Wedding Invitation Essentials: What To Include In Your Package

A wedding invitation package is a set of matching cards that provide guests with all the necessary information about the big day. The package typically includes an outer envelope, an inner envelope, the wedding invitation, and response card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope. It may also include additional enclosure cards such as a reception card, attire card, transportation information, directions insert, wedding itinerary, and accommodations card. The invitation itself should include the names of the couple, the hosts, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, and the dress code.

RSVP card and envelope

The RSVP card and envelope are essential components of a wedding invitation package. This is how you will gather the number of guests attending your wedding, so it is important to make the process as easy as possible for your invitees. The RSVP card should include a deadline for responses, a place for guests to write their names, and a way for them to indicate their meal preferences if you are offering a plated dinner. If you are offering a plus one, it is a good idea to include a line for them as well. Numbering your guest list and writing the corresponding number on the back of the RSVP card is a good way to keep track of responses.

The RSVP envelope should be small, designed to fit the RSVP card and nothing more. It should be stamped and include your address so that guests can easily return their responses.

Reception card

A reception card is one of the most important elements of a wedding invitation package. It is especially crucial if the reception is held at a different venue from the wedding ceremony. This 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, such as dinner, drinks, appetizers, and dancing
• Any other relevant information, such as the time dinner will be served

The reception card is typically designed to match the style and colour scheme of the wedding invitation. It can be a creative and fun element to design, and couples can choose to include decorative elements such as colourful envelopes, lace details, or a belly band—a thicker strip of fabric that keeps everything together.

If the reception is held at the same location as the ceremony, a simple line on the wedding invitation, such as "Reception to Follow," may be sufficient. However, if there is a separate venue, a reception card with all the necessary details is essential to ensure your guests know where to go and when.

Some couples may also choose to include transportation information on the reception card or as a separate enclosure card, especially if the reception venue is in a rural or remote area. This can include information such as limo services, shuttle details, or ride-sharing options to ensure a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception.

Directions card

A directions card is an important part of a wedding invitation package, especially if your wedding venue is in a rural area or is off the beaten path. It can be extremely helpful in ensuring your guests arrive on time.

A directions card is also useful if your wedding is in an urban location, as you can include alternative routes, rush hour times, and streets to avoid to help your guests beat the local traffic. If guests are travelling from different areas, it may be a good idea to write out separate directions depending on where they are coming from.

You can also combine written directions with a visual map to make your directions card easier to understand. This can be a whimsical hand-painted map or a custom weekend map.

• Legible font: It's important to use a font that is easy to read for all of your guests.
• Specific venue details: Include the full street address of your venue, as well as specific spaces within the venue, such as 'In the Chapel' or 'On the Lawn'.
• Time of day: Specify whether your wedding will take place in the afternoon or evening.
• Contact information: Include a contact name, address, or phone number in case your guests have any questions or get lost on their way.
• Parking instructions: If parking is limited or hard to find, be sure to include instructions for parking near the venue.

A directions card is a great way to provide your guests with essential information to help them navigate to your wedding. It adds a personal touch and ensures your guests have a smooth journey to your special day.

Accommodation card

An accommodations card is a great addition to your wedding invitation package, especially if you have guests coming in from out of town. It is a separate card that provides guests with hotel options.

This card should include the name and address of the hotel(s) where you have reserved a room block, along with any special booking codes and deadlines. If you are covering the cost of your guests' accommodations, it is also proper etiquette to indicate this on the card. Be sure to include information on transportation to and from the hotel to the wedding venue.

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on the accommodations card or on a separate small card. This way, guests can access additional information such as accommodation options, travel recommendations, and other wedding details.

"We have reserved a block of rooms at Hotel [Name] for our out-of-town guests. Please book your room by [Date] to ensure you receive the group rate. You can book by calling [Hotel Phone Number] or visiting their website [Hotel Website URL].

If you need assistance with travel arrangements or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! We want to ensure your comfort and convenience during our special day."

Attire card

An attire card is a great addition to your wedding invitation package. It is a small card that specifies the dress code for your wedding. This can be particularly useful for guests who are unsure of the level of formality expected at your wedding.

• Black Tie: Formal gowns and tuxedos are typically expected for a black-tie wedding.
• Cocktail: Cocktail attire signifies that dresses may be shorter in length while still maintaining a fairly formal look overall.
• Semi-formal: A semi-formal dress code typically includes long but simple dresses paired with suits (but not tuxedos).
• Casual: Casual wedding attire is often welcome for outdoor ceremonies, especially those near the beach. For a semi-formal dress code, guests may opt for lightweight maxi dresses, button-up shirts, and slacks.

You can also include a small description to give your guests a better idea of what to expect. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, you can specify that lightweight and breathable fabrics are recommended, and guests can forego formal shoes. If your wedding has a specific theme, you can also include a short description to help your guests choose their attire.

The attire card is a great opportunity to get creative and tie it into your wedding theme. You can choose a design that matches your wedding colour palette or includes decorative elements such as lace or dried flowers.

Remember to include the attire card in the same envelope as your wedding invitation, so your guests receive all the necessary information in one package.

Frequently asked questions