Some things to consider when choosing wedding invitations are the paper color, paper stock, borders, color ink and style of the writing. Take a look at several invitations or a sample catalog to decide on the right one for your wedding. There are countless variations to choose from.

RSVPs are usually included in the invitations. The RSVPs should have an envelope that is stamped and addressed. RVVPs should either be sent to the person/people who are paying for the wedding or the engaged couple. Make sure you can keep track of whom you have heard back from and who is attending the wedding.

The following information should be included with your invitations:
Ceremony and reception addresses
Date and times
RSVP information: name and phone number or preaddressed envelope with RSVP card.
Let guests know if dinner will be served
Map to the ceremony and reception
List of hotels. Make sure you have already checked with the hotels to make sure they can accommodate a large group. If possible, block off rooms for your guests.

After a few weeks, you should call the people who have not yet responded. If a lot of people are not able to attend the wedding, you may want to invite other family or friends. A few weeks before the wedding you need to give a head count to the caterer.

When sending invitations, make sure you:
Use black ink only
Use fancy stamps
Write out everything (no abbreviations) except Mr. Mrs. and Ms.
Use your guests formal name on the outer envelope.
Use your guests informal name on the inner envelope. Include the names of everyone you are inviting on the inner envelope, even childrens names
If you are inviting someone who can bring a guest, make sure this is clear. (Mr. Smith + Guest)
Make sure the RSVP envelope is stamped and has your address on it

Printing methods
There are a few different types of printing methods that are common for wedding invitations.

Engraving
Most elegant form
Stamped from the back by metal plates to rise the letters off the paper
Most expensive

Thermography
Most popular
Heat ink to create a raised letter look
Almost indistinguishable from engraving
price of engraving

Calligraphy
Fancy formal script
Computer programs can reproduce calligraphy

Offset printing
Flat printing
Most common form of printing
Multiple ink colors

Handwritten invitations
Usually done when 50 people or less are invited
Personal
Time consuming
Inexpensive
Use black ink only
Purchase an invitation kit and use a computer to print them or write them by hand

Why are wedding invitations placed in two envelopes?

Pieces of mail that are placed in two envelopes are viewed as more valuable since they are less accessible. Wedding invitations are an important document and a valued piece of mail. Having two envelopes also serves a protective role by providing cushioning. Another protective measure is a layer of tissue that is placed on top of most engraved or printed invitations to prevent smudging.

Why use calligraphy writing on invitations?

It is a very old tradition to have invitations written in calligraphy, a fancy form of script writing. During the Middle Ages monks were the only people who were trained in calligraphy. They used calligraphy to keep records. The upper class sought after monks to write wedding invitations in calligraphy because it was very prestigious.

Stationary
There are other items of stationary beside invitations that you may want printed, such as:
Wedding programs
Reception cards
Thank you notes
Menu cards
Place cards
Seating cards

Wedding announcement
Wedding announcements should be mailed to everyone who wasnt invited to the wedding after the ceremony. The announcements are a way to inform people that you are married and notify them of any name or address changes.