More than 20 companies have sprung up in recent years to offer wedding invitations via mail. Here's a rundown on how they work.
First, you have to call a 1-800 number and wait two to four weeks for the catalog to arrive. Then, you make your selections from the glossy, four-color catalog, which has pictures of invitations, accessories and generic etiquette/wording advice.
Most catalogs come with a sample or two of various invitation styles. Most companies take credit cards and are quick to fill orders. It can take as little as two to four days, plus another week for shipping time. Expedited or overnight delivery may be available at an extra cost.
Many of the catalogs carry some of the same designs, but comparing prices can be difficult. Some catalogs charge more for fancy type styles, while others throw this in for free. Prices can be all over the board. Some catalogs offer great deals on small quantities, while others give better discounts for large orders.
The prices are often hard to beat -- sometimes 40 percent off retail for the exact same invitation. Mail-order may be a convenient option for brides who have a hard time getting themselves (not to mention their grooms) to all those wedding-related appointments.
Our advice is to shop carefully: Request a sample of the design you're thinking about ordering. Visit retail stationery shops to compare paper quality and prices. Make sure the mail-order company has an unconditional guarantee that allows you to return the invitations, no questions asked. Pay with a credit card! That way, if a dispute develops, you may be able to get a refund from your bank.
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