The Knot Guide: Wedding Invite Etiquette

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but The Knot is here to help! The Knot offers a range of stationery products, from save-the-dates to invites, to wedding programs, so you can notify your friends and family about your special day in style. In this article, we will be discussing how to list the knot in your wedding invites, including what information to include and how to format your invitations. We'll also provide tips and tricks for staying organized while planning your big day. So whether you're looking for advice on wedding invitation etiquette or simply want to browse our selection of stationery designs, The Knot has you covered!

The anatomy of a wedding invitation suite

The wedding invitation suite refers specifically to the components of the wedding invitation that are enclosed in the envelope. This includes:

The Invitation Itself

The invitation is the main component of the suite and should include essential information such as the who, what, when, and where of the nuptials.

RSVP Card

Even if you're offering an online RSVP option, it's traditional to include a physical RSVP card for guests who prefer this method. You can also implement fun RSVP wording ideas to add a touch of personality.

Additional Details Card

If there isn't enough room on the invitation, an additional details card can be included to provide extra information about the wedding, such as the URL to your wedding website.

Outer Envelope

The outer envelope keeps all the components of the invitation suite together.

Addressed/Postmarked RSVP Envelope

A small, stamped envelope designed to fit the RSVP card and nothing more. It should be included empty and addressed with your details so guests can easily mail their responses.

Stamp(s)

Don't forget to stamp the outer envelope! Depending on the weight, you may need more than one stamp.

Optional Elements

There are several optional elements that can be included in the wedding invitation suite, depending on the specifics of your wedding and the level of formality:

• Reception card: If the reception is held at a different location, this card notes the venue, address, and time.
• Accommodations card: This lets guests know about any hotel room blocks and includes the hotel name, address, and any special booking codes or deadlines.
• Additional events card: If you're hosting wedding-adjacent parties, such as a welcome cocktail party or a farewell brunch, this card lists those details.
• Directions card: A card with directions to the ceremony venue, especially useful for guests without smartphones or if the wedding is in a rural area with poor cell service.
• Inner envelope: This provides extra protection for the stationery and is a place to list the names of the specific individuals invited, while the outer envelope might be addressed to the family as a whole.
• Address labels: Streamlined labels can be used instead of hand-addressing the envelopes.
• Envelope liners: Aesthetic liners add a patterned pocket to the inside of the envelope, coordinating with the invitation design.
• Belly bands: Ribbon, quality paper, or fabric that holds the cards together in a neat stack.
• Wax seal: A personalized way to hold the suite together, especially if using a belly band or vellum inner envelope.

The difference between a wedding invitation suite and a wedding stationery suite

The wedding invitation suite refers only to the components of the wedding invitation itself that go in the envelope. This includes the invitation, an RSVP card, a response card and envelope, a details card, an outer envelope, an addressed/postmarked RSVP envelope, and a stamp.

The wedding stationery suite, on the other hand, includes other paper items such as menus, thank-you cards, save-the-dates, programs, place cards, guest books, and more.

Wedding Invitation Suite:

• Invitation: This is the main component and should include key details such as the date, time, ceremony location, and reception location.
• RSVP Card: Allows guests to respond to the invitation, whether by mail or online.
• Response Card and Envelope: This is included for guests' convenience and should be pre-addressed and stamped.
• Details Card: Provides additional information such as the wedding website, accommodation options, directions, etc.
• Outer Envelope: Holds all the components of the invitation suite together.
• Addressed/Postmarked RSVP Envelope: A small envelope designed to fit the RSVP card, stamped and marked with your address.
• Stamp: Used to mail the invitation suite.

Wedding Stationery Suite:

• Menus: For the wedding reception.
• Thank-You Cards: To send to guests after the wedding.
• Save-the-Dates: Sent in advance to inform guests of the wedding date.
• Programs: Outline the order of events for the wedding ceremony.
• Place Cards: Assign seating for guests at the reception.
• Guest Books: For guests to sign and leave well-wishes.
• Enclosure Cards: Can include additional details such as reception information, accommodations, directions, or weekend events.
• Envelope Liners: Add aesthetic interest to the inside of the envelope.
• Belly Bands or Wax Seals: Used to hold all the components of the suite together.

It's important to note that the wedding invitation suite refers specifically to the items that are mailed together in the same envelope as the invitation. Any other paper goods that are sent separately or used at the wedding fall under the category of the wedding stationery suite.

