Creative Ways To Preserve Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning. They should include the who, what, when, and where of the nuptials, and can be designed to match the wedding's level of formality. The text should be concise, and include the names of those hosting (i.e. paying for) the wedding. The invitation suite can also include RSVP cards, details cards, and reception cards.

How to word the invitation

The wording of your wedding invitation is important as it conveys the tone of your wedding and provides essential details. Here is a guide on how to word your wedding invitations:

The Host Line

The host line is the opening line of a wedding invitation, which traditionally names the hosts of the event. This is usually the bride's parents, but nowadays, it is becoming more common to include the names of both sets of parents or even have the couple hosting themselves. Here are some examples:

• "Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim"
• "Together with their parents/families, [Couple's names] request the honour of your presence at their wedding"
• "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Couple's names]"

If one or both of the couple's parents have passed away, you can honour them by including their names and rearranging the host line. For example:

" [Person's name], daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and [Partner's name], son of Mr. and Mrs. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honour of your presence at their wedding"

The Request to Attend

This is where you invite your guests to attend your wedding. Here are some examples of wording for this section:

• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "The honour of your presence" (traditionally indicates the ceremony will be held in a place of worship)

The Couple's Names

This is the main event! The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger, fancy text. Traditionally, the bride's name comes first, but this is not a hard-and-fast rule, especially for same-sex couples, who may choose to go in alphabetical order or simply what sounds better.

Date and Time

Traditionally, the date and time are spelled out in full, but numerical figures are often used for modern invites. Be sure to use a legible font to avoid confusion. The time of day is usually spelled out, e.g., "four o'clock" or "half after five o'clock".

Location

Write the name and full address of your venue, including the state and zip code. If your wedding is abroad, include the country. If it is at a private residence, you do not need to include the street address.

Reception Details

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply say "Reception to follow". Otherwise, include the full address and other details on a separate card.

Dress Code

Including the dress code is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you don't include this, the invitation itself will indicate the dress code—a very fancy invitation will suggest a formal affair, whereas a simpler invite indicates a more casual dress code.

RSVP Details

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return, or direct guests to RSVP via a wedding website.

Other Details

Other optional details you may wish to include are directions, accommodation suggestions, and details of other wedding events such as a welcome party or brunch. These can be included on separate cards within the invitation suite.

RSVP cards

What to Include on the RSVP Card:

• A clear ask: Use phrases such as "Please Respond", "Your response is requested before..." or "Will we be seeing you?".
• Response deadline: Make the date bold and legible.
• Space for guest names: Include a capital "M" followed by a blank space for guests to write their titles and full names. For a more casual approach, simply write "Name(s):"".
• Response options: Include a space or checkbox for "Will Attend" and "Unable to Attend" or similar phrases.
• Meal choices: If offering a plated dinner, provide a place for guests to indicate their meal preference, such as "Beef", "Fish" or "Veggie". You may also want to include a line for dietary restrictions.
• Wedding website: Include the URL to your wedding website, especially if guests can RSVP online.

Design and Formatting:

• Match your wedding invitation: The RSVP card should complement the design and colour scheme of your main invitation.
• Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes: Make it easy for your guests to respond by providing pre-addressed and stamped envelopes. This also increases the chances of receiving timely responses.
• Number each RSVP card: Number the back of each card to easily track responses and identify missing RSVPs.
• Include special requests: Encourage guests to leave a personal note or song requests if desired.

Timing and Etiquette:

• Send invitations early: Typically, invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests three to four weeks to respond before the RSVP date.
• Give a grace period: If some guests miss the RSVP date, wait a week before contacting them for a response.
• Be mindful of destination weddings: For destination weddings, send invitations earlier (three to four months) and allow more time for guests to RSVP (around two months).
• Contact non-responders: If guests don't respond by the deadline, give them a friendly call to confirm their attendance.
• Follow up with a personal note: After receiving the RSVP, it's considerate to send a personal note or email to express your appreciation.

Envelopes

Wedding invitations can be a lot of work, but they are an important part of your big day. Here are some tips for assembling your envelopes:

Outer and Inner Envelopes:

The outer envelope includes all the information the postal service needs for delivery. It is common to use two envelopes to ensure that each guest receives a pristine envelope, even if the outer one is damaged during delivery. The inner envelope is slightly smaller and should include the names of the invited guests, including children. This is also where you can specify if guests are allowed to bring a plus-one.

Response Card and Envelope:

Include a response card, also known as an RSVP, for guests to confirm their attendance. This helps you and your caterer plan for the number of guests and can also be used for menu planning if guests are selecting their entrees. Don't forget to pre-address and stamp the response envelope to make it easy for your guests to respond.

Reception Card:

If your reception is at a different location or there is a gap between the ceremony and reception, include a reception card with the location and time. It should be about half the size of the invitation and match the style and quality.

Map and Directions:

Provide clear directions to your ceremony and reception locations, especially if they are in remote areas or hard to find. Include major highways and consider any construction projects that might affect the route. You can draw a map by hand or print one from the internet.

Accommodation or Weekend Events Card:

If you have guests coming from out of town, it is helpful to include a separate card with hotel recommendations or information on room blocks. If your wedding spans a weekend with multiple events, provide a full itinerary so guests can plan their trip accordingly.

Remember to have fun with your wedding invitations and make them reflect your personality and style!

Insert cards

RSVP Cards

Including an RSVP card is important as you'll need to confirm a final headcount for your venue and caterer. You can include this on the actual invite or on a separate reply card. Be sure to include a specific date for guests to respond by—three to four weeks before the wedding date is recommended. It's also helpful to include a place for guests to write their names and, if you're offering a plated dinner, their entrée preference.

Map or Direction Cards

Including a custom map or direction card is especially helpful if your wedding venue is in a rural area or an area with poor cell service. This ensures your guests can easily find their way to your celebration. You could also include a map illustration of your wedding venue so guests know what to expect.

Reception Cards

If your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony, it's helpful to include a separate card with the reception details, including the location, time, and any other pertinent information. You can also include information about the dress code on this card if you wish.

Accommodation Cards

If you have guests coming in from out of town, they will appreciate a card with hotel recommendations or the name and address of the hotel where you've reserved a room block. You can also include information about transportation to and from the hotels to the wedding venue.

Weekend Events Cards

If your wedding will span a whole weekend and include multiple events such as welcome drinks and a day-after brunch, it's helpful to include a full itinerary for your guests. This ensures they know what to expect and can plan and pack accordingly.

Design and printing

When it comes to the design and printing of your wedding invitations, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose a design that reflects the style and tone of your wedding. If you're having a formal wedding, you may want to opt for a traditional invitation design with elegant fonts and classic wording. On the other hand, if you're having a more casual or fun wedding, you can be more creative and modern with your invitation design.

Another important consideration is the information that needs to be included on the invitation. The invitation should include the full names of the couple, the date and time of the wedding, the ceremony and reception locations, and any additional details such as dress code or accommodation options. It's also a good idea to include an RSVP card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope to make it easy for guests to respond.

In terms of printing, there are a few different options to choose from. Digital printing is a cost-effective option that can produce high-quality invitations. However, if you want to add a touch of luxury to your invitations, you may want to consider letterpress or engraving, although these methods can be more expensive.

When it comes to the outer envelope, you have the option of handwriting the addresses or using a printing service offered by many stationery companies. Don't forget to include the correct postage, especially if your invitation suite includes multiple inserts, as it may weigh more than the standard postage rate.

Lastly, consider adding a personal touch to your invitations, such as a custom wax seal or a silk ribbon to hold all the pieces together. This will make your invitations feel extra special and memorable.

Frequently asked questions