Invitations should be mailed at least six to eight weeks in advance. It can be very formal mirroring the invitation to come later or it can be fun, but it gives guests an opportunity to make airline and hotel reservations far in advance. If you don't know the exact number of guests you will be inviting, you can still select the invitation you'd like to order. Most stationers will keep the information on file and you can just call them with the number needed when that is settled. You should be able to find a stationer that will work with your budget.
Some brides insist on ecru paneled and engraved invitations and they are willing to pay for it.
Others would prefer to spend more money on the reception, and less on invitations. They should be able to find the best invitation that suits their needs. For the non-traditional and second time around couples , there's wonderful paper out there. Some newlyweds choose to echo in their invitations and other stationery the colors, patterns or trims that may be featured in bridesmaids' dresses and wedding decorations. Others choose invitations that are personalized with poems or photographs.