Creative Ways To Package Wedding Invites And Rsvp Cards

Wedding planning can be a stressful affair, but packaging your wedding invites and RSVP cards correctly can help you finalise your guest list, catering numbers and seating arrangements. The right packaging can also ensure your invites arrive in perfect condition. So, how do you package wedding invites and RSVP cards?

Invitation and RSVP card design ideas

The design of your wedding invitations and RSVP cards is an important part of the overall presentation and can add a unique and creative touch to your special day. Here are some ideas to consider when designing your wedding invitations and RSVP cards:

Formal and Traditional Designs:

For a timeless and elegant look, opt for formal and traditional designs. This could include classic typefaces, sophisticated colour schemes, and elegant wording such as "Accepts with pleasure" or "Declines with regret". You can also incorporate subtle embellishments like gold or silver foil accents, embossed patterns, or ribbon bow ties.

Modern and Bold Designs:

If you want to make a statement, consider modern and bold designs. Play with contemporary typefaces, bright colours, and unique layouts. You can also incorporate design elements that reflect your wedding theme, such as geometric patterns, watercolour illustrations, or fun graphics. Don't be afraid to experiment with different paper textures and shapes to create a truly memorable invitation suite.

Rustic and Natural Designs:

For a more relaxed and organic feel, rustic and natural designs are a perfect choice. Opt for earthy colour palettes, floral illustrations, and soft, muted tones. You can use recycled paper or kraft paper for a more eco-friendly approach. Twine, dried flowers, or leaf motifs can also be incorporated for a whimsical touch.

Destination Wedding Themes:

If you're having a destination wedding, reflect your venue in the design of your invitations and RSVP cards. For example, use tropical floral designs for a beach wedding or pine tree illustrations for mountain nuptials. This will help set the tone and get your guests excited about the location.

Interactive and Fun Elements:

Add a touch of surprise and delight with interactive and fun elements. Consider designs that include fold-out sections, tear-away RSVP cards, or unique shapes. You can also encourage guests to include song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple on the RSVP card to make it more engaging.

Digital Innovations:

In today's digital age, you can also explore digital innovations for your wedding invitations and RSVP cards. This could include adding a QR code that directs guests to your wedding website for easy online RSVPs. You can also create digital versions of your invitations, send them via email, and allow guests to respond electronically, reducing paper waste.

Remember, your wedding invitations and RSVP cards set the tone for your special day, so choose a design that reflects your personalities and wedding theme. Whether you go for classic elegance, modern boldness, or whimsical fun, make sure it represents the two of you as a couple!

How to word your RSVP card

When it comes to wedding invites, the RSVP card is a critical component. This is where your guests will indicate whether they plan to attend your wedding or not, giving you a headcount for your big day. Here are some tips and suggestions for wording your RSVP cards, ensuring they match the style and tone of your wedding invitations:

Setting a Clear Deadline

It is essential to include a clear deadline for responses on your RSVP cards. Vendors often require final numbers around four weeks before the wedding, so setting the RSVP date a month prior is a good idea. For destination weddings, it is advisable to give guests a little more time, so sending these out two months in advance is recommended.

Wording Ideas for Formal Weddings

If you are having a formal or traditional wedding, you may want to use more formal language on your RSVP cards. Here are some examples:

• "The favour of a response is requested by [date]"
• "Your reply is kindly requested before [date]"
• "A favour of response is kindly requested before [date]"
• "Répondez S'il Vous Plaît (RSVP). Your response is requested before [date]"
• "Please RSVP no later than [date] ▢ will attend ▢ unable to attend"

Wording Ideas for Informal Weddings

For a more relaxed, informal wedding, you can use light-hearted and fun language on your RSVP cards. Here are some ideas:

• "Kindly reply before [date] ▢ Can't wait! ▢ Sorry, I wish I/we could be there!"
• "Let us know before [date] ▢ can't wait to hit the dance floor ▢ will be toasting from afar"
• "Will be there to celebrate ▢ Will be there in spirit. Song request: _______________ Entrée Preference: ▢ Meat ▢ Vegetarian"
• "Are you in? Please RSVP by [date] ▢ Yay ▢ Nay"
• "Check all that apply. ▢ Yes because: ▢ I’m being made to ▢ Free food and drink ▢ I want some cake ▢ No, I will not be attending because: ▢ I’m... um... busy that day ▢ I literally don’t know who you are"

Additional Information to Include

Aside from the deadline and response options, there are a few other pieces of information you may want to include on your RSVP cards:

• A line for guests to write their names, with an "M" at the start to indicate their honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• Space for guests to indicate any dietary restrictions or requirements, especially if you are serving a plated dinner.
• A special request line, such as a song request or a favourite memory of the couple.
• Your contact details, dress code, or a reminder of your wedding website URL.

