Designing Wedding Invitations: A Guide To Arrangement And Style

Arranging a wedding invitation is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. It involves assembling the invitation suite, which typically includes multiple cards and enclosures. The process begins with gathering all the necessary pieces, such as the invitation card, response card, reception card, and enclosure cards for additional information. These pieces are then carefully arranged in a specific order, with the invitation card at the bottom, followed by the reception card, response card, and enclosure cards. The suite is then inserted into an inner envelope, if used, and finally into the outer envelope with the text facing up. To ensure a pristine presentation, a sheet of tissue paper or a belly band can be added. Proofreading the invitations for accuracy and confirming guest names' spelling are also essential steps. Wedding invitation etiquette guides the arrangement, and sending out invitations early is recommended.

What to include in a wedding invitation

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. They set the tone for the big day and communicate vital details about the event. Here is a guide on what to include in your wedding invitations:

The Main Invitation Card

The invitation card is the most important piece of the suite. It should include the names of the couple getting married, the date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony. It is usually the largest card in the suite and serves as the base for the rest of the enclosure cards.

Response or RSVP Card

The response card is the second most important piece. It is meant to be sent back by the guests, indicating whether they will attend the wedding or not. It typically includes a reply-by date and an option to choose their meal preference if applicable. The response card is placed under the flap of the response envelope, with the printed side visible.

Reception Card

If you are having a separate reception venue or if there is a significant time gap between the ceremony and reception, it is customary to include a reception card. This card provides the time and location of the reception and can also include dress code information.

Enclosure Cards

Enclosure cards can include additional information such as accommodation details, travel information, maps, or directions to the wedding venue. If you have a wedding website, this information can also be included on one of the enclosure cards.

Return Address and Postage

Don't forget to include return address labels on the envelopes. You will also need to calculate the correct amount of postage for your invitations, as they are usually heavier than a standard letter due to the multiple enclosure cards.

Assembly and Order

The general rule for assembling wedding invitations is to place the cards face up, starting with the largest card on the bottom and stacking the smaller cards on top. The fully assembled invitation suite is then inserted into the envelope, with the printed side facing up so that guests can immediately read the invitation when they open the envelope.

How to assemble your wedding invitations

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process but it isn't rocket science. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble your wedding invitations:

Step 1: Get the Main Invitation Card

Start with the invitation card, which is usually the largest card in the invitation suite. Place it face up on the table.

Step 2: Add Vellum or Tissue Paper (Optional)

If you have chosen to include a thin sheet of vellum or tissue paper, place it on top of the invitation card. Traditionally, this was used to prevent the ink from smearing or rubbing off during mailing, but with today's smear-free invites, it is a matter of preference.

Step 3: Stack the Reception Card

If you are using a reception card, place it face up on top of the wedding invitation. The reception card outlines the time and location of the wedding reception and may include other important information such as the dress code.

Step 4: Stack Other Enclosure Cards

Place any remaining enclosure cards, such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards, face up on top of the reception card. If there is more than one enclosure card and they are different sizes, start with the largest card and work your way down to the smallest.

Step 5: Add the RSVP Card and Envelope

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

Step 6: Finishing Touches

If you are using a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it now. Belly bands are narrow strips of paper that wrap around your invitation suite and are secured with clear stickers. Ribbons can be tied in a variety of ways, such as a wraparound band, knot, or bow.

Step 7: Recipient Addressing

Address the envelopes using calligraphy or print the names and addresses directly on them. If using inner and outer envelopes, the inner envelope is left unsealed and is placed inside the outer envelope, with the guests' names facing out. If using only an outer envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite with the left edge first for a single-card invitation or the folded edge first for a folded invitation.

Step 8: Insert the Suite into the Envelope

If using envelope liners, slide them into the envelopes before inserting the invitation suite. Insert the assembled suite into the envelope with the cards facing up, so that guests can immediately see the text when they open the envelope.

Step 9: Seal the Envelope

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

Step 10: Return Address

Apply address labels or rubber stamps to the envelopes.

Step 11: Mail

Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation to the post office to weigh it and determine the correct amount of postage. Hand-cancelling the invitations will ensure they are handled manually instead of going through machines, reducing the risk of damage.

