The Anatomy Of A Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They are a letter asking the recipient to attend a wedding and are typically written in formal, third-person language. While the specific contents of wedding invitations can vary, there are several standard components that are usually included. These include an invitation card, response card, and envelope.

The invitation card is the most essential component and contains key details such as the host's name, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the wedding. The response card allows guests to confirm their attendance and may include information such as reserved seats, attire, and a reply date. The envelope is used to address the invitee and protect the contents inside.

In addition to these basic elements, wedding invitations may also include details such as a map or directions to the venue, accommodation options, and extra cards for separate reception locations.

The invitation itself

The invitation should be written in the third person and include the names of the couple, the hosts (traditionally the bride's parents), the date, time, and location of the wedding. It should also include an "invitational line", such as "request the pleasure of your company" or "request the honour of your presence". The wording can depend on the formality of the event and the venue. For example, "pleasure of your company" is used when the ceremony is not held in a place of worship.

The invitation should also include the names of the people getting married. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically goes first, but the order can be changed to feel right for the couple. LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to list their names alphabetically, by age, or however, they prefer. First and middle names or first and last names can be used, or even full legal names.

The date and time of the ceremony should also be included, written out in full rather than using numerals for formal invitations.

If the ceremony and reception are in the same place, the invitation can include a line such as "reception to follow". If they are in different locations, a separate reception card should be included with the address and start time.

The invitation can also include the dress code, but this is usually communicated via the wedding website.

The invitation should be printed on paper or card, ranging from heavy paper to stiff card stock. It can be folded in half, French-folded (folded twice into quarters), or presented as a single sheet of paper, a tri-fold, or a pocket-fold design.

Traditionally, invitations are mailed in double envelopes to protect them from damage, but this is now often omitted to save money and paper. The inner envelope is addressed to the guests invited to the wedding and is placed inside the outer envelope, which has the guest address and is sealed and addressed for mailing.

The RSVP/reply card

The RSVP card is an essential part of a wedding invitation suite. It is a response card that allows invitees to confirm their attendance at the wedding. This card typically includes information such as the number of reserved seats, the deadline for the reply, the contact person, attire, and other relevant details. It is considered good etiquette to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with the RSVP card for the convenience of the guests.

When creating RSVP cards, it is important to consider the format and content carefully. The card should include spaces for guests to write their names and, if applicable, their entrée preferences if a plated dinner is being served. It is also crucial to set a deadline for responses, typically recommended to be three to four weeks before the wedding date. This deadline should be clearly communicated on the card.

In addition to the traditional paper RSVP cards, couples may also opt for digital responses. Some couples choose to direct guests to their wedding website or provide an email address for responses. However, it is important to consider the preferences and comfort levels of older generations, who may not be as tech-savvy. In such cases, providing a physical RSVP card ensures that all guests can respond easily.

The RSVP card is a key component of the wedding invitation suite, allowing couples to confirm their guest list and plan accordingly. It is an important tool for gathering the necessary information from guests, such as their attendance, meal choices, and any other details that may be relevant to the wedding celebrations.

The envelope

The outer envelope has your guests' addresses and is used for mailing purposes. It is larger than the inner envelope and is designed to protect the contents from damage during delivery. This is especially important if you have multiple inserts and fancy stationery inside. The outer envelope also has a practical purpose, as it can be removed before the inner envelope is handed to the guests, keeping the contents pristine.

Traditionally, wedding invitations were delivered by hand, and the outer envelope protected them from the elements. Even with modern postal services, the outer envelope is still important as the sorting machinery can be quite damaging.

The inner envelope is slightly smaller and fits inside the outer envelope. It is not sealed and contains the invitation and other inserts. The inner envelope is addressed to the specific guests invited to the wedding. For an adults-only wedding, for example, the envelope would be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith", while a kid-friendly wedding would be addressed to "The Smith Family".

You can also add envelope liners to the inner envelope, which is an elegant and relatively inexpensive way to dress up your invitations. It adds a pop of colour or a stylish pattern without being too overwhelming.

Finally, don't forget about postage! Heavier invitations will require extra postage, so take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the correct amount.

The reception card

If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply include a line on the invitation such as "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow". However, if the reception is at a different location, a separate reception card with the start time and address is necessary.

In addition to the location and timing, the reception card can include other relevant details such as parking instructions or transportation options for guests. This ensures that your guests have all the information they need to get from the ceremony to the reception with ease.

The details card

If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, or if there is a significant time gap between the two, the details card is a great place to include this information. You can also use it to let guests know about any transportation options available to them.

For guests who are travelling from out of town, the details card is an opportunity to provide hotel accommodation details. You can include the name and address of the hotel, as well as any booking deadlines or special codes they may need to access the room block.

Finally, the details card can be used to provide directions to your wedding venue, especially if it is in a rural location or an area with poor cell service. This ensures that your guests can find their way to your celebration without getting lost!

Frequently asked questions