The benefits of including RSVP cards

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many reasons to include RSVP cards. Here are some benefits of doing so:

Convenience and Time Savings

Including RSVP cards in your wedding invitations offers a convenient and time-saving option for both you and your guests. Guests can easily respond to your invitation by filling out the RSVP card, providing you with the necessary information without any additional effort on their part. This also saves you time during the invitation assembly process, as you don't need to stuff and address multiple envelopes.

Cost Savings

Wedding invitations with RSVP cards can be more cost-effective than traditional invitation suites. By combining the invitation and RSVP card into a single piece, you eliminate the need for separate cards, envelopes, and postage for the response. This helps you stay within your wedding budget while still sending high-quality invitations.

Eco-Friendliness

RSVP cards can also contribute to a more eco-friendly wedding. By reducing the number of separate cards, inserts, and envelopes, you decrease paper consumption and waste. This makes your wedding celebration more environmentally sustainable without compromising on the information provided to your guests.

Design Flexibility and Uniqueness

RSVP cards offer unique design options that set your invitation apart. You can incorporate creative elements such as textured papers, unique shapes, or interactive features like fold-out sections or tear-away RSVP cards. This allows you to create a one-of-a-kind invitation suite that impresses your guests and reflects your personal style.

Accurate Guest Count and Planning Ease

RSVP cards provide an accurate guest count, which is crucial for finalizing various wedding details. Knowing the number of attendees helps you and your vendors plan accordingly, including determining food quantities, renting napkins, and creating a seating chart. With this information, you can confidently make arrangements and avoid last-minute surprises.

In conclusion, including RSVP cards with your wedding invitations offers numerous benefits, from convenience and cost savings to design flexibility and accurate guest counts. They streamline the invitation process, provide essential information, and contribute to a well-organized and environmentally-conscious wedding celebration.

How to address your RSVP envelopes

When addressing your RSVP envelopes, it's important to follow certain etiquette to ensure that your guests can respond to your invitation easily and that you receive the responses without any issues. Here are some detailed instructions on how to address your RSVP envelopes:

• Address the response cards to yourself: The response cards are meant for your guests to confirm their attendance, so the envelopes should be addressed to you or whoever is designated to collect the responses. This way, guests can simply insert the card into the envelope and mail it back.
• Use the guest's address for the return address: Include the guest's address on the back flap of the envelope. This ensures that if there is any issue with the mail, the response card will be returned to the guest.
• Decide on the return address: The return address on the RSVP envelopes may differ from the invitation envelopes, especially if different people are hosting the wedding and reception. Typically, the return address is that of the person primarily responsible for tracking RSVPs and coordinating with vendors. In formal and traditional weddings, this is usually the bride's parents' residence.
• Choose the appropriate form of address: The way you address your guests on the envelopes sets the tone for your event. A formal or traditional event calls for more formal addressing, such as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" or "The Smith Family." For a less formal or contemporary event, you may use a more casual form, such as "John and Kim Washington." Ensure that you have the correct spelling of each guest's name.
• Avoid nicknames: Whether your event is formal or informal, avoid using nicknames or initials on the envelopes. The only exception is if a guest strictly goes by an initial and their last name, such as "W. Daniel Johnson."
• Use professional and social titles appropriately: If a guest has a professional title (e.g., Dr., Esq., Sergeant), use it in the address without abbreviating. For guests without professional titles, use the appropriate social titles: Mr. for men, Miss for unmarried women, Mrs. for married women, and Ms. for women whose marital status is unknown or who prefer a gender-neutral title. For same-sex couples, follow the same rules based on shared or different last names and professional titles.
• Use both last names for couples: When addressing couples with different last names, write out both names, such as "Mr. Ezra Houston and Ms. Sam Pirkle." This shows respect for both individuals.
• Include postage: It is customary to include a stamp on each RSVP envelope to cover the return postage. This increases the likelihood of receiving responses from your guests.

When to send out your invites and cards

The timing of sending out wedding invitations and RSVP cards is an essential aspect of wedding planning. Traditionally, invitations are dispatched six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeframe allows guests to make the necessary arrangements, particularly if they need to travel. It is also common to send out "save-the-date" cards in advance of the formal invitations, usually six to eight months before the wedding, or even earlier if it is a destination wedding.

For the return of RSVP cards, couples should set a deadline of around four weeks before the wedding date. This allows the couple and their vendors to finalise details such as food quantities and seating charts. To ensure timely responses, it is advisable to remind guests about a week before the RSVP deadline. If some guests haven't responded by the deadline, a polite reminder call is recommended.

In the case of destination weddings, where guests may require more time for travel planning, it is considerate to mail the invitations and RSVP cards at least three months in advance. This gives guests ample time to organise their attendance and make the necessary arrangements.

It is worth noting that online RSVPs are becoming an increasingly popular option, providing a convenient and cost-effective method for both couples and guests. However, it is thoughtful to offer alternative options, such as physical RSVP cards or phone calls, for less tech-savvy loved ones.

Frequently asked questions