Wedding Invitation Envelope Essentials: What To Include

Planning a wedding is a thrilling but demanding task, with many details to keep track of. Wedding invitations are one of the most important aspects, setting the tone for your big day and providing essential details for your guests. But what exactly should you include in the envelope besides the invitation itself?

Inner envelope

The inner envelope is the envelope that holds the wedding invitation and its accompanying cards. It is placed inside the outer envelope, which has the guest address printed on it. The inner envelope is typically more decorative and can be lined with a colourful or patterned paper. It is also common to have the couple's names and wedding date printed on the flap of the inner envelope.

When addressing the inner envelope, it is important to use formal titles and full names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" or "Dr. and Mrs. Jones". If a guest is bringing a plus-one, their name should also be included, even if the couple doesn't know their name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Guest".

The inner envelope can also include additional cards with details about the wedding, such as:

• RSVP cards: These cards allow guests to confirm their attendance and make any necessary meal selections.
• Reception cards: If the reception is held at a different location from the ceremony, a separate card with the reception details is included.
• Accommodation cards: If you have guests travelling from out of town, you can include a card with suggested hotels or accommodation options.
• Map and direction cards: These cards provide guests with directions to the wedding venue, especially if the location is difficult to find.

It is important to note that the inner envelope is not necessary if the wedding is a less formal affair, or if you are trying to reduce costs. In such cases, you can simply include all the necessary information on a single card and send it in one envelope.

Reception card

A reception card is a formal invitation to the wedding reception and is used when the reception venue is different from the ceremony location or when there's a gap in time between the two events. The reception card should be half the size of the invitation and in the same style and of similar quality.

The reception card should include the full name and address of the reception venue, including the city and state. The zip code is optional but is traditionally omitted. If there is a gap in time between the ceremony and reception, include the start time so guests know what to expect.

> "The celebration continues with cocktails, dinner and dancing

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> Please join us at [venue name and address]

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> [time, if not immediately following ceremony]"

You can also include additional details such as transportation arrangements and the dress code. If there are activities with specific start times, such as a cocktail hour, dinner, or dancing, you can specify these times on the reception card.

If you have the space, it can be helpful to include your wedding website at the bottom of the reception card. For example: "For more information, please visit our wedding website at [website URL]."

Response card

When designing your response cards, it is essential to include a deadline for responses, ideally three to four weeks before the wedding date. Additionally, provide space for guests to write their names and, if offering a plated dinner, their entrée preference.

To ensure timely responses, it is recommended to include pre-addressed and stamped response envelopes with your invitations. This makes it convenient for your guests to send back their responses promptly.

As you receive the response cards, stay organised by keeping track of them against your guest list. This will help you quickly identify who is attending, who isn't, and who hasn't replied yet.

Map and directions

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include clear directions and maps to ensure your guests can find their way to your celebration without a hitch. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs on "Map and Directions" to include in your wedding invitation envelope:

Providing clear directions and maps is essential, especially if your wedding venue is in a rural area or hard-to-find location. You can either draw a map by hand or print one from the internet. Ensure the directions cater to guests coming from different areas and include major highways and road names. Verify these directions by test-driving them yourself, and double-check for any ongoing construction projects that might affect your guests' routes. It would be best if you also considered including directions from the wedding ceremony site to the reception venue for guests who may be unfamiliar with the area.

Digital Directions

In today's digital age, you may also want to include a QR code or a link to a Google Maps location pin for your wedding venue. This can be a convenient way for guests to access directions on their smartphones. However, it is always a good idea to provide a physical map and written directions as well, especially for guests who may not be tech-savvy or have limited data access.

Timing and Transport

In addition to maps and directions, it is helpful to include timing information, such as the expected duration of the journey to the wedding venue and any potential traffic hotspots to avoid. If you are providing transportation for your guests, such as a shuttle service, be sure to include those details as well. This ensures that your guests can plan their travel arrangements effectively and arrive at your wedding on time.

Accommodation Options

If you have blocked rooms at a nearby hotel for your guests, include this information on a separate card, along with the hotel's name, location, nightly rates, phone number, and reservation details. You may also want to suggest other accommodation options in the area, catering to different budgets and preferences. This ensures your guests have a comfortable stay and can easily attend your wedding festivities.

Directions for Destination Weddings

For destination weddings, it is crucial to provide comprehensive travel information, including flight details, airport transfers, and any unique transportation requirements. Give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements by sending out your invitations earlier than usual. You may also want to include a map of the local area, highlighting key locations such as the wedding venue, reception, and recommended tourist spots.

Hotel information

If you have guests coming from out of town, it is a thoughtful gesture to include a separate accommodations card in the wedding invitation envelope. This card should include the name and address of the hotel(s) where you have reserved room blocks to make booking travel plans easier for your guests.

The card should also include any special codes or deadlines they should be aware of when booking. For example, guests may need to mention the names of the couple or the wedding to receive a discounted rate.

> For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at [name of hotel] in [city]. When calling to make your reservation, please mention the [couple's last names] wedding in order to receive a discounted rate. Please call [hotel phone number] to make your reservation.

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> Be sure to book your room by [date] to receive the discount.

If you have a wedding website, you can also include this information there and direct guests to the website on a separate insert card.

Frequently asked questions