The Anatomy Of A Wedding Invitation: Back Details Explained

Wedding invitations are a crucial logistical element of your big day. While the design of your wedding invitation is important, it's also key to ensure that all the necessary details of your wedding are clearly laid out for your guests. The invitation should include the who, what, where, and when of the wedding. This includes the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as the names of the people getting married. It is also important to include a way for your guests to RSVP, such as a separate RSVP card or an online RSVP option through your wedding website.

While it may be tempting to include extra information on the back of your wedding invitation, it is generally recommended to include details such as the wedding website and RSVP information on a separate details card. This ensures that your guests don't miss any important information and avoids overcrowding your invitations with too many details, which can take away from the design. However, some couples choose to include a small amount of details on the back, such as the dress code, email for questions, and a note that dinner and dancing will follow. Ultimately, the decision of what to include on the back of your wedding invitation is up to you and should reflect the style and formality of your wedding.

RSVP card envelope

The RSVP card envelope is an important part of your wedding invitation suite. Here are some tips and guidelines to ensure you include all the necessary information and follow proper etiquette:

Pre-addressed and Stamped Envelope:

It is essential to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with your RSVP cards. This makes it convenient for your guests to send back their responses. Use the host's address and include a name. Take a fully assembled invitation, including the RSVP card and envelope, to your local post office to determine the correct postage amount.

Timing:

When determining the timing for your RSVP cards, consider giving your guests three to four weeks to respond. This will allow enough time for you to receive the responses and finalise the headcount for your venue and caterer. The RSVP date should be at at least two weeks before your wedding.

Return Address:

Don't forget to include your return address on the RSVP card envelope. This is typically printed on the back flap of the envelope. Use the address of the person(s) designated to receive the response cards, usually the couple or the hosts (traditionally, whoever is hosting the wedding handles response cards).

Inner Envelope:

Consider using an inner envelope to list the names of everyone invited. This is a great way to indicate if a guest can bring a plus-one or if children are invited. For example, if you are inviting a couple with children, you can list "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Susie, Alex, and Michael".

Online RSVPs:

If you prefer online RSVPs through your wedding website, it is still a good idea to provide a pre-addressed and stamped RSVP card envelope for guests who are less tech-savvy or prefer a more traditional response method. You can include a note on the RSVP card directing guests to the wedding website for online responses.

Design and Format:

The RSVP card envelope should complement the overall design and style of your wedding invitation suite. It can be customised with colours, patterns, or fun elements like glitter paper or a vintage map. Ensure that the envelope is the correct size to fit the RSVP card and any other inserts comfortably.

Remember to proofread all the information on the RSVP card envelope, including addresses, names, and postage, to avoid any confusion or delays in receiving responses from your guests.

Return address

The return address is an important part of your wedding invitation and should not be skipped. It ensures that if an invite is not delivered, it can be returned to you, and you can then update your guest on the issue and ask for another address.

The return address usually goes on the back flap of the outer envelope. It is also good practice to include the return address on the front of the RSVP card envelope. This is so that guests can easily send back their replies. The host's address is generally used for the return address, and names are optional.

If you are using a digital RSVP system, you can include this information on the back of the invitation, along with your wedding website URL. This is a good way to avoid the cost of enclosure cards, and it is unlikely that guests will miss the information. However, it is best to include a separate RSVP card for guests to send back, so they can keep the invitation with the details.

Guest's mailing address

The guest's mailing address should be handwritten or printed on the front of the mailing envelope. It is important to use full names and not to abbreviate addresses or states.

If you are unsure about someone's address, it is best to reach out to them personally to ask. It is also a good idea to ask for their preferred titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or the gender-neutral Mx.) to ensure your wedding is as inclusive as possible.

Additionally, it is crucial to confirm addresses before ordering your invitations to avoid any confusion.

The return address is generally printed on the back flap of the mailing envelope. This is usually the host's address, and names are optional.

Map insert/directions card

A map insert or directions card is a great way to help your guests find your wedding venue, especially if it's hard to locate or doesn't show up on GPS. Here are some tips for what to include and what to leave out:

What to Include:

Keep it simple – include either directions to your venue or an illustrated map, or both if the venue is tricky to find. A hand-drawn map can add a fun and colourful element to your stationery suite.

What Not to Include:

Avoid including any additional details other than how to get to the venue. Don't include any other information on the card, and keep it single-sided to avoid confusion.

Ways to Save:

If your venue is easy to find on GPS, you can skip this card altogether. Hand-drawn maps can be costly, so if you're on a budget, a text-based directions card is a more affordable option.

Examples:

"We're tying the knot at [venue name], located at [address]. Please join us!"

"Find us at [address]. We can't wait to celebrate with you!"

"Join us at our wedding venue, [venue name], located at [address]. See you there!"

Remember to keep the directions or map clear and concise, and consider including a separate reception card if your ceremony and reception are at different locations.

Registry details

While it is generally considered impolite to include registry information on a wedding invitation, you can include it in a subtle and polite way. Here are some tips to do this:

Insert Cards

One option is to include an insert card in the same envelope as your wedding invitation. This card can include information about your gift registry, cash registry, or honeymoon fund. It is best to place this information at the bottom of the card in a subtle place, so there is no emphasis on it. This way, there is no pressure for guests to send a gift, and it is clear that their presence at your wedding is the most important thing to you. You can also include other details on the insert card, such as RSVP information, the wedding website, or a map/illustration of the venue.

Wedding Website

Another option is to include your registry information on your wedding website. You can then include the link to your wedding website on an insert card in the envelope with your wedding invitation. This is a more subtle approach, and guests can easily access all the information they need in one place.

Word of Mouth

If you don't want to include any written information about your registry, you can rely on word of mouth. Tell your close family members and wedding party about your registry, and they can spread the word to other guests. However, this option may not be ideal if you have a large guest list, as it could be chaotic and place an unfair burden on your family and wedding party.

What Not to Do

While there are ways to include registry information politely, there are some things you should avoid. Do not put the registry information directly on the wedding invitation itself. Also, avoid making the registry information too prominent on the insert card, as this may give the impression that gifts are a priority for you.

Remember, the most important thing is to provide your guests with the information they need to have a positive experience and make the gift-giving process easier for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions