Rhiannon Hendricks
A wedding invitation suite is a set of matching cards that contain all the necessary information about a wedding. The suite is mailed out to guests in an envelope and contains the wedding invitation, which shares the date, time, and location of the ceremony. The suite may also include response cards, reception cards, attire cards, transportation information, directions, wedding itineraries, and accommodation cards. Couples may also include decorative elements such as colourful envelopes, lace details, and belly bands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Invitation | Include the time, date, location, and hosts of the wedding |
| Response card and envelope | Include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for guests' convenience |
| Outer envelope | Include an envelope to send off all the paper goods |
| Inner envelope (optional) | Include if you want to further protect your stationery and keep everything together |
| Reception card (optional) | Include if the reception is at a different location to the ceremony |
| Directions (optional) | Include if the wedding is in a rural location or somewhere with poor phone signal |
| Weekend events card (optional) | Include if your wedding includes multiple events such as a welcome party or after-party |
| Accommodations card (optional) | Include if you have guests coming in from out of town |
| Invitation wrapper (optional) | Use a belly band or silk ribbon to hold all the pieces together |
RSVP cards
- A clear RSVP deadline. It is recommended to set this at least four weeks before the wedding date, to give the couple and vendors enough time to finalise details such as food quantities and seating charts.
- A blank line for guests to write their names, with an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
- A way for guests to indicate whether they will be attending or not. This could be in the form of checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines.
- Sufficient space for guests to include any additional attendees, such as a plus-one or children.
- Any dietary requirements or meal preferences. This could be in the form of checkboxes for different meal options, or a fill-in-the-blank line for guests to detail any restrictions.
- A special request line. This could be for song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple.
- Pre-address and stamp the envelopes for the RSVP cards. This is a courteous gesture and will increase the likelihood of guests responding on time.
- Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of each RSVP card. This will help you identify any guests who forget to write their names on the card.
- Include your contact details and wedding website URL on the RSVP card.
- Leave some blank space on the card to encourage guests to write any special accommodations or notes.
- Be mindful of the wording on your RSVP card to prevent guests from adding extra, uninvited attendees.
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Reception cards
A wedding invitation suite refers to all the paper goods sent with the wedding invitation. If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, you should include a separate reception card with details about the reception venue. This card should also include the time, and it is helpful to specify whether it is a breakfast, dinner, or lunch reception. You can also include this information on a separate details card.
You can use a website to design your own wedding invitations, or you can enlist the help of a stationer. If you are designing your own, you can use a website with templates to create and print your own reception cards. You can customise these with your chosen fonts, colours, and graphic elements.
If you are sending your invitations by mail, don't forget to include a stamp!
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Direction cards
Even if your wedding venue is well-known, including a direction card can ensure that your guests don't get lost, especially if the venue is in a remote location or hard to find. It's also useful if the address doesn't show up on GPS or if there are multiple addresses for the same venue.
You can include insider information on the card, such as the best route to take to avoid traffic or any special parking requirements. This can be especially helpful for older guests who may not be as familiar with digital maps or smartphones.
When creating your direction card, it's important to use a legible font to ensure your guests can easily read the information. You can also include a custom map or weekend itinerary for your guests to add a personal touch and make it more interesting.
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Attire cards
If you are having a themed wedding, you can also use attire cards to convey the theme to your guests and suggest attire that fits the theme.
If you don't want to include an attire card, you can simply note the dress code in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invitation, or on a separate details card.
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Accommodation cards
Hotel Recommendations
It is helpful to provide a list of recommended hotels, especially if many of your guests are unfamiliar with the area. This ensures they stay close to the wedding festivities and in a safe location.
Special Wedding Rates
If you are having a destination wedding, mention any special rates that hotels may offer for your guests. Let your guests know which hotels are offering discounted rates and the booking details.
Unique Codes and Deadlines
If you have a block of rooms reserved, provide your guests with a unique code to access these discounted rates. Also, include any booking deadlines to ensure your guests don't miss out on these special rates.
Hotel Contact Information
Include the web address, phone number, and physical address of the recommended hotels. This makes it convenient for your guests to find the information they need to make their reservations.
Transportation Information
Provide details about transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue. This is especially helpful if the hotels are not within walking distance or if your guests are unfamiliar with the area.
Design and Customization
Printing and Mailing
Consider the printing method and costs when creating your accommodation cards. The average cost of wedding invitations varies depending on the printing method, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Don't forget to include the appropriate postage for mailing your invitations, especially if they include multiple enclosures.
By including thoughtful details in your accommodation cards, you can make travel arrangements easier for your guests, ensuring they have a smooth and enjoyable experience attending your wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding invitation suite is a set of matching cards with all the necessary information that guests should know about your big day. It usually includes the wedding invitation itself, an RSVP card, and other enclosure cards with extra details.
Enclosure cards contain additional information that doesn't fit on the wedding invitation. Common enclosure cards include reception cards, attire cards, transportation information, directions inserts, wedding itineraries, and accommodation cards.
The location, date, and time of the ceremony and reception, and the RSVP information are essential. Other details such as the wedding website, extra information about the venue, and dietary requirements can also be included.
It is recommended to send out wedding invitation suites around six to eight weeks before the wedding date. For destination weddings, it is suggested to send them out approximately 12 weeks in advance.
