Designing Wedding Invitations: The Ultimate Guide

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process as they give guests a sneak peek into the wedding and set the tone and mood for the event. There are many options available for wedding invitations, from classic and elegant to casual and modern, and couples can choose to send physical invitations, digital invites, or a combination of both. The cost of wedding invitations can vary widely, depending on the design, ink, typeface, printing process, paper quality, and quantity. When designing wedding invitations, it is important to keep the wording and design simple and clear, and to include all the necessary information such as the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, dress code, and RSVP information.

What to include in the invitation

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day, so it's important to get them right. They should reflect the aesthetic of your wedding and set the tone for the festivities to come. Here's what to include in your wedding invitation:

The Main Invitation Card

The invitation card typically includes the following information:

• The full names of the couple getting married
• The names of the hosts (optional): If the couple is hosting and paying for most of the event, the names of the hosts may be omitted.
• The date and time of the wedding: The date is usually spelled out, including the year, and the day of the week and month are capitalized. The time is often indicated using the phrase "half after" instead of "half past."
• The wedding location: Provide the city and state of the wedding venue. If all guests are local, you may omit the state.
• Reception information: A simple line such as "Reception to follow" is sufficient if the reception is at the same location. If it's at a different venue, provide the name and address.

Additional Enclosure Cards

Depending on the complexity of your wedding and the amount of information you need to convey, you may include the following enclosure cards:

• Direction or detail card: This card can include a map or directions to the wedding venue, especially if the venue is difficult to find. It can also include other relevant details, such as accommodation options for out-of-town guests.
• RSVP card and envelope: It is proper etiquette to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with the RSVP card to make it convenient for your guests to respond. The deadline for RSVPs is typically set for 2-5 weeks before the wedding to allow time for finalizing the seating chart and providing the caterer with the final headcount.
• Website card: Many couples opt to include a separate card with their wedding website address and password. This is where guests can find additional information, such as registry details, travel and accommodation suggestions, and any other wedding-related events.

Design and Formatting Tips

• Keep the wording and design simple: Use clear and concise language to ensure your guests don't miss any important information.
• Avoid clutter: Only include the key details on the invitation card and use additional enclosure cards for supplementary information.
• Consider the dress code: Guests appreciate knowing what to wear. Include a dress code indication, such as "black tie" or "dress casual."
• Legibility is key: Avoid light ink on light backgrounds and dark ink on dark backgrounds. Also, be wary of hard-to-read fonts, as you want to ensure your guests can easily read the information.
• Order extra: It is recommended to order 15-25 extra invitations in case of mistakes, resending, or if you want to keep some as keepsakes.

How to assemble the invitation

Wedding invitations are a perfect preview of your special day. Assembling them correctly is an art. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Get the main invitation card ready

Place the invitation card at the bottom, print side up. This is the largest card in the wedding invitation suite.

Step 2: Add vellum liners (optional)

Place a thin sheet of vellum on top of the invitation card. This was traditionally used to prevent ink smudges but is optional nowadays.

Step 3: Stack the reception card

If you are using a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the wedding invite.

Step 4: Stack other enclosure cards

Place the remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face up on top of the reception card. If you have a wedding website, include the address and password on one of these cards.

Step 5: Add the RSVP card and envelope

Place the RSVP envelope, printed side down, on top of the enclosure cards, with the flap on the left. Insert the reply card under the envelope flap, face up. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope.

Step 6: Add finishing touches (optional)

If you want to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, do so now. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that wrap around your suite, while vellum wraps are folded and scored to fit. Ribbons can be tied in various ways, such as a wraparound band, knot, or bow.

Step 7: Address the recipient

You can use calligraphy or print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes. If using a calligrapher, send the envelopes to them at least two to three weeks in advance.

Step 8: Insert the suite into the envelope

If using slip-in envelope liners, slide them into the envelopes first. Then, insert the fully assembled invitation suite, with the left edge going in first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge for a folded invitation.

Step 9: Seal the envelope

Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the envelope, being careful not to use too much to avoid sogginess. Place a heavy book on the envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed.

Step 10: Add the return address

Apply address labels, skinny wraps, or rubber stamps to each envelope.

Step 11: Mail your invitations

Before mailing, bring a fully assembled set to the post office to weigh and confirm the required postage. Ask for hand-cancelling to reduce the risk of damage during sorting.

How to address the envelope

Wedding invitations are the guests' first glimpse of your special day, so it's important to get them right. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to address the envelopes for your wedding invitations.

Formality

The level of formality of your wedding will heavily influence the style of addressing you choose. For a formal, glamorous black-tie affair, opt for a traditional and elegant addressing style. A laid-back country wedding may call for a more casual and relaxed approach.

