Invitation Suite Components: Cards For A Standard Wedding

A wedding invitation suite is a set of paper goods sent along with the wedding invitation. The suite should always include a response card and envelope, as well as important information such as directions and accommodations. Other cards that may be included are reception cards, details cards, RSVP cards, and maps. The size of the invitation suite will depend on the amount of information to be included and the desired design aesthetic. The standard size of wedding invitations is 5x7, but they can vary in scale from 4x6 to 7x9. When designing a wedding invitation suite, it is important to consider the budget, the size of the wedding, the wedding style, and the readability of the text.

Response card and envelope

Response cards are a must-have in your wedding invitation suite. They are a convenient way for your guests to respond to your invitation, and they make it easy for you to keep track of RSVPs. Here are some tips to consider when including response cards and envelopes in your wedding invitation suite:

Number of Response Cards

It is essential to include a response card for each invitation. This means that you should have the same number of response cards as the number of invitations. However, it is a good idea to order extra response cards in case of any last-minute additions to your guest list or if any cards need to be resent.

Information on the Response Card

The response card should include all the necessary information for your guests to provide a clear response. This includes the deadline for responding, the names of the guests, and their meal preferences (if applicable). You can also include other relevant information such as travel plans or accommodation details.

Envelope for the Response Card

Each response card should have a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. This saves your guests the hassle of finding a stamp and ensures that the response cards can be returned promptly. Numbering the response cards and envelopes can help you keep track of the responses and match them to your guest list.

Design and Size of Response Cards and Envelopes

The design of the response cards and envelopes should complement the overall style and theme of your wedding invitations. Consider using similar colours, fonts, and embellishments to create a cohesive look. The size of the response card envelope will depend on the size of the response card. Standard response card sizes include 5"x7" or 4.25"x5.5", and the envelope size should be slightly larger to accommodate the card comfortably.

Mailing and Assembly

When assembling your wedding invitation suite, place the response card at the bottom of the stack, with the response card envelope tucked underneath. This ensures that your guests can easily find the response card and envelope without having to search through multiple inserts. It is also a good idea to weigh a fully assembled invitation suite (including the response card and envelope) at the post office to ensure you are using the correct postage.

In summary, response cards and envelopes are an essential part of your wedding invitation suite. By following these tips, you can create a seamless and organised system for managing your guest responses, ensuring that your wedding planning runs smoothly.

Reception card

A reception card is an optional addition to a wedding invitation suite. If the wedding reception is in a different location to the ceremony, a separate reception card should be included. This card should indicate the formality and nature of the event. For example, if the reception is before 1 pm, the first line should say 'Breakfast Reception'. If it is after 1 pm, simply write 'Reception'. If you are having a sit-down meal, the first line should read 'Dinner Reception'.

The reception card should be included with any other inserts such as a direction card, RSVP card, and belly band. The traditional order of these cards is: direction card, RSVP card, reception card, and then the formal invitation. These accessories are usually sized at 4.25" x 5.5" and are folded against the invitation, often fastened with a belly band.

The cost of postage should be considered when adding a reception card. Larger invitations or those with more detail cards will cost more to send.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is a good idea to include more information about the location on the reception card.

Directions

When including a directions card, it's crucial to use a legible font to ensure all guests can read the information. Stationery specialist Shanna Zuelch from Invitations by Dawn recommends carefully considering the font choice to make sure it's easy to read for all guests. In addition to the directions card, it's a good idea to list the venue's address and directions on your wedding website as a backup. For a personalised touch, you can include a custom weekend map, which also makes a great keepsake for you and your guests.

If your wedding spans multiple events over a weekend, such as welcome drinks, an after-party, or a day-after brunch, a full itinerary or weekend events card can be helpful for guests. This ensures they know what to expect and pack accordingly, especially if they're travelling from out of town. While your wedding website can include these details, inserting a card with the itinerary officially invites guests to these activities and puts the information right in their hands.

For destination weddings, it's essential to provide extra information for guests. Share recommended online travel information and other relevant details to help them navigate the foreign destination. If only some guests are travelling from another country, consider providing an alternate or online reply method and allow extra mailing time.

Weekend events card

A wedding invitation suite is a set of paper goods sent along with the wedding invitation. It typically includes a response card, directions, and accommodations. If your wedding spans an entire weekend and includes multiple events, a weekend events card is a good idea. This card should include a full itinerary so that guests know what to expect and pack accordingly.

The weekend events card should be an insert card that lists all the weekend events, including hotel recommendations and transportation locations and times. This is also where you would mention if any wedding weekend activities are adults-only. It is important to provide guests with as much information as possible so that they can better plan their weekend. This is especially helpful for those travelling from out of town.

The weekend events card can be included in the invitation suite or on your wedding website. However, Jill Velez, the owner of Copper Willow Paper Studio, recommends including an insert card. This "officially invites guests to these activities and puts the details physically in their hands."

The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on the design, ink, typeface, printing process, paper, and quantity. The more elaborate and complex the invitation suite, the more costly it will be. Therefore, it is important to keep your budget in mind when designing your invitations and determining the size of your invitation suite.

Accommodations card

An accommodations card is a great addition to your wedding invitation suite, especially if you have guests travelling in from out of town. This card should include hotel options and can also include information on transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue.

If you are covering the cost of your guests' accommodations, it is considered proper etiquette to indicate this on the card. It is also helpful to include a deadline for making reservations. Rooms can book up fast, so giving your guests a date to shoot for ensures they don't miss out.

If your wedding spans a whole weekend and includes multiple events, it is a good idea to include a full itinerary so guests know what to expect and pack for. This can include hotel recommendations, transportation locations and times, and any other wedding weekend activities.

The accommodations card is usually smaller in scale than the main invitation and can be included with other inserts such as directions or a reception card. It is best to do your research beforehand and reach out to designers with your ideas in advance. This ensures their timeline and capabilities cover your desired items.

The average cost of wedding invitations varies per printing method, so be sure to factor in the cost of sending one invite multiplied by the number of guests, especially if you have a large guest list.

Frequently asked questions