Etiquette Guide: Wedding Invite Enclosures You Need To Know

Wedding planning involves taking care of a lot of details, and one of the most important is the wedding invitation. It announces your upcoming nuptials and sets the tone for the entire event. While the invitation itself should only include key details such as the who, what, when, and where, there are several other items that can be included in the wedding invitation suite. These include RSVP cards with a pre-stamped and addressed envelope, details cards with additional information, and even a map to the event location. Sending out invitations is an exciting part of wedding planning and allows your guests to share in your excitement as your celebration starts to feel very real.

RSVP card with a deadline

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a few key components that you'll want to include in your invitation suite. One of the most important elements is the RSVP card, which allows your guests to confirm their attendance. Here are some tips and suggestions for including an RSVP card with a deadline in your wedding invitations:

It is essential to include an RSVP card in your wedding invitation suite, even if you are offering an online RSVP option or a wedding website. A physical RSVP card is helpful for guests who prefer a more traditional response method or may not be comfortable with digital alternatives. It also provides a more personal touch to your invitations.

Setting an RSVP Deadline

It is recommended that you set an RSVP deadline that is at least two to four weeks before your wedding date. This allows you enough time to finalise the headcount for your caterer and complete your seating chart. Aim to make your deadline around three to four weeks before the wedding, giving yourself some leeway. This deadline should be clearly communicated on the RSVP card, with a specific date by which guests need to respond.

Wording and Format

When including an RSVP card, ensure it is straightforward and easy for your guests to fill out. Include spaces for guests to write their names and, if offering a plated dinner, their entrée preference. You can also add a line for any additional requests or notes. The card should be placed in the lower left corner of the invitation, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make the response process convenient for your guests.

Mailing and Responses

When mailing your invitations, ensure that the RSVP envelope is stamped and addressed to make it easier for your guests to respond. If some guests have not responded by your deadline, it is polite to give them a quick call or send a gentle reminder to ensure you receive their response. This will help you finalise your guest list and make any necessary adjustments.

Other Details to Include

In addition to the RSVP card, you may want to include other enclosure cards with important details. These could include information about the dress code, accommodation options, travel recommendations, or any wedding-related activities. A map or directions to the venue can also be helpful, especially for guests who may have difficulty with online maps or rural locations.

Details card with wedding website URL

A details card with your wedding website URL is a great way to provide your guests with additional information about your wedding. This is especially useful if you want to avoid overcrowding your wedding invitation with too much detail. Here are some reasons why including a details card with your wedding website URL is a good idea:

• It provides a central hub for all wedding-related information: Your wedding website can serve as a one-stop shop for everything your guests need to know about your big day. This includes information such as the wedding registry, RSVP options, and even a summary of your love story.
• It allows you to include more detailed information: While your wedding invitation should cover the basics such as the who, what, when, and where, a details card gives you the opportunity to provide additional context. For example, you can include accommodation suggestions, directions to the venue, information about wedding-related activities, and any other relevant details that will enhance your guests' experience.
• It makes it easier for guests to RSVP: By including your wedding website URL on a details card, you make it convenient for your guests to respond to your invitation. They can easily access the website and provide their RSVP with just a few clicks. This also helps you keep track of RSVPs more efficiently.
• It complements your wedding invitation design: A details card can be designed to match the style and theme of your wedding invitation suite. This adds a cohesive and polished look to your wedding stationery. It also shows that you've put thought and effort into creating a seamless guest experience.
• It saves space on your wedding invitation: By including certain details on a separate card, you can keep your wedding invitation simple and elegant. This ensures that the most important information stands out, and your guests aren't overwhelmed with too much text.
• It allows for flexibility and updates: In case there are any changes or additions to your wedding plans, your wedding website can be easily updated to reflect those adjustments. This ensures that your guests always have access to the most up-to-date information.

Remember, when creating your details card and wedding website, focus on providing clear and concise information that will be helpful to your guests. Include only the most relevant details, and organize them in a user-friendly manner. By doing so, you'll make it easier for your guests to navigate your wedding celebrations and ensure they don't miss out on any important moments.

Dress code

The dress code is an important piece of information for your guests to have in advance of your wedding. It is best to include this on the invitation itself, or on a separate details card. This can be as simple as "Black Tie", "Cocktail Attire", or "Dress Casual". If you would prefer not to explicitly state the dress code, you can opt for a traditional invitation design with letterpress and calligraphy to hint at a formal event, or a playful font and bright colours to indicate a casual style. You could also direct your guests to your wedding website, where you can give more detail about the dress code in a more informal way.

If you are having an adults-only wedding, be sure to make this clear by addressing your wedding invitations to each guest by name, rather than "and guest" or "family".

Map and/or directions

Including a map and/or directions with your wedding invitations is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests can easily find the venue. This is especially helpful if your wedding is in a rural or outdoor location with limited phone signal, or if some of your guests do not use smartphones.

If your wedding venue is in a well-known location, a whimsical hand-painted map can be a fun addition to your invitation suite. If your venue is harder to find, a more detailed map or a written set of directions may be more appropriate. You could also include instructions for parking, particularly if parking is limited or your venue is in a city centre.

If you are inviting a lot of out-of-town guests, you might want to include the name and address of the hotel where you have reserved a room block. This will make it easier for your guests to book their travel plans. You could also include a list of things for your guests to do in the area in the days leading up to your wedding.

If you are having a wedding website, you could include the URL on a separate card in your invitation suite. This will allow you to provide more detailed information about the location of your wedding, as well as other important details such as the dress code, accommodation options, and your gift registry.

Accommodation information

If you're hosting a destination wedding or have a handful of out-of-town guests, it's a good idea to include accommodation information in your wedding invitation suite. This can be done through an accommodations card, which lets guests know the hotel you've reserved a room block at, making it easier for them to book their travel plans.

The accommodations card should include the name and address of the hotel, as well as any special codes or book-by deadlines that guests should be aware of. It is also a good idea to provide this information on your wedding website, along with other important details such as the registry and wedding schedule.

For international guests, it is recommended to send invitations earlier (9-10 weeks in advance) to allow for extended shipping and delivery times. It is also a good idea to give them a heads-up via call or email, providing them with the details and information about booking hotel rooms.

If you have a large number of guests coming from abroad, you may want to consider sending invitations to all guests at least 12 weeks in advance. It is also important to follow up with anyone you haven't heard from to ensure they have enough time to make travel arrangements.

Providing accommodation information is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests have a smooth planning process and a comfortable stay during your wedding celebrations.

Frequently asked questions