As you go about learning how to plan your wedding, you will realize how important they are. They tell people when and where to be for your special day.

      Don't rely on word of mouth or e-cards for your wedding (some people who are scrimping have actually done this.) These methods of invitation will just end up a mess. It's a once in a lifetime occasion, and it's a relatively formal event, therefore, it needs proper formal invitations. Plus, trust that you will want to keep one invitation for yourself, for memories sake.

How to Get Cheap Invitations

      Traditionally, wedding invitations come in two envelopes. The large outer envelope holds the name of the person it's addressed to on the back. The second envelope has the embossed initials of the bridal party on the flap. Some people have also chosen to use wax seals. Within this second envelope lies several pieces of hard paper. On these pieces are:

• Largest piece: the actual invitation of the wedding, containing the couple's names, date and time of the ceremony, date and time of the reception, wedding attire, and where or to whom to RSVP for the event.

• Second smaller piece: an RSVP card, if the RSVPs are to be mailed back and not called in. Though these days it is often best to give your guests the option of calling and sending email RSVPs too.

• Third smaller piece: a card that indicates what your guest will be having for dinner (remember to give the choice of meals,) and if they will be bringing a date. Sometimes this information is included in the RSVP card for mailing, since both the small pieces are usually mailed back together.

      If you're planning your wedding on a budget, RSVP cards are important. They tell you how many people will be arriving and what they will be eating. This will let you make the necessary arrangements with the caterer (especially important for sit-down or plated dinners), the table setters (how many places to set on each table), seating arrangements (last minute changes,) and wedding favors.

      Most caterers will accept these last minute bits of information such as final headcount, how many dishes of which recipes to prepare, and so on about one week before the ceremony itself. This means your wedding RSVP should be dated two to three weeks before the ceremony itself. This gives both you and the caterer ample time to make your last minute arrangements.

      Make sure you have an RSVP week or the final week in which you will accept RSVPs. After this week, anyone else who calls in will have to be told that they cannot attend the wedding. Maybe you can be flexible and let them attend the cocktail party, but they can no longer attend the dinner. Some brides and grooms, however, are willing to extend their RSVP week for certain guests, and if only one or two more guests need to be added.

      Usually, even if there are changes, the caterer will charge you the same amount for the entire occasion. If your caterer tells you from the start that they don't absorb the extra costs of one or two plates, however, calculate for the most expensive combinations, and make sure you're happy with the price (meaning it is within your food budget) before committing to your caterer.

Page 2: How to Plan Your Wedding Invitations