How to personalise your wedding invitations

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but personalising your wedding invitations is a fun and exciting part of the process. Here are some tips on how to make your wedding invitations unique and special:

Choose a Design that Represents You

The Knot offers over 500 designs in their stationery store, with options ranging from simple and classic to rustic or bohemian. You can also choose from different colour schemes to match your wedding style and season. If you have a specific theme or colour palette for your wedding, browse through the various options to find the perfect match.

Customise with Colourways, Paper Types and Editing Tools

Customisation is a key feature of The Knot Invitations. You can personalise your invitations with different colour schemes, paper types and editing tools. Change the font and text size, or even match your wedding colours to create a cohesive look. If you need help, expert design assistance is available at no extra cost.

Include Photos

You can add a personal touch by featuring photos of you and your fiancé on the invitations. The Knot offers full-bleed photo invitations or more subtle designs, with options to place photos on the front or back of the card. This is a great way to showcase your engagement shoot pictures and make your invitations truly yours.

Consider All-in-One Invitations

The Knot offers all-in-one invitations that combine the invite, RSVP card and envelope into a single, foldable design. This is a budget-friendly option that simplifies the process and ensures a coordinated look.

Order Free Samples

Before placing your final order, take advantage of The Knot's offer of three free invitation samples. You can personalise these samples with your own details to get a true sense of how your stationery will look. This is a great way to try out different designs and customisation options before making a decision.

Addressing Envelopes

Manually addressing invitations can be time-consuming and tedious. The Knot offers a free guest list manager tool that allows you to seamlessly organise your guest list, collect addresses, and track RSVPs. You can also opt for personalised envelopes, where your return address and guest addresses are printed directly onto each envelope, saving you time and effort.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your unique style and personality. Enjoy the process of customising them, and don't be afraid to reach out for help or expert advice along the way.

How to order free samples from The Knot

The Knot offers free samples of their wedding invitations, allowing you to get a feel for their quality and design before placing a bulk order. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to order free samples from The Knot:

• Browse The Knot's website: Go to The Knot's website and browse their selection of wedding invitations and save-the-date cards. They have over 500 designs, spanning various styles such as classic, rustic, bohemian, and funny. You can also choose from different paper types and color palettes to match your wedding theme and season.
• Select your favourite designs: Once you've found a design (or designs) that you like, click on the "Order a Sample" button on the product page. You can select up to three different designs to sample for free.
• Personalize your samples: The Knot allows you to personalize your samples with your own wedding details. This way, you can see how your invitations will look with your specific information. Please note that the customization feature is only available on a desktop.
• Add to cart: After selecting your designs and personalizing them, add them to your cart. You can choose up to three samples to order for free.
• Apply the discount code: At checkout, apply the discount code "3FREE" to waive the cost of the samples. No credit card information is required.
• Fill in your shipping details: Provide your shipping address and any other necessary details to complete the order.
• Wait for delivery: The Knot typically ships their free samples via USPS First Class Mail, and they should arrive within 7-10 days.

In addition to the invitation samples, The Knot's sample packs also include colour charts, envelopes, stationery timelines, and more. It's a great way to get a feel for the quality and design of their products before placing a bulk order for your wedding invitations.

How to use The Knot's free guest list manager

The Knot's Guest List Manager is a free tool that allows you to seamlessly organize your guest list, gather addresses, collect and track RSVPs, and share your list with other VIPs. To get started, you'll need to create an account with The Knot by clicking the "Sign Up" button on the upper right corner of the homepage. Once you've logged in, you can find the Guest List tool under "Planning Tools" or "Wedding Website" in the navigation bar.

There are three ways to add guests to your list. The first is to add them one by one by filling in their name, address, phone number, email address, and any notes. The second is to use a spreadsheet by downloading The Knot's template for either Excel or Google Sheets, filling it in with your guests' information, and then copying and pasting it into the tool. The third option is to let your guests do the work by copying and pasting a provided link into an email to your guests, allowing them to fill in their address and contact information.

You can edit each person's profile to include more information, such as the number of guests in their party and their names, meal choices, and any dietary restrictions or seating preferences. You can also add a plus one to your guest's profile by clicking on their name and then "Add a Guest to the Party."

To save any changes you make, be sure to click the "UPDATE" button. If you encounter any problems saving your changes, try logging out and logging back in again, or clearing your temporary internet files.

You can also allow your fiance and others access to your online guest list by having them log in to The Knot using your email address and password. However, remember that this will give them access to all of your personalized information.

Finally, you can easily download your guest list by using the "Download List" button. You can download your entire list as a table, create address labels, or receive a table of guests' RSVP responses.

Frequently asked questions