Too early is not soon enough. Invitations must be addressed by hand and mailed no later than six weeks before the wedding. So get them ordered, but keep a few rules in mind before you choose a quantity. Inviting 100 guests does not mean you'll need 100 invitations. Half or slightly more should be enough. Order one for every married couple, single adult guest, single attendant and every unmarried guest older than 18.

Don't forget invitations for your attendants' parents (if invited), everyone in the groom's family, the attendants' dates and your clergyperson. Then add a few more invitations to that number for keepsakes and emergencies.

Order lots of extra envelopes! You'll need them in case of addressing mishaps.

Address all invitations by hand in blue or black ink. Don't even think about printing address labels on your home computer. This is why you ordered extra envelopes! Assemble the invitations following one simple rule: all that's inside must face the back flap of the outer (mailing) envelope. This applies to everything from RSVP cards to inner envelopes.

Insert the left edge of a single card invitation first. The folded edge of a folded invitation should go first. If you're using two envelopes, put all the enclosures in the inner envelope. Don't seal the inner envelope. Place it in the mailing envelope with the guest's name facing the flap.

Place inserts in front of the invitation in the inner envelope or inside a folded invitation. Some simple steps can streamline your process:

• Address thank you notes and invitations at the same time. You'll thank yourself after the honeymoon.

• Discreetly assign a number to each guest and their RSVP card. Use these numbers to track down missing RSVPs and create seating charts.

• Choose an early RSVP date. Most people won't respond until that deadline approaches, so save yourself the stress.