Wedding Invitations 101: What do you include?
I get it, you've never planned a wedding before so how do you even know what to send out in your invitations? What do you need a reception card for? What does a belly band do? Do I NEED an envelope liner or is it just pretty? Are pocket invitations helpful? What's that clear paper thing that you wrap around an invitation thing called?
Today we're going to talk about all the components that go into creating your complete wedding invitation suite.
The Invitation
Your invitation contains the most important details - names, date, time and location. Hands, down this is the most important piece of wedding stationery you have. You will want your invitations to be uniquely YOU. They will set the tone for your wedding and tell your guests if your event is formal or casual, a serious, traditional day or a fun crazy party.
The colors you use, the fonts you choose and even the type of paper all help convey these things- think of it as branding your wedding and using marketing techniques to tell your guests what your event will be.
Typical Card Size: A7 (5x7")
*may also include pockets or inner envelopes to organize everything
*may also include pockets or inner envelopes to organize everything
Response Card
You need to know who is coming right? You'll want a separate card to collect your responses - and this can be either a mail in response or information to let guests know how to RSVP online. Keeping it separate makes sure your guests will see it and will actually respond so you don't have to track them down.
You'll want to collect:
- their names
- how many people are coming
- a response if they can come or not
- food choices for each guest (if needed)
- their names
- how many people are coming
- a response if they can come or not
- food choices for each guest (if needed)
You'll also want to include a pre-stamped return envelope so your guests don't need to hunt down a stamp to send it back. All of my invitations even come with your address printed on the RSVP envelope so your guests don't need to do anything but pop it in the mail.
RSVP post cards are also acceptable, but I do caution against them. I have seen quite a few get smudged in the mail if your guests don't use the right ink for the paper type.
Typical Card Size: Customarily 4Bar (3.5x5")
or A2 (4.25" x 5.5") if you need to collect information for multiple weekend events.
or A2 (4.25" x 5.5") if you need to collect information for multiple weekend events.
Small Information Card
This card is most commonly used for reception information. A traditional, formal wedding will have a separate card just for the reception. It will include the location and time that the reception starts. It may also include wording that tells you cocktails are are at 6, dinner at 7:30, dancing at 9.
If your reception is at a different location than your ceremony, it should always go on a separate card. For less formal weddings, you can combine it with other information on a 'Details' card.
Typical Card Size: A2 (4.25x5.5")
Large Information Card
The info card is the place to put pretty much anything else. This might include hotel blocks that you have reserved along with booking information (don't forget book by dates!), transportation information, dress code and your website. If you don't have a separate reception card, it can also include reception information.
My personal preference is to keep this information brief and lead your guests to a website for more information. Too much information can make the cards hard to read and guests will miss things. Websites are a great place to put allll of the information so they can click around and find just what they need.
Typical Card Size: Anywhere from A2 (4.25x5.5") up to A6 (4.5x6.25").
Vellum wraps are a great way to protect your invitations in the mail. It keeps them clean should the envelope rip open and gives your guests a very clean and elegant presentation.
Envelope Liners
Envelope liners are where you can add a pop of personality to your wedding invitation suite. You can get them in solid colors or have them printed with a floral pattern, a watercolor image of your venu or even a custom monogram.
If you choose to order envelope liners, they will come already assembled into your envelopes.
Other Invitation Add-Ons
Pocket EnvelopesPocket envelopes are great for the couple that likes to be organized. They keep your insert cards tidy and also protect your invitation in the mail. |
Pocket CardsPocket cards have the pocket on the back of the invitation. So you still get the look of a flat invitation but with the organization of a pocket. It's a great mix of form and function! |
Layered InvitationsAdding layers to either a flat or pocket invitation frames out the invitation and adds a great pop of color. It also adds some heft to your invitations so they feel luxurious. |
One you start breaking it down piece by piece it's not so scary hey? Now it's your turn to start shopping for your favorite designs! Remember - you can always order just what you see, make some minor changes to make it more you, or reach out to discuss changing designs around to be very uniquely YOU.
Ready to shop?
|
|
 layered wedding invitations
|
|
0 comments