Insert Cards: Enhancing Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitation inserts, also known as enclosures, are additional small cards that provide guests with extra information about the wedding. They are used to share details without crowding the main invitation with logistics. The number of inserts included in a wedding invitation depends on the necessary details to be shared.

RSVP cards and envelopes

What to Include on the RSVP Card:

• A blank line for guests to write their names: This guarantees that you know who is attending and how to correctly spell their names on the seating chart. You can write an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• RSVP deadline: Set a deadline for responses, usually about three to four weeks before the wedding date. This information should be featured prominently on the card.
• Attendance line: Include a simple phrase such as "Yes, I will attend your wedding" or checkboxes/fill-in-the-blank lines for guests to accept or decline the invitation.
• Dietary requirements: If you are serving dinner at the wedding, you may want to include a section for guests to indicate their food preferences and any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Special requests: You can also include a section for guests to make special requests, such as song requests or drink preferences.

Formatting Tips:

• Match your wedding theme: Choose a design that matches the theme and style of your wedding. This could be a simple, elegant design or something more creative and unique.
• Pre-address and stamp envelopes: It is courteous and helpful to include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with your RSVP cards. This makes it easier for guests to respond and increases the likelihood of timely responses.
• Use a spreadsheet: To keep track of responses, create a spreadsheet where each invite sent corresponds to a number, and then subtly pencil that number on the back of the RSVP card. This helps identify guests whose names are missing or tricky to read.

When to Send RSVP Cards:

• Send RSVP cards along with the official wedding invitation, which is typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding.
• Set an RSVP deadline of about three to four weeks before the wedding date. This gives you enough time to finalise details with your vendors.
• If you are having a destination wedding, send out RSVP cards and request confirmations earlier, about two months before the wedding.

Website cards

Wedding invitation suites are more than just a pretty card in an envelope. Even the simplest designs include a few extra pieces, such as RSVP cards and envelopes, before adding on things like envelope liners and belly bands. The main invitation should list the couple's names, the wedding date, location, start time, and dress code.

However, for couples having a destination wedding or a weekend full of events, an additional card called an invitation insert or information card is often necessary to share extra information with guests without crowding the main invitation with logistics. This is where website cards come in.

If the reception is at a different location or there is a significant time break between the two events, a separate reception card with the time and venue details can be included with the invitation. Similarly, if there are pre- or post-wedding events that won't have their own separate invitations, a website card can direct guests to the website for more information.

Accommodation information can also be included on the wedding website instead of an invitation insert, especially if hotel room blocks have been booked for guests. Directions or a custom map can also be included on the website, with a wedding website card included in the invitation suite to point guests to the site.

Other Types of Insert Cards

Other types of insert cards that can be included in a wedding invitation suite are:

• RSVP card and envelope
• Reception card
• Directions card/map
• Accommodations card
• Pre- or post-wedding events card
• Attire card
• Registry card

Reception cards

A reception card is a traditional way to convey information about the festivities that will occur after the wedding ceremony. It is usually used when the reception takes place at a separate location from the ceremony, whether it be a religiously-based ceremony or not.

The reception card provides guests with pertinent information about the reception, such as the date, time, and location. It can also include additional details such as transportation arrangements and dress code. If the reception will be held at the same location as the ceremony, a reception card is not usually included. However, if there is limited space on the invitation, a separate reception card can be used to keep the invitation clean and uncluttered.

The wording on a reception card can vary, but it typically includes a request line, such as "the pleasure of your company." It may also include phrases such as "Reception immediately following the ceremony" or "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow." The full name and address of the reception venue are also included, along with the city and state.

Directions/map cards

Direction or map insert cards are a type of wedding invitation enclosure that provides your guests with information on how to get to your venue. They can be particularly useful if your wedding venue is hard to find, or if you have guests who may be unfamiliar with the area.

These cards can be designed in a variety of ways, from a simple directions card with step-by-step instructions, to a customised map with illustrations or watercolours of local landmarks. You can also include other relevant information such as parking instructions, passcodes, or venue requirements.

If you are having a destination wedding, you might include a map of the local area with recommendations for places to visit, eat, or other wedding-related events.

While providing your venue's address on the invitation may be sufficient for most guests to find their way, a directions or map insert card can add a traditional or creative touch to your invitations.

Pre- and post-wedding events cards

Insert cards are a great way to provide extra information to your wedding guests without crowding the main invitation with logistics. They are especially useful for destination weddings or weddings with multiple events and strict dress codes. Here are some tips for creating Pre- and Post-Wedding Events Cards as insert cards:

Pre-Wedding Events Card:

• Welcome Party: Invite guests to a welcome party the night before the wedding. Include the date, time, and location, such as "Please join us for a welcome party the night before the wedding! Meet us at the hotel bar at 8 p.m. for cocktails and desserts."
• Rehearsal Dinner: If you are having a rehearsal dinner, include the date, time, and location on a separate insert card. This is also a great place to include any shuttle or transportation information for guests.
• Other Pre-Wedding Events: If you are hosting multiple events during the wedding weekend, a schedule can be included on the insert card. This ensures that guests are aware of all the activities and can plan their attendance accordingly.

Post-Wedding Events Card:

• Brunch or Lunch: If you're hosting a post-wedding brunch or lunch, include this information on an insert card. Provide the date, time, and location, and any other relevant details.
• Activities for Out-of-Town Guests: If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, you can include suggestions for activities or local attractions they can visit after the wedding. This is a nice way to extend the hospitality beyond the wedding itself.
• Multiple Post-Wedding Events: Similar to the pre-wedding events, if you have multiple post-wedding events, a schedule can be included on the insert card. This keeps your guests informed and helps them plan their attendance.

Remember, the purpose of these insert cards is to provide additional information and enhance your guests' experience. Keep the design and wording consistent with your main invitation, and consider including a wedding website card for guests to refer to for further details.

Frequently asked questions