From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Her World Brides March 2016 (See the rest of the spread here)

The wedding invitation cards you get with the hotel package you book have come a long way from the traditional red-card-and-gold-lettering look. Now, you’re likely to get a choice of at least three designs, options for standard or customised wording, as well as a range of different shapes.

Here’s a quick run-through of what you’ll get:

1. 60 to 70 per cent of the cards are free
Generally, that is the amount most hotels give to each couple. Some venues, however, might require a minimum booking of tables.

2. Card designs and number of choices vary with hotels 
Some may offer a selection of two designs; others, up to 10 or more. 

3. Liaise directly 
Most hotels are fine with couples liaising directly with the printer for the finer details of their card. 

4. Personalisation 
Cards have a text template, but hotels allow a certain degree of personalisation. 

See also: 8 CREATIVE PERSONALISED WEDDING INVITE IDEAS FROM OUR REAL COUPLES

5. Timeline 
Finalise orders and start printing at least three months before the big day, so there’s enough time to react if there are problems, or for you to sort out the guest list and mailing of cards. 

6. Envelopes 
They usually come free with the cards. 

7. Extras 
Some hotels provide extra cards – ranging from 10 pieces to 10 per cent of the order – in case of flaws or mistakes. Others may impose    extra charges for additional cards, or offer one-for-one exchanges.

8. Card pick-up 
You can pick up cards directly from the hotel or printer when they are ready. 

See also: 9 SINGAPORE CALLIGRAPHERS TO LOOK TO FOR ELEGANT INVITATIONS, STATIONERY AND MORE