by: Christi Vega

Invitations are the first thing your guests will see to represent your wedding, and although it's not an area where you want to spend too much, it is a place to make a statement. Here's what you need to know about wedding invitations.

The actual invitation should set the tone of your wedding and match the color and theme. Whether it's an ultra formal affair or a backyard barbecue, your invitation should reflect that. Many couples include monograms or logos that are repeated other places in the wedding and reception as well.

A stationer can print more than just wedding invitations. You can get reply cards, reception cards, thank you cards, wedding programs, menus, and place cards. If you order them all at once, you can not only get a discount, but can make sure they coordinate well together. This takes planning, but is a good way to save time and money.

You should order all of your cards three or four months before the wedding to allow time for corrections if necessary. This also leaves you extra time to address all the invitations. Order extras of everything, especially invitations and envelopes. You'll need extra for mistakes or last minute guest list additions.

When you get the proof version of your invitation and enclosure cards, read them carefully, and then read it again! Have someone else read it to make sure you aren't overlooking an error. Check all spelling, dates, times, and locations. Making corrections after invitations have been printed is very costly.

Traditionally invitations should be hand addressed rather than printed from a computer. You can hire a calligrapher to address envelopes if you have the budget for it, or have fun by scheduling a party to assemble and address invitations. Take a complete invitation to the post office ahead of time to have it weighed to attach the right amount of postage.

Invitations should be mailed about six weeks before the wedding. Selecting invitations you love and mailing them to your guests will begin to create a sense of anticipation, so they will be eager to see what other beautiful things you have in store.