The Perfect Wedding Invitation: Design And Style Guide

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning, providing guests with essential information about the big day. From the date, time, and location of the ceremony to the dress code and reception details, there's a lot to consider when designing wedding invitations. Couples often opt for invitations that reflect their personal style and wedding theme, whether it's rustic, modern, traditional, beachy, or boho. In addition to the invitations themselves, there are also save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, and other enclosures to think about. With so many options available, from classic and elegant to modern and budget-friendly, creating wedding invitations that truly wow your guests can be a fun and creative process.

What to include in the wedding invitation suite

Wedding invitations are a major undertaking, and there are several components to consider when putting together your wedding invitation suite. Here is a detailed list of what to include:

The Invitation Itself

The invitation is the most important part of the suite and should include key details such as the time, date, ceremony location, and reception location. It is also common to include the wedding website on the invitation or on a separate small card. The invitation should also follow a specific structure, starting with an invitational line that lists the hosts (usually the people paying for the wedding) followed by a request line such as "Request the Pleasure of Your Company". The names of the couple should also be included, with the woman's name typically coming first for heterosexual couples, while LGBTQIA+ couples may choose to list their names alphabetically, by age, or in any other way that feels right.

Response Card and Envelope

Response cards are now standard, as guests no longer use their own stationery to respond. Response cards should include checkboxes for meal choices, if applicable, and be accompanied by a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for guests' convenience.

Inner Envelope (Optional)

The inner envelope holds the invitation and indicates who is invited to the wedding. This is where you specify if guests are allowed to bring a plus-one or if children are invited.

Reception Card (Optional)

If the reception is at a different location, include a separate card with the details. This card should also indicate the formality of the event, with certain wording depending on the time of day.

Directions (Optional but Recommended)

It is best to include a direction card, as guests' phones may lose battery or reception. The font should be easy to read, and you may also include a custom map for a personal touch.

Weekend Events Card (Optional)

If your wedding spans multiple days and includes other events, include an itinerary for guests. This card should also include hotel recommendations and transportation details.

Accommodations Card (Optional)

Guests will appreciate a card with hotel options, especially if they are travelling from out of town. It is also helpful to include a deadline for reservations.

Invitation Wrapper (Optional)

An invitation wrapper, such as a belly band or silk ribbon, can be used to hold all the pieces of the suite together.

Other Considerations

The design of your wedding invitation suite should reflect the theme of your wedding, and you may want to work with a designer to create a cohesive look. You can also include additional elements such as gifting options and song requests. Finally, don't forget to consider the weight of your invitation suite, as heavier bundles may require extra postage.

Invitation design and text

The design and text of your wedding invitation suite are crucial in setting the tone and providing essential information for your big day. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you create elegant and informative invitations:

Invitation Design:

• Theme and Colour Palette: Your wedding invitation design should reflect the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding. Whether it's rustic, modern, traditional, beachy, or boho, ensure that the colour scheme, fonts, and design elements tie in with your on-the-day stationery, such as menus, name cards, and signage.
• Personal Style and Creativity: Wedding stationery is an excellent opportunity to showcase your personal style and creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, designs, and paper types to make your invitations unique and memorable.
• Consistency: Maintain consistency across your wedding stationery by using similar design elements, such as fonts, colours, and motifs, in your invitation suite and on-the-day items. This creates a cohesive and elegant look.
• Practical Considerations: Consider the practical aspects of your invitations, such as size, shape, and budget. The standard invitation size is 5" x 7", but you can also opt for more compact or differentiated sizes like 4.25" x 6" or square formats. Keep in mind that square formats may require extra postage. Choose a design that fits your budget and allows for any additional elements you wish to include.

Invitation Text:

• Hosts and Greeting: Traditionally, the hosts listed on the invitation are the ones financing the event, typically the couple or their parents. The invitation usually opens with an "invitational line" listing the hosts' names, followed by a request line such as "Request the Pleasure of Your Company" or "Invite You to Celebrate the Marriage of".
• Names of the Couple: The names of the couple getting married are essential. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically comes first, but you can order the names alphabetically, by age, or however you prefer. LGBTQIA+ couples can arrange their names alphabetically, by age, or in any other way that feels right. You can include first and middle names, first and last names, or full legal names.
• Date and Time: Providing the date and time of the ceremony is crucial. Avoid latecomers by stating the start time clearly, including the hour and time of day (a.m. or p.m.). For formal invitations, write out the time rather than using numerals (e.g., four o'clock in the afternoon).
• Ceremony and Reception Location: Include the name and address of the ceremony and reception venues. If they are at the same location, you can add a line like "Reception to Follow". If the reception is at a different venue, include a separate reception card with the time and address.
• Dress Code: Including the dress code on the invitation is optional. Most couples now use their wedding website to communicate attire expectations. However, you can include a line indicating the dress code, such as Casual Attire, Semi-Formal Attire, Black Tie, etc.
• RSVP Details: Provide a way for guests to RSVP, such as an RSVP card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope or a link to your wedding website for online responses. Include a specific deadline for responses, usually about three to four weeks before the wedding.
• Extra Information: Depending on your venue and guest list, you may want to include additional information. This could be in the form of inserts or cards with details about parking, a custom map of the area, directions, accommodation options, dietary requirements, song requests, and gifting instructions.
• Envelope and Postage: Ensure you have the correct addresses and preferred titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or Mx.) for your guests. Include your return address on the outer envelope and the reply card envelope. Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the correct postage, as heavier invitations may require extra stamps.

