Comments on: Event Invitation Mistakes http://www.asmallchange.net/event-invitation-mistakes/ Making sense of fundraising for non-profits. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:57:23 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Janice Chan http://www.asmallchange.net/event-invitation-mistakes/comment-page-1/#comment-70007 Janice Chan Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:57:23 +0000 http://www.asmallchange.net/?p=372#comment-70007 With regard to #2 on Terri's list, don't assume that graphic designers know the latest postal regulations. Some do, but it's good to ask and good to know. For example, square invitations stand out, but will cost a lot more in postage because they're nonmachinable. Also a good chance that they will look they got eaten by the postal machines because someone did not notice in time to pull them out. If you are using a printer or mailhouse to print/send out the invitations though, they should be able to give you good advice. Also, be aware of holidays other than Christmas as well, depending on who you're inviting. This may be less of an issue in some areas of the country, but if you invite donors in NYC to an event on Yom Kippur, there's a good chance you'll get a lot of declines... With regard to #2 on Terri’s list, don’t assume that graphic designers know the latest postal regulations. Some do, but it’s good to ask and good to know. For example, square invitations stand out, but will cost a lot more in postage because they’re nonmachinable. Also a good chance that they will look they got eaten by the postal machines because someone did not notice in time to pull them out. If you are using a printer or mailhouse to print/send out the invitations though, they should be able to give you good advice.

Also, be aware of holidays other than Christmas as well, depending on who you’re inviting. This may be less of an issue in some areas of the country, but if you invite donors in NYC to an event on Yom Kippur, there’s a good chance you’ll get a lot of declines…

]]> By: Terri Andrews http://www.asmallchange.net/event-invitation-mistakes/comment-page-1/#comment-62803 Terri Andrews Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:31:38 +0000 http://www.asmallchange.net/?p=372#comment-62803 I have some very simple "things I learned the hard way" tips: 1. Choose your paper stock carefully, for both invitations and programs. Heavy, flecked or speckled paper is neat, but photos with "spots" are not. 2. Make sure you weigh the entire package when you are determining paperstock. Ink has weight, and printing on the paperstock can add just enough weight to kick you into the next postal rate category. (Graphic design folks know these things, but we don't always have the luxury of contracting a designer.) 3. Always include contact information for the organization. It is frustrating to to hunt for contact information when you have additional questions. 4. In the "funny story you never want to happen to you," category, the "l" in "public" is a VERY IMPORTANT letter. I have some very simple “things I learned the hard way” tips:
1. Choose your paper stock carefully, for both invitations and programs. Heavy, flecked or speckled paper is neat, but photos with “spots” are not.
2. Make sure you weigh the entire package when you are determining paperstock. Ink has weight, and printing on the paperstock can add just enough weight to kick you into the next postal rate category. (Graphic design folks know these things, but we don’t always have the luxury of contracting a designer.)
3. Always include contact information for the organization. It is frustrating to to hunt for contact information when you have additional questions.
4. In the “funny story you never want to happen to you,” category, the “l” in “public” is a VERY IMPORTANT letter.

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