Are you curious about what to include in your wedding invitation suite? You’re certainly not alone! Crafting, packaging, and sending out wedding invitations can feel like a monumental task. But don’t worry, we’re here to help guide you through the process with our comprehensive overview.
Traditional Essentials
- Invitation
- Response Card and Envelope
- Mailing Envelope
- Postage
Optional Additions
- Inner Envelope
- Reception Card
- Directions
- Weekend Events Card
- Accommodations Card
- Invitation Wrapper
Wedding Invitation
Of course, the cornerstone of your wedding invitation suite is the invitation itself. Yet, it’s surprisingly common for couples to overlook crucial details like time, date, and locations. So, be sure to double-check your invite to ensure all necessary information is included.
Response Card
When it comes to response cards, remember to provide pre-addressed envelopes and stamps for your guests’ convenience. If you’re offering meal choices, incorporate checkboxes for easy selection. While online RSVPs are convenient, it’s considerate to offer traditional response cards, especially for older guests less comfortable with technology.
Mailing Envelope
Another obvious mention: you’ll need an envelope to send off all the paper goods. Luckily, you don’t have to handwrite the addresses yourself—many stationery companies, like us, offer addressing services. If you are sending your own invitation, envelope moisteners are lifesavers when assembling hundreds of wedding invitations!
Postage
As you assemble your invitation suite, keep in mind that the additional stationery may add weight to your envelope, requiring more postage than standard covers. Swing by the post office with your suite in tow to weigh it and determine the exact postage needed. This visit also offers a great opportunity to explore stamp options tailored for weddings. You’ll be amazed at the assortment, ranging from charming hearts to delicate flowers, waiting for you behind the counter.
For an added touch of elegance, consider hand-canceling stamps to avoid unsightly machine marks. While all stamps must be canceled to prevent reuse, machine-canceled stamps can leave unsightly, uneven lines on your pristine envelope. Plus if your return address is on the back of the envelope, a machine might struggle to identify the front, necessitating hand-cancellation for clarity.
Inner Envelope (Optional)
The inner envelope, slightly smaller than its outer counterpart, serves as a crucial component of your invitation suite. It not only holds the invitation but also communicates exactly who is invited to the wedding. This is your opportunity to neatly list the names of each wedding guest. If your guest is entitled to a specific plus-one, be sure to include both names. Alternatively, if they have the freedom to bring any guest, address the envelope with their name alongside a generic “Guest,” for example, “John Smith and Guest.” If no plus-one is designated, a simple inclusion of the guest’s name suffices. This is also the way to indicate whether or not children are invited. For example, if you are inviting a family, the envelope should be addressed to “The Smiths.” If it’s adults-only, however, it should read “John and Victoria Smith.”
Reception Card (Optional)
In the event that your wedding reception will take place at a different location than the ceremony, it’s essential to include a separate card detailing the reception information. This card should convey the formality and essence of the event in its wording.
Directions (Optional)
Ensure your guests arrive on time by providing clear directions to your wedding venue. While GPS is handy, a guest’s phone could unexpectedly lose battery or signal, leading to potential delays. To avoid any hiccups, always include a direction card with your invitations. You never know when your guests might rely on it. For an extra personal touch, consider including a custom weekend map. Not only do these maps add personality to your invitations, but they also serve as delightful keepsakes for both you and your guests.
Weekend Events Card (Optional)
For weddings that span a weekend and feature various events like welcome drinks, an after-party, or a day-after brunch, providing a comprehensive itinerary for your guests is highly recommended. By offering detailed information via both your website and invitation, you empower your guests to better plan their weekend, minimizing the need for additional inquiries. While many websites may cover logistics extensively, we suggest including an insert card outlining the weekend’s events. This formal invitation to the activities ensures that guests have all the details at their fingertips. Be sure to include essential information such as hotel recommendations with room blocks, transportation details, and event times. Additionally, use this opportunity to clarify if any of the wedding weekend activities are adults-only.
Accommodations Card (Optional)
For out-of-town guests, providing an additional card with hotel options is a thoughtful gesture that they’ll surely appreciate. Remember to include a deadline for making reservations on this accommodations card, along with details about transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue.
Invitation Wrapper (Optional)
After assembling your wedding invitation suite with care, consider adding an invitation wrapper such as a belly band or silk ribbon to elegantly hold everything together. Opt for a coordinating color scheme and enhance the wrapper with a touch of sparkle, like a jewel or botanical accents, for an extra dash of glam.
In Conclusion
Before diving into stationery orders, create a checklist to streamline the process and stay on budget. And remember, expert advice is always available to guide you through the whirlwind of wedding planning. Consider enlisting the help of a professional stationer, like me, to bring your vision to life with precision and flair.
Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!
Michelle
