March 05, 2024

The Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation: What to Include in Yours

Creating a wedding invitation suite involves more than just announcing where and when. It’s about guiding your guests through what to expect on your big day. Let’s break down each component of a wedding invitation suite, ensuring nothing gets overlooked and making the process as straightforward as possible.

Main Invitation Card

This is the star of the show, containing all the crucial details:

Host Line: Indicates who is hosting the wedding.
Request Line: Formally invite your guests.
Names of the Couple: Traditionally, the bride's name goes first, but you can choose the order.
Date and Time: Written out formally, e.g., "Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June."
Venue: Includes the location of the ceremony. If the reception is at the same place, you might add “Reception to follow.”

Response Card (RSVP)

Makes it easy for guests to confirm their attendance:

RSVP Deadline: Typically 3–4 weeks before the wedding.
Instructions: Whether to mail back the card, reply via a wedding website, or call.
Meal Preferences: If you’re offering meal choices, this is where guests indicate their preference.

Details Card

For all the extra information your guests will appreciate:

Directions: Helpful for those unfamiliar with the venue.
Accommodation Suggestions: For out-of-town guests, include recommended hotels or lodging options.
Transportation: If you’re providing shuttles or need to inform them about parking,
Wedding Website: A place for ongoing updates and additional details.

Reception Card

If your reception is at a different location than the ceremony, this card is crucial:

Location: The address and name of the reception venue.
Time: When the reception starts, especially if there’s a gap between the ceremony and reception.

Envelopes

Your invitation suite needs to look good from the outside, too:

Outer Envelope: Traditionally includes the guests' formal titles and full addresses.
Inner Envelope: A more informal space where you can specify exactly who is invited from each household.

Optional Additions

Depending on your wedding, you might also consider:

Dress Code: If you have a specific attire request, like black tie or casual.
Weekend Itinerary: For destination weddings or entire weekend celebrations.
Map: A custom map can be both useful and a lovely keepsake.

Tips for Your Wedding Invitation Suite

Consistency is Key: Ensure your suite has a cohesive look, from the design to the paper quality.
Proofread: Double-check all details, and maybe get a second pair of eyes to look everything over.
Consider Your Guests: Make the information as clear and comprehensive as possible to avoid confusion.

Crafting your wedding invitation suite is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. By understanding each component, you can create a beautiful, informative, and cohesive set of materials that will get your guests excited for your big day and ensure they have all the information they need.