It's the first impression your guests will have of your wedding and they get it weeks or even months before the big day.  Wedding Planner Katie Zuniga joined to talk about invitations and all that entails.  Katie says an invitation tells them what to expect and sets the tone for the day.

• Save the date cards/postcards/magnets
• Invitation to the actual wedding ceremony
• RSVP cards
• Map/directions to ceremony and reception
• Wedding day signage (ie., direction signs, guest book table, gift table, bar, buffet, dessert table, candy table, reserved signs for parents seats, etc)
• Programs 
• Table numbers
• Escort cards and Place cards (there is a difference in escort cards and place cards)
• Menus
• Thank you cards

Katie says before you commit to a design make sure you know how much postage is. "Many things can change the price including size, shape, weight, thickness and don't forget  to budge postage for the RSVP Cards."  She also points out that postcards are less expensive to mail but  also less formal.  And if you think you'll save time and money by skipping the RSVP cards think again. "You get a better response if you pre-address and stamp your RSVP's" says Katie. Also, don't let a spelling error cost you money.  Katie recommends having two or three people proof read all items before the go to print

For more information on buying a gown or help with planning a wedding, visit Katie's website.