Invitation Suite For Weddings: Who Offers This Service?

Wedding invitation suites are a popular choice for soon-to-be-married couples. These suites offer a cohesive collection of matching paper stationery, including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, programs, place cards, and menus. Couples can choose from various designs, such as modern, elegant, rustic, or whimsical, and customise their suite with fonts, colours, and extras like envelope liners and wax seals. Many companies offer free samples and design assistance to help couples create their perfect wedding invitation suite.

Response card and envelope

Response cards are a critical part of your wedding stationery suite. They are included with a wedding invitation to give you an accurate guest count for the reception. They are not used for ceremony-only invitations. Response cards are usually included as part of an invitation set, engraved or printed in the same style and paper stock as the invitation but in a smaller size.

The response card and envelope should be pre-addressed and stamped to make it as easy as possible for guests to respond by mail. If you prefer to receive replies by email or telephone, that's fine—just include the necessary information on the response card and skip the envelope. It's also a good idea to include a "reply by" date, usually two to three weeks before the wedding, to give hosts time to follow up with guests who have yet to reply and to give accurate headcounts to wedding vendors.

M__________________________________________

_____ Accepts [or, will attend]

_____ Regrets [or, will not attend]

The favour of your reply is requested [or, Please reply] by [Date]

The "M" precedes the space where the guest(s) write their name(s) and the name of their plus one, if they were invited to bring one:

Mr. and Mrs. James Bailey

Or, for phoned or emailed replies:

The favour of your reply is requested [or, Please reply] by [Date] [Email address] [Phone number]

If you are offering an entrée choice at your reception, it's a good idea to include a way for guests to indicate their preference, usually by writing their name or initials next to their selection.

James [Filet Mignon]

Monica [Poached Salmon]

[Vegetable Curry]

Directions

• Rural weddings: Physical directions can be a godsend for guests attending weddings in remote locations. Lost cell service, unmarked roads, and other unforeseen obstacles can cause guests to arrive late.
• Traffic: If your wedding is in an urban area, providing directions can be just as practical. You can list alternative routes, rush hour times, and streets to avoid to help guests beat the local traffic.
• Different directions: If guests are coming from various places, it may be courteous to write out separate directions for each origin point.

Combining written directions with a visual map will make your directions insert easier to understand, especially when guests are on the move.

• Legibility: Ensure the font you use is easy to read for all guests.
• Online backup: Even if you don't include a direction card, list the directions to your venue and its address on your wedding website.
• Custom map: Include a custom weekend map as a keepsake for you and your guests.
• Weight: Heavier paper will require extra postage, so take a fully stuffed invite to the post office to determine the necessary stamps.

Reception card

A reception card is an optional but helpful addition to your wedding invitation suite, especially if your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony. It is a traditional and etiquette-correct way to inform your guests of the post-ceremony festivities and can be particularly useful if you want to let guests know the start and end times of certain events at the reception.

The reception card is also a chance to manage your guests' expectations. For example, if you're having a cake and champagne reception, they won't arrive expecting a seven-course meal. You can also indicate the dress code on the reception card.

The standard heading is "Reception", but alternatives like "Celebrate", "Dinner and Dancing", or "The celebration continues" are also popular. If the reception begins as soon as the ceremony is over, you can use "following the ceremony".

• "Reception immediately following the ceremony"
• "Dinner at six o'clock, dancing and merriment to follow"
• "Cocktail hour begins at six o'clock, dinner and dancing to follow"
• "The celebration continues at [venue name and address]"

RSVP card

An RSVP card is a crucial part of a wedding invitation suite, providing an opportunity for guests to confirm their attendance and helping the couple with their wedding planning. Here are some key details to consider when creating your RSVP cards:

Format and Content

Timing and Deadlines

It is recommended to send out wedding invitations with RSVP cards enclosed 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. For destination weddings, this timeline may be extended to 3 months in advance. Couples should set an RSVP deadline of around 4 weeks before the wedding to finalise guest counts for catering and seating arrangements. A gentle reminder can be sent out 1-2 weeks before the deadline to prompt late responses.

Design and Customisation

Envelopes and Addressing

It is standard to include pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes with RSVP cards to facilitate responses. The envelopes can be addressed to the couple or designated wedding planner. Some couples may also choose to add each guest's name to the RSVP card itself for a more personal touch.

Cost-Effectiveness

Wedding invitations with RSVP cards can be a cost-effective option, especially when combined with online RSVPs. Seal and send invitations, for example, include a tear-off RSVP postcard, reducing the need for separate envelopes and saving on postage costs.

Attire card

An attire card is an important part of a wedding invitation suite, especially if you have a specific dress code in mind or if your wedding is taking place outdoors. It's a great way to ensure your guests are dressed appropriately and gives them clear guidance on what to wear.

There are a few ways to include attire details in your wedding invitation suite. You could add a separate card, or include the information on the invitation itself, or on a details card. If you have a wedding website, you could also include the dress code there.

If you opt for a separate attire card, it's best to keep it concise. You could include brief attire suggestions, such as "lawn-appropriate shoes" or "beach casual". You may also want to specify the level of formality, such as black tie, cocktail, semi-formal, or casual.

For example, for a black-tie wedding, you could specify "formal gowns and tuxedos". For a cocktail dress code, you can mention that dresses can be shorter in length while still maintaining a formal look. If your wedding is semi-formal, you might suggest long, simple dresses paired with suits. And for a casual outdoor ceremony, lightweight maxi dresses, button-up shirts, and slacks could be appropriate.

Including an attire card in your wedding invitation suite is a helpful way to ensure your guests feel prepared and know what to expect. It's a simple way to provide clarity and ensure your guests feel comfortable and appropriately dressed for your special day.

Frequently asked questions