Obamanation meets Bridal Bliss

OK, so I am sure that many of you have heard that you can do this but now that we have a new Commander in Chief I thought I would post what I think is such a fun idea.

Did you know that if you send and invitation to your wedding to the White House you'll get a note back! Chances of Barack and Michelle cutting a rug at your affair are slim to none but who wouldn't love a letter from the president for your scrap book!

Here's the address:
The Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
The White House
Greetings Office Room 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

From what I have read, only U.S. residents will receive a note back)

OK- so not to out do the president, but, for all of you Catholics out there (me included) you can send one to Pope Benedict XVI as well! This is really special because the response includes a special blessing for your marriage. I'm a little embaressed that I put POTUS ahead of the Pope but its just a little more timely!

Pope Benedict XVI
Prefettura della Casa Pontifica
00120 Citta del Vaticano, Italia

(Title: His Holiness)

Have fun!

More advice needed :)

OK, can you tell I am really down to the nitty gritty now?

If I heard from people after the Save the Date went out that they will not be able to make it, do I still send them a formal invite?

I think YES, because I don't want to leave them out

or NO, because I don't want them to think I am asking for a gift

Example - 2 of the couples that I know cannot make it are not people that I know, they are parent's co-workers, but there are 2 other couple who I know cannot make it and they are close friends.

What do you think?

Advice needed!

OK, so I am getting down to the details now and will have my invitation wording complete and submitted by tomorrow - eek! Seems so final :)

Here's my questions, I will have about 40% of my guests from out of town. There will be a direction card and an accomodation card in the pocket style invitations.

On the direction card - what needs to go on there-

Directions to the church (main directions or specifics from the hotels?)
Directions to the reception hall (specifically from the church or the main ones they list)

How specific and turn by turn do I need to be?

Here's a note- I will have bus for those staying at the hotel to go from the hotel to the reception - the church is only blocks away, they can figure that out.

I will also have a welcome letter, etc. when guests check in and can put real specifics in there.

Hmmmmm, all thoughts welcomed!!!