The Wedding Invitation Suite: What's Included In The Set?

A wedding invitation suite is a set of matching cards with all the necessary information that guests need to know about the wedding. The suite includes the invitation itself, which is usually a single flat card that formally invites guests to the wedding and includes the date, time, and location. It may also include RSVP information and dress code.

In addition to the invitation, the suite often includes a response card, a gift or wishing well card, an information or details card, and a custom map. The response card is for guests to confirm their attendance and can also be used to request meal choices or serve as an RSVP to other wedding events. The gift or wishing well card guides guests on gift options and can include information about gift registries or preferences. The information or details card provides additional details such as transport arrangements, parking locations, or post-wedding celebrations. Finally, a custom map can be included to provide clear directions to the wedding location.

RSVP card

The RSVP card is a crucial part of a wedding invitation set. It is a response card that allows guests to confirm their attendance and helps the hosts with their planning. Here are some key details to include when creating your RSVP cards:

Basic Information

The RSVP card should include the following essential information:

• A blank line for guests to write their names, with an "M" at the start of the line to indicate honorifics (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• A clear RSVP deadline, usually around four weeks before the wedding date, to give the couple and vendors enough time to finalise details such as food and seating.
• A simple "accept" or "decline" statement, formatted as checkboxes, circles, or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• Sufficient space for guests to indicate any plus-ones or additional attendees, ensuring that the number of expected guests is clear.
• Any dietary requirements or food allergies, especially if there are entrée options.

Additional Details

You may also want to include some of the following details:

• Contact information, such as a phone number, email address, or wedding website URL.
• Dress code or attire suggestions.
• Special requests, such as song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple.
• Space for guests to write any additional notes or well-wishes.

Design and Logistics

When creating your RSVP cards, consider the following:

• Pre-address and pre-stamp the RSVP envelopes for convenience and to increase the likelihood of a timely response.
• Ensure the envelopes match the rest of the invitation suite for a cohesive and elegant presentation.
• Create a spreadsheet to keep track of RSVPs, and consider numbering the back of each RSVP card to match your spreadsheet for easy reference.
• Get creative with your wording and design! Feel free to add a personal touch, inject humour, or reflect your wedding theme.

Reception card

A reception card is one of the most important elements of a wedding invitation suite. This is especially true if the reception is held at a separate venue from the wedding ceremony, which is often the case when the ceremony takes place in a religious or outdoor space.

The reception card should include the following information:

• The date and time of the reception
• The location of the reception venue
• Details of what will be happening at the reception (e.g. dinner, drinks, appetizers, dancing)
• The time dinner will be served, if applicable

If you are providing transport between the ceremony and the reception venue, it is a good idea to include this information on the reception card or on a separate transport card. This keeps your guests together and ensures a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception.

Attire card

An attire card is an optional addition to a wedding invitation suite, but it can be helpful for guests to know what to wear. It is one of the enclosure cards that make up the invitation suite, and it can be designed to match the rest of the stationery.

An attire card will specify the level of formality of the wedding, and it may also include other details such as colour schemes or fabric suggestions. This can help guests avoid any wardrobe embarrassment and ensure they know what is expected of them.

There are several dress codes to choose from, including:

• Black tie: Formal gowns and tuxedos are expected.
• Cocktail: Dresses can be shorter, while still maintaining a formal look.
• Semi-formal: Long, simple dresses paired with suits (not tuxedos).
• Casual: Lightweight maxi dresses, button-up shirts, and slacks are appropriate.

The attire card can also be included on the wedding invitation itself, on the lower left or right-hand corner, or at the bottom centre of the design. Alternatively, it can be included on the wedding website, if there is one.

Directions card

A directions card is a popular addition to a wedding invitation suite. It is especially useful in the following scenarios:

• Rural weddings: Physical directions can be extremely useful in helping guests arrive on time. From lost cell service to unmarked roads, there are many obstacles that could prevent guests from finding the venue without a directions card.
• Traffic: If your wedding is in an urban location, providing directions can be just as practical. Couples can list alternative routes, rush hour times, and streets to avoid to help guests beat the local traffic.
• Different directions: If guests are coming from various locations, it may be courteous to write out separate directions for each area.
• Hard-to-find venue: If your venue doesn't show up on GPS or is difficult to find, a directions card can be helpful.
• Multiple addresses: If your venue has multiple addresses, a directions card can ensure guests arrive at the correct location.

Combining written directions with a visual map will make your directions card easier to understand. You can also include information about parking and shuttle services.

Accommodation card

An accommodation card is an optional, but thoughtful, addition to a wedding invitation suite. It is particularly useful for destination weddings or weddings with a high number of out-of-town guests. This card provides guests with all the information they need to book their accommodation for the wedding.

The accommodation card should include the name and address of the hotel, as well as any booking deadlines, special codes, or passwords that guests will need to reserve rooms. It is also helpful to include the web address and phone number of the hotel. If you are paying for a hotel room, or blocking out rooms for guests to book, this is important information to include.

The accommodation card can be designed to match the rest of the wedding invitation suite, with the same colour scheme and style. It is a good idea to include this card as it ensures guests have all the information they need to attend the wedding and can help them to avoid ending up in an unsafe location.

The accommodation card is just one of the many enclosure cards that can be included in a wedding invitation suite. Other popular enclosure cards include reception cards, direction cards, and RSVP cards.

Frequently asked questions