It is considered good etiquette to use appropriate titles and spell guests' names correctly. The general rule is that all unmarried women aged 18 and over should be addressed as "Ms.", unmarried women under 18 as "Miss", and all men as "Mr.". Married women can be addressed as "Mrs." but some may prefer "Ms.". If your guest has a distinguished title, such as "Doctor", this should be written out in full.

Married couples

If you are inviting a married couple, you can address the envelope to "Mr. [name] and Mrs. [name]". The male name does not necessarily have to come first; you can choose to put the woman's name first. If the couple has different last names, you can address them as "Mr. [name] and Ms. [name]".

Unmarried couples

Invitations to unmarried couples should follow the same standard as invitations to married couples with different last names. List your primary guest first. For example: "Ms. Susan Smith and Mr. Paul Jones".

Single guests

When addressing an invitation to a single person, include their title, first name, and last name. If they are bringing a plus-one, you can address the envelope to "Ms. Susan Smith and Guest". If you know the name of their plus-one, include it on a separate line: "Ms. Susan Smith and Mr. Thomas Jones".

Families

If you are inviting a family with children, the outside envelope should be addressed only to the parents. Children's names should appear on the inner envelope, with the oldest child's name followed by their siblings in order of decreasing age. If the children are over 18, they should receive their own invitation. For a family of four with children under 18, you can address the envelope using "and family": "Mr. John and Mrs. Susan Smith and Family".

Other tips

• Avoid using nicknames; use guests' full first names.
• Middle names are not necessary, but if used, they should be spelled out in full (no initials).
• Spell out all words such as "Apartment", "Avenue", and "Street".
• Abbreviate titles such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms." and "Jr.".
• Write out professional titles such as "Doctor" or "Professor".
• Always address wedding invitation envelopes by hand, even for a large number of guests. Avoid using address labels.

When to send the invitation

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. It not only impacts the couple's schedule but also that of their guests. Sending out invitations too early might cause the event to slip from guests' minds, while sending them out too late may inconvenience guests with travel plans, time off work, and other arrangements.

The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline is considered the "sweet spot" as it gives guests enough time to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements, and RSVP. It also allows the couple to receive RSVPs sooner, facilitating final headcounts, seating charts, and other last-minute arrangements.

However, there are circumstances where sending invitations earlier may be more appropriate. For destination weddings or weddings during busy holiday seasons, it is courteous to mail the invitations ten to twelve weeks in advance. This gives guests ample time to plan their trips, especially if they need to request time off work or make travel and accommodation arrangements.

On the other hand, some couples opt to send out "Save the Date" cards in advance of the formal invitations. These preliminary notifications inform guests about the wedding date and plans, allowing them to reserve that day on their calendars. "Save the Dates" are typically sent out six to twelve months before the wedding, with eight to twelve months being ideal.

In summary, the timing of sending out wedding invitations depends on various factors, including the size and nature of the wedding, the number of out-of-town guests, and the time needed for guests to plan their attendance. Couples should aim to strike a balance between providing enough notice and maintaining the excitement and freshness of the event in their guests' minds.

How to word the invitation

Wedding invitations typically follow a standard format, with a few variations depending on who is hosting the wedding. Here is a guide on how to word your wedding invitations:

The Host Line

The host line is where you name the people hosting the wedding, usually the people paying for the wedding. If the couple is hosting themselves, the host line can be omitted or replaced with a warm and welcoming introduction.

If one set of parents is hosting, include their full names, with middle names for a very formal wedding. For divorced parents, include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name on a separate line.

For two sets of parents hosting, list the bride's parents' names first, followed by the groom's parents' names. For same-sex couples, list the names alphabetically or in the order that looks best with the invitation design.

If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can opt for something like "Together with their parents/families".

The Request Line

This is where you invite your guests to join your wedding celebration. Here are some examples:

• "Request the honour of your presence" (traditionally used for religious services)
• "Request the pleasure of your company" (for non-religious ceremonies)
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

The Couple's Names

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or in the order that sounds better.

It is traditional to include the first and middle names of the couple, but it is acceptable to omit middle and/or last names.

Date, Time, and Location

Include the date, start time, and location of the wedding ceremony. For formal invitations, spell out the date, time, and location in full. For casual weddings, numerals are fine.

The street address of the venue is usually not needed unless it is a private residence or omitting it would lead to confusion.

If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say, "Reception to follow". If the reception is elsewhere, include the location on a separate line or on a separate card.

Dress Code and RSVP

Including the dress code is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you don't include attire information, the invitation itself will indicate the dress code, with a more fancy invitation suggesting a more formal event.

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also provide a wedding website for guests to RSVP online.

Frequently asked questions