Stationary Wedding Invitations: A Timeless And Classic Choice

Wedding stationery is an important part of the wedding planning process. It includes all the paper goods sent along with the wedding invitation. The invitation itself should include the host of the wedding, the couple's names, the wedding date, time, venue name, and the city and state. The invitation suite may also include response cards, reception cards, direction cards, and accommodation cards. Response cards are a way to collect RSVPs, while reception cards provide information on the location of the reception if it is separate from the ceremony. Direction cards provide guests with directions to the wedding venue, and accommodation cards list hotel options for out-of-town guests. Other optional items in the wedding invitation suite include belly bands, detail cards, and registry cards.

What to include in a wedding invitation suite

A wedding invitation suite refers to all the paper goods sent out with the wedding invitation. It should always include a response card, as well as important information such as directions and accommodation. Here is a detailed breakdown of what to include in a wedding invitation suite:

The Invitation

The invitation is the main component of the suite and contains information on who, what, where, and when. It is usually the largest piece. The invitation should include the names of the couple, the place, date, and time of the wedding. It is easy to forget to include key details, so be sure to check over your invite carefully. Less obvious additions could include a small corner copy with information such as "reception following the ceremony".

Response Card and Envelope

Response cards are now standard, as no one expects guests to use their own stationery to reply anymore. Guests will mail the reply card back to you, so you know if they are attending. This card can also request a meal choice or serve as an RSVP to other wedding events. Include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for your guests' convenience.

Additional Details Card

If there is not enough room on the invitation, you can include an additional details card with information such as your wedding website link.

Outer Envelope

You will need an outer envelope to keep all the parts of the invitation together. The guest's address should be handwritten or printed on the front, using full names and without abbreviating addresses or states.

Optional Elements

There are several other optional elements you may want to include in your wedding invitation suite:

• Reception Card: If your reception is at a different location or you have more details to share, use a separate card.
• Accommodations Card: If you have guests coming in from out of town, include a card detailing hotel options and booking deadlines.
• Directions Card: A directions card is useful for guests without smartphones or if your wedding is in a rural location with poor signal.
• Inner Envelope: An inner envelope lists the names of everyone invited and can indicate if guests can bring a plus-one.
• Belly Band: A belly band is a strip of paper, ribbon, lace, or twine that wraps around all the pieces in your suite to hold everything together.
• Wax Seal: A wax seal is a great way to secure your belly band and add a personalised touch, such as a wedding monogram.
• Pocket Folder: A pocket folder can be used to mount your invitation and tuck your inserts into.
• Envelope Liner: An envelope liner adds aesthetic interest to the inside of your envelope.

What Not to Include

Any wedding paper that is not sharing the exact same envelope with your invitation, such as save-the-dates, thank-you notes, and wedding programs, is not part of the wedding invitation suite.

The anatomy of a wedding invitation

Wedding invitations can be a daunting task, especially if you've never ordered custom stationery before. There are many intricacies to mailing a wedding invitation, from the proper wording to etiquette. Here is a detailed look at the anatomy of a wedding invitation to ensure you have all the necessary information for your big day.

The Invitation

The invitation is the star of the show and should include the essential details of your wedding day. This includes the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the ceremony. It is also important to include the address of the venue, especially if your wedding ceremony and reception are in different locations. If the ceremony and reception are in the same place, you can include a simple note on the invitation, such as "Dinner and Dancing to Follow".

The Response Card

Response cards are a crucial part of the wedding invitation suite, allowing you to track who will be attending the wedding. They typically include a blank space for the guest's name(s), a respond-by date, and a space for the number of people attending. You may also include menu options and song requests on this card. Response cards can be designed with checkboxes for guests to indicate their meal choices, or they can be left blank for guests to write a personal message.

The Reception Card

If your wedding ceremony and reception are in different locations, it is helpful to include a separate reception card with all the relevant details. This card should include the time and location of the reception, along with the address.

The Direction Card

Providing directions to your venue is essential, especially considering that guests' phones may run out of battery or lose reception. A custom weekend map can add a personal touch and be a great keepsake for your guests.

The Accommodations Card

If you are hosting a lot of out-of-town guests, an accommodations card with information about hotels and travel tips is much appreciated. This card can also include the wedding website address, where guests can find additional information.

The Inner Envelope

The inner envelope goes inside the outer mailing envelope and holds the invitation and its enclosures. It is typically addressed with the names of all the invited individuals, including children. The inner envelope is a must for formal weddings, but some couples may choose to skip it.

The Outer Envelope

The outer envelope includes the guests' names, mailing address, and return address. Hand-calligraphy provides a classic look, and it is recommended to weigh a sample invitation at the post office to determine the correct postage.

Optional Extras

There are also a few optional extras you may want to consider, such as an envelope seal, a weekend events card, or an invitation wrapper to hold all the pieces together.

Remember, the key details to include in your wedding invitation are the who, what, when, and where of your big day. The rest is up to you and can be tailored to fit the style and theme of your wedding.

How to word a wedding invitation

The wording of a wedding invitation is not as complicated as it may first appear. The style of wording is generally determined by whether the wedding is formal and traditional, or more relaxed and informal. The wording style should set the tone for your celebration. Here is a breakdown of the different elements of a wedding invitation:

The Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and their names come first. However, including the names of both sets of parents is acceptable (and gracious). If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can opt for something like, "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families".

The Request Line

This is where you invite your guests to attend your wedding and can be used to set the tone for your celebration. Here are some examples:

• "The honour of your presence" (traditionally used to denote a religious service)
• "The pleasure of your company" (used to denote a non-religious ceremony)
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

The Couple's Names

For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom. If the bride's parents' names are listed first, only the bride's first and middle name are usually included (without the last name). For same-sex couples, names can be listed in alphabetical order or based on what looks best with the invitation design.