Remember, your wedding invitations should reflect your personal style and provide your guests with all the necessary information to celebrate your special day.

Invitation inserts

RSVP Cards

An RSVP card is a must-have for your wedding invitations. This allows guests to confirm their attendance and provide any additional information you may need, such as their meal preference. You can include an RSVP deadline, usually about three to four weeks before the wedding, and a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for guests to return their responses. This will make it easier for guests to respond and help you keep track of your guest list and numbers for your venue and caterer.

Directions and Map

Including a separate card with directions and a map to the wedding venue is always a good idea. While many guests may rely on digital maps, providing a physical copy ensures that guests can find the venue easily, even if they have phone or connectivity issues. A custom map of the area or a weekend map with all the wedding-related locations marked can add a personalised touch and be a great keepsake for guests.

Accommodation Information

If you have guests travelling from out of town or if your wedding venue is in an unfamiliar location, providing accommodation information can be very helpful. You can include a list of nearby hotels, especially if you've reserved a room block, along with any relevant booking deadlines and special rates. This gives your guests a clear idea of where to stay and ensures they can make reservations in time.

Wedding Website

Your wedding website is a great way to centralise all the additional information about your wedding. Be sure to include the website address on an insert so that guests can easily access it. The website can include details such as accommodation, travel, registry info, and any other wedding-adjacent events like a welcome cocktail party or a farewell brunch.

Dress Code

While including the dress code on the invitation itself is optional, you may want to provide this information on an insert. This could range from casual attire to black-tie, giving your guests a clear idea of what to wear to your wedding.

Additional Events

If your wedding spans multiple days or includes several events like a rehearsal dinner, after-party, or day-after brunch, you can include a separate card with the full itinerary. This ensures that guests are well-informed and can plan their attendance accordingly.

Gift Registry

It is becoming increasingly common to include gifting or registry information with wedding invitations. This gives guests an idea of what you would like to receive as a wedding gift, and it can be particularly useful if you are hoping to receive monetary gifts or contributions towards a honeymoon fund.

Remember, your invitation inserts can be as detailed or pared back as you like. You can choose to include only the essential information, or you can add extra touches to make your invitations more personalised and informative for your guests.

Envelope information

The envelope is the first thing your guests will see when they receive your wedding invitation, so it's important to get it right. Here are some things to consider when preparing your wedding invitation envelopes:

Envelope Sizing

The size and shape of your envelope should match the largest element within your invitation bundle. As a rule of thumb, the dimensions of your envelope will increase by 1/4 inch for both height and width for the largest part of your invitation bundle. For example, a classic 5” x 7” invitation will come with a 5 ¼” x 7 ¼” envelope.

Envelope Design

The envelope is your guests' first interaction with your wedding correspondence, so it's important to make a good impression. Envelopes can be printed in a variety of elegant colours, and free recipient address printing in various fonts and calligraphic styles is often included. You can also add design elements such as envelope liners, which are trimmed to match the dimensions of the envelope plus the flap, leaving a ½” border.

Postage

With all the stationery you're including, your envelope may weigh more than standard postage covers. Take a fully stuffed invite to the post office to determine how much postage you'll need. You'll also want to ensure the reply card has appropriate postage so your guests can send back their responses easily.

Return Address

Don't forget to include your return address on both the back flap of the outer envelope and on the front of the reply card envelope. This will ensure that any lost invitations can find their way back to you, and that you receive all your guests' responses.

Guest Addressing

When addressing your guests' names on the envelopes, ensure that you have the correct spelling and that you've asked for their preferred titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or the gender-neutral Mx.). It's also a good idea to ask for their last names, as not all married couples share a surname.

Assembly

To make assembling your invitations easier, consider using envelope moisteners. If you're including multiple inserts, you can use belly bands, silk ribbons, or wax seals to hold all the pieces together neatly.

RSVP options

When it comes to RSVPs, there are a few options to consider for your wedding invitations. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you choose the best option for you:

• Online RSVPs via a Wedding Website: In today's digital age, many couples opt for online RSVPs through their wedding website. This option saves space on printed invites and provides a convenient way for guests to respond. It is also a good idea to include the wedding website address on the invitation or its own small card. This allows guests to access important details and helps the couple avoid answering the same questions repeatedly.
• Response Cards and Pre-addressed Envelopes: Including response cards and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes with your invitations is a traditional and thoughtful option. It is recommended to include checkboxes for meal choices and spaces for guests to write their names. Numbering the response cards and guest list can help keep track of responses, especially if handwriting is illegible. This option ensures that even older guests or those less comfortable with technology can easily respond.
• Email or Website Responses: If you prefer digital RSVPs to save postage and time, providing an email address or website link for responses is a viable option. This method streamlines the process and allows guests to respond directly without the need for a physical response card.
• Combination of Online and Physical RSVPs: Combining online and physical RSVP options caters to a diverse range of guests. Consider sending response cards to older guests or those less tech-savvy while directing everyone else to your wedding website for responses. This approach ensures a higher response rate and accommodates different preferences.
• RSVP Deadline: Regardless of the RSVP method chosen, it is essential to set a deadline for responses. This deadline should be included on the invitation or response card and is typically recommended to be three to four weeks before the wedding date. This allows enough time for final headcounts to be provided to the venue and caterer.
• Dietary Requirements: If offering meal choices or needing to accommodate dietary restrictions, be sure to include checkboxes or a section for guests to specify their preferences. This information is crucial for planning and can be collected through response cards or online RSVPs.

Frequently asked questions