Invitation help... do I still have enough time to look around?

Hi ladies... so my wedding is in October and we JUST got around to going for our invitations last Saturday (we've only been engaged since January and April and May we got caught up with finding an apartment.)

Now traditionally in the Filipino culture we include an insert into the invitation (usually on vellum) that includes the names of the whole bridal party including special roles in the ceremony... this is in addition to whatever programs are distributed at church. This is out of respect and I'm seeing now that it's very culturally specific.

I was basically trying to recreate my parents' invitation. My mom was under the impression that if we asked for an insert it wouldn't be a problem as long as we paid and explained what we wanted. I was kind of wary because I knew that we would have to really keep explaining why we needed it and I felt we met some resistance (I heard 'But aren't you just going to have programs?' A LOT.)

We went to a place recommended by one of our vendors and I just didn't feel entirely happy. We wanted very specific wording that went about 13 lines and because of that I was told that we had a very limited selection because of the length of text. The adding of inserts was a big deal, since they wouldn't agree to shrink the font (so it will now be 2 inserts per invite) and said if it were possible, it had to go on card stock, not vellum.

We're not having an inner envelope since supposedly adding the inserts will ruin the 'fit', we're not having lined envelopes either (the one we selected didn't come with a lined envelope), and we had to settle on a white outer bow instead of a blue one (because the one we selected didn't come with a blue bow.) We are using black ink only.

For 225 invitations we are being charged over $2,000. I am wondering if this seems right to you guys... I have to give an answer by Friday whether we're going with them or not and I'm afraid we just don't have enough time anymore to research around.


Is this possible (vellum inserts, 13 lines, lined envelopes) or is this just way too much customization? Do I have time to look around?

Thanks!

Hey another Filipina bride!

As for the inviations, yes, I think that is a lot of money. If I were you, I'd get the regular stuff and do the inserts myself. Just add them to the invitation when u send them out.

If not...is there anyone in the Philippines who could have your inviations made for you? They could ship them here.

that's alot!!!

just be happy with what you get---
you don't have to play by the 'rules'

i'm filipino too and i know that the vellum insert is typically put in with the invitation. but i have a cousin who's in iraq and we're still not sure he's going to stand as a gm... also, we're not so sure about who's gonna be cord, candle etc. yet. so we've decided NOT to put an insert in. we'll just put the bridal party info. in the program. i'm pretty sure no one will miss the vellum insert, either.

don't worry!

ETA: i think you still have time. some girls have gotten their invites in a couple of weeks...