Wedding Invitation Order: A Guide To Getting It Right

Wedding invitation assembly can be a confusing process for many couples, but it's not rocket science. The order in which all the pieces of the wedding invitation suite are placed is dictated by wedding invitation etiquette. Typically, each card is placed face up in size order, from biggest to smallest, with the invitation card on the bottom. Then, if you have a separate reception card, that would come next, followed by the response card, which is tucked under the flap of the response envelope with the printed side visible. Next, add any enclosure cards, such as a map or direction card, and place them in front of the reception card with the printed side up. Finally, tuck the stacked invitation pieces into the envelope with the printed sides facing you.

Invitation card placement

• Start with the invitation card itself: Place the wedding invitation card face-up on the table, as this is the largest card in the suite and the foundation for the rest of the pieces.
• Add the tissue paper or vellum overlay (optional): Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudges. While modern inks are less likely to smudge, you can choose to include tissue paper or a vellum overlay. If using, place it on top of the invitation card.
• Place the reception card: If you have a separate reception card, place it face-up on top of the invitation card (or tissue paper, if included). This card includes the time and location of the wedding reception and any other important details like the dress code.
• Include other enclosure cards: Add any remaining enclosure cards, such as a map card, hotel accommodations card, or travel information. Place them face-up on top of the reception card. If there are multiple enclosure cards, arrange them from largest to smallest, with the largest card at the bottom.
• Add the response card and envelope: Place the response envelope face-down on top of the stack of enclosure cards. Then, insert the response card under the flap of the response envelope, ensuring the printed side of the card is visible. The response envelope should be pre-addressed and stamped to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Assemble the invitation suite: Once all the pieces are in order, it's time to assemble the suite. If using an inner envelope, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope with the printed side facing up. If using a single envelope, place the suite directly into the outer envelope. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened, allowing guests to see the text immediately.
• Final touches: You can add some final touches to your invitation suite, such as a belly band or ribbon to keep the stack of cards together. Additionally, consider including a sheet of tissue paper between each layer for added protection.

Remember to proofread your invitation cards for any errors and confirm the spelling of your guests' names. Assembling your wedding invitations can be a fun process, and it's important to ensure they are correctly ordered and placed for a polished presentation.

Reception card placement

The placement of the reception card is an important consideration when assembling your wedding invitations. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure proper placement and etiquette:

• Positioning: Place the reception card in front of or on top of the main invitation card. The printed side of the reception card should be facing up. This ensures that your guests see the reception details immediately after reading the invitation.
• Order with Other Enclosures: If you have other enclosure cards, such as map cards, accommodation cards, or travel information, place them in front of or on top of the reception card. If these additional cards vary in size, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest. This creates a neat and organised package for your guests to receive.
• Providing Reception Information: The reception card outlines crucial details such as the time, location, and any requested dress code for the wedding reception. It is most commonly used when the reception takes place at a separate location from the ceremony, especially for religiously-based weddings held in places of worship.
• Wording: There are various ways to word your reception card, either on a separate card or on the invitation itself. You can use phrases such as "The celebration continues with cocktails, dinner, and dancing" or "Please join us for drinks, dinner, and merriment." Be sure to include the start time if the reception won't immediately follow the ceremony.
• Etiquette: Using a separate reception card is considered the most traditional and etiquette-correct way to inform your guests about the post-wedding festivities, especially if your invitation card is short on space or you want to maintain a clean and uncluttered design.
• Assembly Tips: When assembling your invitations, consider creating an assembly line with friends or family to make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Stamping the response cards and using envelope moisteners are also recommended for practicality and etiquette.

Response card and envelope

Response cards are essential to confirming the number of guests at your wedding. They can be included separately or indicated on the main invite. When sending response cards, include a pre-addressed envelope and stamp for your guests' convenience. Number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of the response card. That way, you can look up responses by number in case someone forgets to include their name.

If you're offering meal choices, put checkboxes on the response cards for guests to choose from. You can, of course, forego response cards altogether and direct guests to RSVP on your wedding website, but consider including them for older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer.

Response cards and envelopes are typically placed on top of the enclosure cards, with the envelope flap on the left. The envelope should be printed side down, with the reply card underneath the envelope flap, face up so that the printed side is visible. Don't forget to pre-stamp the reply envelope to save your guests the trouble of looking for postage.

Enclosure cards

Reception Information

If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, it's essential to include a separate enclosure card with the reception details. This card should indicate the formality and nature of the event. For instance, the first line can specify the type of reception, such as "Breakfast Reception" or "Dinner Reception". If you prefer to keep things simple, just using the word “Reception” is also appropriate.

Directions or a Custom Map

Getting lost on the way to a wedding is a guest's worst nightmare. Including a direction card or a custom map ensures your guests can find their way to your special day, even if their phone dies or they're technologically challenged. A custom map is also a lovely keepsake for guests to remember your wedding by.

Weekend Events Itinerary

For weddings that span an entire weekend with multiple events, an itinerary card can be a thoughtful addition. This card can include details about welcome drinks, after-parties, brunches, and any other activities you have planned. It's a great way to get your guests excited about the festivities and help them plan their weekend, especially if they're travelling from out of town.

Accommodations

If you have guests attending from out of town, an accommodations card with hotel recommendations and room block information will be much appreciated. You can also include transportation details to and from the hotels to the wedding venue. If there's a deadline for making hotel reservations, it's helpful to include that as well, so your guests don't miss out on bookings.

Response Card and Envelope

Response cards are a must-have for any wedding invitation suite. They provide a convenient way for your guests to respond to your invitation. Don't forget to include a pre-addressed envelope and stamp, making it easy for your guests to send their responses back. Numbering the names on your guest list and the corresponding response cards can help you keep track of the responses, especially if someone forgets to include their name.

When it comes to assembling your enclosure cards, the general rule is to place them in front of the invitation, with the printed side facing up. If you have multiple enclosure cards, start with the largest card and work your way to the smallest.

Inner and outer envelopes

Wedding invitations can be a lot of work, but they don't have to be stressful. Here is a simple guide to assembling your inner and outer envelopes.

The Inner Envelope

The inner envelope is optional. Traditionally, it was used to protect the invitation suite during transit, but it can be costly and is not as common anymore. If you love the look of a more ornate, formal suite, go for it! The inner envelope should be left unsealed but closed.

The inner envelope should include the names of all invited guests in the household, including children, whose names do not appear on the outer envelope. Insert the wedding invitation into the inner envelope, with the front of the invitation facing the open flap of the envelope. If you are using tissue paper, place it between each layer.

Next, place the reception card face-up on top of the invitation. If your invitation is folded, enclosures will be placed within the folded invitation, not on top. Place any remaining enclosure cards (e.g., map card, hotel accommodations card) face-up on top of the reception card. If there are separate directions for the ceremony and reception, place the ceremony directions on top.

Finally, place the reply envelope on top of the enclosure cards. The reply card itself should be tucked under the envelope's flap, face-up, so that the printed side is visible.

The Outer Envelope

The outer envelope includes all the information the postal service needs for delivery. Insert the assembled inner envelope into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.

Tissue Paper and Belly Bands

Tissue paper is optional. Traditionally, it was used to prevent ink from smearing, but with today's smear-free invites, it is more of a preference than a requirement. You can add tissue paper on top of the enclosure cards or put a belly band over the stack of cards to keep them together.

Frequently asked questions