Invitation Anatomy: Wedding Edition

A wedding invitation suite consists of all the paper goods sent with the wedding invitation. The invitation itself is the main component, and it is usually the largest piece in the suite. It contains key information such as the names of the couple, the date, time, location, and nature of the event. The suite may also include a response card, a reception card, a directions card, an accommodations card, and an inner envelope.

Response card and envelope

Response cards are included with wedding invitations to allow guests to indicate whether they will be attending the wedding. Response cards are typically smaller than the invitation and are often included as part of an invitation set. They are usually pre-addressed and stamped to make it as easy as possible for guests to respond.

The response card should include an RSVP-by date, which is typically set a week before the last day you need a final headcount. This gives hosts time to follow up with guests who have not yet responded and to provide accurate numbers to wedding vendors such as caterers. The RSVP deadline should be at least one month before the wedding date, so you have enough time to determine seating arrangements and print escort cards and place cards.

The response card should also include a space for guests to write their names. Traditionally, the line is preceded by a large "M" (e.g., Mr. or Mrs.), but some modern couples opt for "Your Name" or something less formal. If you are offering entrée choices at your reception, it is a good idea to include checkboxes on the response cards for guests to indicate their preferences.

Instead of a mailed response card, you can direct guests to RSVP on your wedding website. However, it is considerate to offer mailed response cards as an option for older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer.

There is no standard size for a response card, but it is typically smaller than the wedding invitation. The standard response card size is 3 x 5 inches, which can be slipped into an envelope inside the invitation or inserted into a pocket in the invite. For a traditional wedding, response cards are often printed in a postcard size, typically 3.5 x 5 inches but never more than 4.25 x 6 inches.

Reception card

A reception card is a traditional part of a wedding invitation suite, particularly if the ceremony and reception are held in two different locations. It is essentially a secondary invitation, providing guests with the location, address, time, and any other helpful information, such as parking arrangements.

The reception card is an opportunity to set the tone and style of your wedding. The design of the card can match the invitation suite or be created separately. When designing the card, consider the following:

• Venue name and address: Include the name and address of the reception venue.
• Start time: Mention the start time of the reception, especially if there is a gap between the ceremony and reception.
• Font: Choose a font or two that aligns with your wedding theme and complements the other stationery.
• Background: Opt for a solid colour or patterned background to enhance the design.
• Graphic elements: Add creative touches such as icons, vectors, or illustrations to make the card more visually appealing.

After finalising the design, save and download the file for printing. Consider using high-quality paper to elevate the overall look and feel of the card.

Directions card

A directions card is an important part of a wedding invitation suite, especially if your wedding venue is off the beaten path or if you have a lot of guests coming in from out of town. While it is possible to include directions to your venue on your wedding website, it is considerate to include a physical directions card in your invitation suite as a backup. That way, your guests won't have to rely on their phones to navigate to your wedding, and they won't have to frantically call you for directions at the last minute.

There are no strict rules for formatting a directions card, but there are several key pieces of information that you should include:

Venue Address and Directions

The most important thing to include on your directions card is, of course, the address of your wedding venue and clear directions on how to get there. You can provide written directions, or you can include an illustrated map. If you're including written directions, be sure to make them as clear and detailed as possible. It might also be helpful to include directions to and from nearby landmarks, such as the airport, train station, or hotels where your guests will be staying.

Parking and Transportation Information

Let your guests know if there is parking available at the venue, and if not, where they should park. If you've arranged group transportation for your guests, include information about where and when they need to meet to take the transportation. If the venue has limited parking and guests are required to take a shuttle, be sure to mention this as well.

Other Helpful Information

Depending on the location of your wedding, you may want to include additional information, such as suggestions for appropriate attire (e.g., "garden shoes suggested" for an outdoor wedding), typical weather conditions, and the location of a backup site in case of rain. If your wedding is a destination wedding, you might also include recommendations for things to do and see in the area.

Design and Legibility

When designing your directions card, it's important to choose a legible font that will be easy for all of your guests to read. You might also consider including a custom weekend map, which can serve as a helpful keepsake for you and your guests.

Accommodations card

An accommodations card is one of the many inserts included in your wedding invitation envelope. It is typically sent to every wedding guest and is sometimes referred to as a hotel card. This card informs your guests about lodging and accommodation information.

There are several reasons why you may want to send accommodations cards. If you have family and friends flying in from out of town, they will likely need somewhere to stay. Accommodations cards can let guests know about local hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging opportunities.

These cards are particularly helpful if you have reserved a hotel room block in a specific location for your out-of-town guests. Placing this detailed information on a card can help those who are not tech-savvy figure out which rooms to select so that they are with the wedding party.

Wedding accommodations cards are also very handy if your reception will be held at a hotel or resort where you want your guests to stay. It’s much easier if you can keep everything under the same roof, and these cards will help you disseminate that information to all of your guests.

To make it easier for invitees, try to include all pertinent information on your accommodations insert card. You should try to list the following information on your accommodations card, if relevant:

• The hotel and its address
• The block of rooms reserved (may include a group code or group name)
• The date the rooms must be reserved by
• The hotel’s website and/or phone number
• Possibly transportation info, if a shuttle is provided

There is no need to include a direct link to the hotel's booking page, as this can look complicated and messy. Additionally, don’t feel that you need to give details on the climate, flights, or other minor details. Accommodations cards are a simple way to let your guests know that you care about them flying in for your wedding day and have made plans accordingly.

Inner envelope

The inner envelope is smaller than the outer mailing envelope and is used to indicate who is and isn't invited to the wedding. It is placed inside the outer envelope, which is the envelope that gets labelled with the guest address. The inner envelope is also used to keep the rest of the invitation intact.

The inner envelope can be addressed in a much more casual way than the outer envelope. While the outer envelope is the formal envelope with the recipients' addresses, full names, titles, and sometimes even middle names listed, the inner envelope can include titles such as Mr. and Miss, or be addressed with first names only. If you don't know the preferred pronouns of people on your guest list, it is recommended to print your inner envelopes without titles like Mr. or Miss.

The trick to addressing the inner envelope is to include all of the names of the people at that address who are invited to the wedding. Not including a person's name on the inner envelope means that they are not invited.

• For a single person with a plus-one: "Mr. Styles and Guest" or "Harry Styles and Guest".
• For a married couple: "Jack Dawson and Rose Dawson".
• For an unmarried couple or a married couple with different last names: "Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively".
• For families with young children: "William, Kate, George, Charlotte, and Louis" or "Mr. and Mrs. Windsor, George Windsor, Charlotte Windsor, and Louis Windsor".

Frequently asked questions