Date and Time

For formal invitations, the date and time should be written out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon". For informal invitations, it is fine to use numerals.

Location

List the venue name and city, state. For formal weddings, the state name is usually spelled out. The venue's street address is not usually included unless the venue is a private residence. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say, "Reception to follow". If it is elsewhere, include the full address on a separate card.

Reception Details

Include the time if the reception is not immediately following the ceremony.

Dress Code

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you don't include it, guests will infer the dress code from the formality of the invitation. If you are having a black-tie wedding, you must include this information on the invitation.

RSVP Details

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also give guests the option of RSVPing via your wedding website.

Wedding invitation etiquette

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the wedding planning process. They are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding style and theme, and they also communicate important logistical information. Here are some tips and etiquette guidelines to help you navigate the process of creating and sending your wedding invitations:

Timing is Everything

It is important to send out your wedding invitations with enough time to allow your guests to make travel arrangements if needed. The general rule of thumb is to mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding for a non-destination wedding and 12 weeks for a destination wedding. Save-the-dates can be sent out earlier, usually six to eight months in advance, to give your guests a heads-up.

Include All the Necessary Information

A well-informed guest is a happy guest. Make sure to include the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as any other important details, on your wedding invitation. If the reception is at the same location, simply indicate "reception to follow". If it is at a different venue, you can include the location beneath the ceremony details or on a separate reception card.

Provide Clear RSVP Instructions

Give your guests three to four weeks to respond to your invitation. The RSVP date should be at least two weeks before your wedding, giving you enough time to finalise the headcount for the caterer. Don't forget to include an "RSVP by" date on your RSVP cards, and provide a pre-addressed envelope with a stamp, or direct guests to a specific email, phone number, or URL to respond.

Dress Code

It is helpful to include the dress code on your wedding invitation or on a separate details card. This can be "black tie", "cocktail attire", or "dress casual", for example. If you'd prefer not to be explicit, you can use your invitation design to hint at the formality of the event.

Be Mindful of Who is Hosting

The proper etiquette for wedding invitation wording depends on who is hosting (or paying for) the wedding. If the couple's parents are hosting, their names should be included on the invite. If multiple people are contributing, it is appropriate to write "together with their parents" or "together with their families".

Avoid Common Mistakes

There are a few common pitfalls to avoid when creating and sending your wedding invitations. Do not put an incorrect start time, include registry information, or forget to clarify who is invited. Be sure to proofread your invitations and check that you have included all the necessary details before sending them out.

Optional Extras

Depending on your wedding plans and the needs of your guests, you may want to include some optional extras with your wedding invitation suite. These could include a directions card, a weekend events card (if your wedding spans multiple days and includes activities like a welcome dinner or brunch), an accommodations card (especially helpful for destination weddings), or an invitation wrapper or belly band to hold all the pieces together.

Remember, your wedding invitations should reflect your style as a couple, and it's important to keep your guests informed and involved throughout the process. Happy planning!

Wedding stationery checklist

A wedding stationery checklist is a great way to keep track of all the paper goods you'll need for your wedding. From the invitations to the thank-you cards, here's a comprehensive list to ensure you don't miss anything:

Pre-Wedding Stationery:

• Engagement Party Invitations: These invitations set the tone for your wedding and should include the location, date, time, and any dress code.
• Save-the-Dates: Sent six to eight months in advance, these cards mention the wedding location, your wedding website, and note that a formal invitation will follow.
• Bridal Shower Invitations: Sent by the host, these invitations include the location, time, date, and any theme.
• Bridal Shower Thank-You Cards: Sent within two weeks of receiving gifts, these cards thank each guest for their generosity.
• Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Invitations: For larger groups, invitations should be sent out two to three months in advance, including all the details.
• Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: These can be included in the main wedding invitation suite or sent separately, including the host's name, location information, and RSVP details.
• Welcome Dinner Invitations: If it's a formal event hosted by someone else, a separate invitation card can be included.

The Wedding Invitation:

• Outer Envelope: The outer envelope includes the recipient's address and postage stamps.
• Inner Envelope: The inner envelope includes the title and last name of the invitees and is not mandatory for less traditional suites.
• Belly Bands: Optional add-ons that wrap around the invitation suite, made of paper, fabric, or ribbon.
• Invitation Card: The largest card in the suite, including the host, couple's names, date, time, venue, city, state, and attire.
• Reception Card: If the reception is at a different venue, this card includes the name, address, and time.
• Response Card and Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope: Response cards collect RSVPs and can be traditional or modern, including online RSVP options.
• Hotel Accommodations Card: If you don't have a wedding website, include a card with recommended hotels and booking information.

Wedding-Day Stationery and Paper Products:

• Welcome Baskets and Tags: Optional baskets for guests from out of town, with tags listing the items and a thank-you note.
• Ceremony Programs: Optional programs include the couple's names, date, location, a brief welcome, an overview of the proceedings, and the wedding party.
• Escort Cards: Direct guests to their assigned tables, usually placed at the entrance of the reception.
• Place Cards: More formal than escort cards, place cards designate each guest's seat at the table and are used for sit-down dinners.
• Table Numbers: Help guests find their seats and provide organization, especially for large weddings.
• Menu Cards: Give an overview of the meal, including options, sides, and any dietary concerns.
• Favor Tags: Optional tags for end-of-night gifts, often engraved on the gift itself.

Post-Wedding Stationery:

Thank-You Cards: Mandatory cards to thank guests for attending and for their gifts, sent within three weeks of receiving the gift.

Frequently asked questions