How to address your wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to address your wedding invitations:

• Get the main invitation card: The invitation card is the largest card in the suite and should be placed at the bottom, with the printed side facing up. It includes the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding.
• Add vellum liners (optional): Traditionally, a thin sheet of vellum was used to prevent ink smudges. If you want to include it, place the vellum on top of the invitation card.
• Stack the reception card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation card.
• Add other enclosure cards: Place any 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.
• 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. Pre-address and pre-stamp the reply envelope.
• Add finishing touches (optional): If you want to add a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, assemble it now.
• Address the recipients: Traditionally, calligraphy was used to address envelopes. You can hire a calligrapher or print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes. For outer envelopes, include the names of all invited guests, their mailing address, and your return address on the envelope flap. For inner envelopes (optional), list the names of the invited guests, including children.
• Insert the suite into the envelope: If using a single envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite with the left edge or folded edge first, ensuring the text is print-side up. If using inner and outer envelopes, insert the suite into the inner envelope with the print side up, then place the inner envelope into the outer envelope with the guests' names visible when opened.
• Seal the envelope: Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge of the outer envelope. Place a heavy book on top of the stack to ensure they are securely sealed.
• Add the return address: Apply address labels, rubber stamps, or skinny wraps to each envelope.

By following these steps, you will be able to address your wedding invitations properly and include all the necessary information for your guests.

How to send your wedding invitations

Sending out your wedding invitations should be fun, not stressful. Here's how to do it:

Proofread Your Wedding Invitations

You don't want to send out wedding invitations with a spelling error or the incorrect date or time. Chances are your stationer sent you a digital proof before printing them, but it's important to make sure it turned out correctly. Check that your wedding date, time, venue name(s), your and your partner's parents' names, and any other details are correct. Ask a member of your wedding party or your significant other to be a second pair of eyes in case you miss something. You'll also want to check the whole invitation suite for any spills or stains when they arrive.

Confirm the Spelling of Guests' Names

Whether you used calligraphy or printed addresses, it's important to check that your guests' names and addresses are spelled correctly. It's poor wedding etiquette to send an invitation with this information wrong. If you're unsure, check with a family member who knows the guest well. Leave yourself time in case there are errors and you need to send your envelopes back.

Place Them in the Right Order

Wedding invitation etiquette dictates the order in which the pieces of the invitation suite should go. Typically, each card would be face up in size order, from biggest to smallest, starting with the invitation card. Then, if you have a separate reception card, that would come next. On top of this is the response card, which would be tucked under the flap of the response envelope, face up. Next, include any enclosure cards, such as a map, direction, or accommodation card.

Calculate the Right Amount of Postage

Wedding invitation suites are heavier than a standard letter, so a standard stamp likely won't be enough. Take a fully stuffed envelope to the post office and ask them to weigh it so you can confirm the correct amount of postage needed for each envelope. You can even do a test send to a member of the wedding party to ensure it arrives without issues.

Send Out Your Invitations Early

Wedding etiquette says that the appropriate time to send out a wedding invitation is between 4-6 weeks ahead of your celebration. That might feel a little close for comfort, but by this stage, guests will have received a save-the-date and should have access to your wedding website, which should have travel and accommodation details. On the RSVP card, include a date for guests to reply by, especially if you need to let your caterer know their food choices. We recommend listing a date that's earlier than technically needed in case people are slow to respond.

Number Your Invitations

Number your invitations on the back so if a guest forgets to write their name on the response card, you'll still know who it's from without having to track them down.

How to word your wedding invitations

When it comes to wording your wedding invitations, there are some basic elements that should always be included. While you can opt for classic and traditional or creative and whimsical wording, here are some key considerations:

The Request to Come to the Wedding

There are several ways to ask for the pleasure of your guests' company. Here are a few examples:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Honor of your presence"

The Names of the Couple

Traditionally, the bride's name precedes the groom's name. For same-sex couples, there is no traditional rule, so go with what sounds better or use alphabetical order.

Reception Information

For very formal invitations, include reception information on a separate card. If there is room, you can include it on the invitation itself if the ceremony and reception are in the same location. When the reception is held elsewhere, it goes on a separate line. Include the time if the reception is not immediately after the ceremony.

Dress Code

Wedding invitation etiquette dictates that the dress code is mentioned in the lower right corner of the invitation. If not specified, the invitation's style will indicate the dress code.

RSVP Card

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also provide the option of RSVPing via your wedding website.

Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed as hosts at the top of the invitation. However, it has become more common to include the names of both sets of parents or for the couple to host the wedding themselves.

• "Together with their parents, Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company..."
• "Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honor of your presence..."
• "Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory and Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children, Amy Abner and Charles Hyland..."

Date, Time, and Location

For formal weddings, write 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 omitting it would cause confusion.

• "Saturday, July 9, 2016, at two thirty in the afternoon, Santa Barbara Courthouse - Mural Room, Santa Barbara, California. Dinner and dancing to follow at Casa de la Guerra."
• "April 11th, 2021, at 6 pm, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico at Acre Baja. Reception to follow."
• "Saturday, the twenty-first of May, two thousand twenty-two, at half after six o'clock, Old Westbury Golf and Country Club, Old Westbury, New York. Black tie."

Frequently asked questions