Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding invitation enclosures are an elegant way to convey all types of wedding information to your guests. From RSVP cards and dress code slips to handy maps, enclosures are a great way to keep your guests in the know without overcrowding the actual invite. The process of assembling wedding invitations and stuffing envelopes is less complicated than you think. The first step is to get the main invitation card, which is usually the largest card in the suite. Next, you can add vellum liners, followed by the reception card, and then any other enclosure cards such as direction or detail cards, map cards, or hotel accommodation cards. Finally, add the RSVP card and envelope to the suite. Once your suite is assembled, it's time to insert it into the envelope, seal it, and add the return address.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of placement | Invitation card at the bottom, print side up, followed by vellum liners, reception card, enclosure cards, RSVP card and envelope, and finally, any finishing touches like a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap |
| Size | Place cards in size order, with the largest card at the bottom |
| Direction of cards | All cards should be placed face up |
| RSVP card placement | Envelope for RSVP card is placed printed side down, with the envelope flap on the left |
| RSVP envelope | Should be pre-addressed and stamped |
| Inner envelope | Optional, traditionally left unsealed, with the guest's name facing out |
| Outer envelope | Should have guests' names and address |
| Envelope liners | Slip-in envelope liners are available and can be purchased separately |
| Sealing the envelope | Use a bottled envelope moistener, then place a heavy book on top of the envelopes to ensure they are securely sealed |
| Return address | Use address labels, skinny wraps, or rubber stamps |
| Postage | Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required |
RSVP cards
Design and Customization:
You can choose from a variety of RSVP card designs, colors, and styles to match your wedding theme and personality. Some popular options include rustic, whimsical, floral, and modern designs. You can also customize your RSVP cards with your wedding colors and add personal touches such as your names, wedding date, or a meaningful message.
Online Customization and QR Codes:
Many websites offer online customization tools that allow you to instantly personalize your RSVP cards with your chosen colors, fonts, and background patterns. You can also include a QR code on your RSVP card that directs guests to your wedding website, making it convenient for them to respond online.
Wording and Information:
The standard wording for RSVP cards is "Répondez s'il vous plaît," which is the French phrase for "Please respond." You can also include other important information on the card, such as the RSVP date, meal options or dietary restrictions, and even song requests for the reception.
Envelopes and Mailing:
It is recommended to include a self-addressed and stamped envelope with your RSVP cards to make it easier for your guests to respond. This will also help you receive responses faster. When addressing the envelopes, you can choose to add each guest's name to the RSVP card itself or simply include their names on the outer envelope.
Timing and Reminders:
It is recommended to send out your wedding invitations with RSVP cards enclosed 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. If you have not received all the RSVPs about 2 weeks before the wedding, you can start sending gentle reminders to your guests. For destination weddings, it is advisable to mail the invitations at least 3 months in advance.
Assembly and Placement:
When assembling your wedding invitation suite, the RSVP card and envelope are usually placed on top of the other enclosure cards, with the RSVP card facing up under the envelope flap. The RSVP envelope should be printed side down, with the flap on the left, and pre-addressed and stamped to make it convenient for your guests.
Extras and Finishing Touches:
You can add extra touches to your RSVP cards, such as belly bands, ribbons, or vellum wraps. These can be customized and used to secure the entire invitation suite together. You can also opt for a postcard-style RSVP card, which is a unique and fun option.
Samples and Proofing:
Before finalizing your design, it is recommended to order a small batch of 10 RSVP cards to see and feel the quality in person. Many websites also offer free digital proofs that you can download and share with others for feedback.
Tracking Responses:
To stay organized, create a spreadsheet to track your guest responses, including their names, RSVP status, meal choices, and any other relevant information. This will help you finalize your headcount, seating arrangements, and other wedding plans.
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Reception cards
What to Include
Start by including the time and location of the wedding reception. This is the most important information your guests will need to know. You can also mention the requested dress code on the reception card. If there is a specific theme or dress code, be sure to include that as well.
Other Details
If there are other important details that you want to communicate, such as transportation or accommodation options, you can include them on the reception card. However, if you are running out of space, consider creating a separate details card or directing guests to your wedding website for more information.
Design and Style
Ordering and Proofing
When ordering your reception cards, pay attention to the paper quality and finish. Some printing services offer samples or small batches so you can see and feel the product before placing a larger order. Be sure to proofread your design and download a digital proof if possible. This will allow you to catch any mistakes or make any necessary changes before printing the final product.
Timing and Deadlines
Remember to give yourself enough time when ordering your reception cards. The printing and shipping process can take longer than expected, especially if you want to add custom finishes or embellishments. Aim to have your invitations and enclosure cards ready to send out six to eight weeks before your wedding.
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Website cards
Wedding websites are a great way to keep your guests informed about all the details of your big day. They are especially useful if you have a lot of information to convey and want to avoid overcrowding your paper invitation suite.
If you're including a wedding website card, the standard size is business card-sized, and it can be placed within your invitation suite. You can also include the URL in the lower left corner of your invitation, in the spot traditionally used for RSVP information.
- A clear link to the website, which can be included on the invitation or on a separate card
- Information about pre- and post-wedding events, such as a morning-after brunch
- Hotel and transportation information, especially if you've reserved room blocks for out-of-town guests
- Registry information
- Dress code and any specific attire requests, such as "wear lawn-friendly shoes"
- Maps and directions to the venue(s)
- RSVP options
- Any other relevant details, such as your wedding hashtag or a schedule of events
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Hotel and transportation cards
When it comes to hotel information, it is customary to include an insert card with hotel options for your guests, especially if you have reserved room blocks at a particular hotel. On this card, you can include the basic room rate and any relevant contact information. If you have not reserved room blocks, you can list 2-3 hotels that you recommend near the wedding festivities. It is not necessary to include specific travel information to the city, but you can specify any type of transportation you are providing for guests on the day of the wedding. This could include shuttle schedules and pick-up times from the hotel to the ceremony venue.
> Shuttle service will be provided from the ceremony to the reception. Shuttles will depart at 3:30 pm immediately following the wedding ceremony.
>
> Shuttles will depart from the Rose Garden Hotel at 2:00 pm to the Wedding Ceremony at The Brookstone. Following the reception, shuttles will return to the hotel at 9:00 pm.
If your wedding has multiple events and locations, you may also want to include a map card to help your guests visualise where they are headed. You can create a personalised map that highlights where each event is located.
When creating your hotel and transportation cards, be sure to match the style and theme of your wedding invitations. You can choose from a variety of templates or work with a professional designer to create something unique. Don't forget to proofread your cards before printing and give yourself enough time for assembly and stuffing your invitations.
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Registry cards
Wedding etiquette suggests that you should include your wedding registry on your wedding invitation, as it is considered impolite to ask for gifts. A registry card acts as a buffer and is a small insert that can be added to your invitation suite. If you have multiple online registries, a separate registry card will give you the space to include full URLs and any necessary passcodes.
If you are requesting no gifts but would like guests to donate to a charity instead, a registry card provides the space to explain the charity and why it is important to you.
When creating your registry cards, you can order them as part of your wedding invitation suite, ensuring they are designed to match. You can also order them separately, either from the same company or a different one, and include them with your invitations.
- Decide on a design that fits your wedding style or theme. You can choose from a variety of templates offered by printing companies or work with a graphic designer to create a custom design.
- Gather all the necessary information, including the names of the stores where you are registered and any relevant web addresses or passcodes.
- Include your names and wedding date on the registry card to personalise it.
- Consider the size and order of the cards. Registry cards are usually small and placed within the folded invitation or on top of other larger enclosure cards.
- Proofread your cards and create a digital proof to share with someone else for review.
- Order a small batch of cards first to check the quality and make any necessary adjustments before placing a larger order.
- Assemble your invitation suite, placing the registry card in the correct position according to its size.
- Stuff your envelopes and seal them, taking care not to use too much moisture to avoid soggy envelopes.
By following these steps, you can create informative and stylish registry cards that complement your wedding invitation suite.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding invitation enclosures, also known as enclosure cards or wedding invitation inserts, are additional cards that accompany your wedding invitation and provide guests with more detailed information about your wedding.
Wedding invitation enclosures typically include information such as accommodation details, transportation or direction details, dress code information, and reception details. If you have multiple events or a destination wedding, you may also include an itinerary or weekend events card.
The assembly process for wedding invitation enclosures varies depending on the specific cards you include. However, the general order is as follows: start with the invitation card, add any vellum liners, then stack the reception card, followed by other enclosure cards such as direction or detail cards, and finally, add the RSVP card and envelope.
Small enclosure cards are typically used as reception cards and include information such as the venue name, address, and start time. Large enclosure cards are usually used for accommodations, additional information, or directions, especially if you have out-of-town guests or blocked-off hotel rooms.
Yes, it is considered poor etiquette to include cards that contain information about your gift registry. Instead, include a wedding website enclosure card where guests can access this information. Additionally, when inserting your invitation suite into the envelope, ensure that the text is print-side up so that guests can immediately see it when they open the flap.
