First impressions count the most… remember this when
ordering your wedding invitations, as they will set the tone
for your event and guide your guests as to what to expect.
Invitations are delivered in a package.
This package may contain some or all of the following elements.
Invitation Package elements:
- Invitation
This central element of the invitation package and should inform the guests of the host, the honored party, the date, time and place, and the reason for the event. The most traditional invitations are in the form of a folder with the invitation text personalized on the front. It has become very popular to print or emboss the names or a monogram on the front and the invitation text on the inside. More and more, however, we find people prefer a card with the invitation text centered on the front. Though the traditional invitation shape is rectangular and color is ecru, paper styles, texture, color and shape are unlimited.
- Inner Envelope
The inner envelope contains the invitation and the enclosures. It does not have glue on the flap and it is usually lined. When addressing this envelope it should bear only the names of the individuals or specific members of the family you are inviting as your guests. (Example: Outer Envelope reads: Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Doe, the Inner Envelope reads Mr. and Mrs. Doe. Invited children are only listed on the inner envelope with their complete name in order by age. If you do not know the children's names "and Family" is appropriate.) If the event you use a single card envelope, an inner envelope is not necessary.
- Envelope Lining
The envelope lining is paper or fabric that is cut to the exact size of the envelope and flap and glued to the inside. Its purpose is to dress up the inserted elements, and for that reason, there is a wide selection of textures and colors. Usually inner envelopes are lined as well as the informal or thank you note envelopes. Outer envelopes are only lined when there is no inner envelope.
- Outer Envelopes
Outer envelopes are used to mail the invitation, response set, inner envelope and other related information. The flap of this envelope is personalized with printing or embossing with the host's address and is the only envelope that is fully addressed with your guest's name and address. The mailing stamp is placed on the upper right hand corner of this envelope. We recommend taking a completed invitation packet to the post office to confirm postage requirements. The standard one-ounce postage allows for all envelopes between the sizes of 3 1/2" x 5" and 6 1/8" x 11 1/2" and no more then one ounce. Most invitations are within these parameters. Square or other odd shaped envelopes require 11 cents extra postage, unless they are over one ounce, then the additional postage for the weight will supercede the need for the extra postage for the odd shape. For rate information contact the Postal Service.
- Return Address
The host's address is printed on the back flap of the outer envelopes. The most formal personalization is embossed; however, people typically match the type and printing style from the invitation. The return address is necessary for the post office to return any mail that is undeliverable. Traditionally the host's are the parents of the bride.
- Tissues
Once a practical necessity, tissue is now an option. Before modern, fast drying inks were developed, tissue was used to cover the printed surface. Tissue is porous enough to stick to the ink without adding weight to cause smearing. Including tissue today is just a tradition. We recommend only using tissue with a traditional formal style invitation.
- Response Set
Tradition and etiquette suggest that one need not include a reply set in the invitation. Guests should know to use their personal stationery to respond to an invitation. Given the fast paced world, we suggest helping guests by giving them a personalized response set. The response set is usually composed of a personalized card and a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. We find that different areas have adapted the response card to fit different needs. Wording should match the formality of the occasion. In many communities, the card has been adapted to provide a space for the guest's name and a space for the response. The response card can allow the host to collect specific guest information, for instance if the event venue allows for meal choices, they can be specified on the card. Reply cards should state a date when the response is expected. The caterer or venue will indicate the date required for the final head count. For the most formal affairs, we will print the black time designation on the response card. This is done to ensure the simplicity and elegance of the invitation itself.
- Reception Card
Sent along with the invitation to the ceremony, the reception card invites your guests to the reception or other additional events. It informs them about the date, time and location of where the specific event will take place. It is respectful to let them know what to expect - dinner and dancing, a luncheon, or a reception only. If the reception immediately follows the ceremony and is in the same location, a separate card may not be required. A reception card should be sent for all formal affairs. If budget is an issue, and space allows, reception information can be included with the information to the ceremony.
Assembling your invitations
When using two envelopes, the inner envelope is unsealed and inserted into the outer envelope so the guest's name is seen as the outer envelope is opened. When removing the invitation with your right hand the name should be visible to you.
The invitation and enclosure cards are placed into the inner envelope in order of size behind the invitation. As the invitation is the most important element for the guest to see, it remains on top. The largest enclosure cards are placed farthest from the invitation. When enclosure cards of the same size are used, the most important card for your guests to see should be placed closest to the invitation.
The reply envelope is placed face down on top of the reception card. The reply card is slipped face up beneath the flap of the envelope.
The inside envelope is placed into the outside envelope. The front of the inside envelope faces the back of the outside envelope.
Wedding invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks prior to the date. For most any other event four (4) weeks ahead is as early as necessary. The response cards are generally requested for two weeds prior to the actual date.
Travel and Accomodation Information
Travel and accommodation arrangement information can be sent separately to out of town guests. If the information is included within the invitation package it should be printed on the same paper and with the same process as the invitation and other elements.
Those not invited to the wedding ceremony, yet still represent an important role in your lives, should be sent a wedding announcement. Wedding announcements merely announce the wedding - they do not invite, nor do they require the recipient to send a gift. They are often postmarked and sent on the wedding day, never before. An announcement can be combined with other personal correspondence, including a moving announcement or holiday card.
Escort cards, are placed outside the reception space and direct guests to their respective tables. The guests' names are handwritten, by calligraphy, or printed on the envelope and the appropriate table number is written on the enclosed card. It is acceptable to use a tent card to direct guests to their tables with the name on the front and the table number inside. Each couple should, as well as individuals without an escort or guest should receive one.
Placed at each seat of the table, place cards identify the guests' specific seating arrangements. Folded tent cards stand on their own, while flat place cards may be put in holders or simply placed on the plate or set against the water glass. Place cards should match your menu cards. In very formal and traditional affairs, guests should be directed to a specific seat. The host then ensures guests are seated next to individuals they know or feel would enjoy one another's company. Many still follow the tradition of seating everyone alternating the men and women, and not seating husband and wife, or couples next to each other, they are more likely to join in the table conversation that way. We most commonly find that place cards are only used for the guest of honor or bridal party tables to ensure they get the best seats.
Especially in these times of great awareness and issues with food, a menu is almost a necessity to inform your guests of the meal and choices you are offering. The menu card is placed on each table, with a minimum of one, often three, or the recommended one for every person seated at the table. As the two cards now on the table are the menu card and place card, these should match or blend together. Another option is to personalize each menu with the guest's name. This will then serve the dual function of the menu and place card.
In the tradition of bride and groom returning from their honeymoon to their first home together, at home cards contain the newly married couple's address. When receiving an at home card, guests should know to wait to send gifts after the date given on the card. At home cards may be sent with the invitations, with the announcements, or on their own. If on their own, we recommend they be sent with other messages potentially including a moving announcement or holiday card.
In the case that the couple will not be able to send thank you notes promptly, cards acknowledging receipt of gifts should be sent. They are personalized so that the couple only has to address the envelope. The proper thank you note will be send at a later date. We find these are used when there are a large number of guests invited by the families, or that an extended honeymoon is planned.
A pew card is to indicate to honored guests that they are to be seated in a special section near the front of the house of worship. To assist the ushers in seating these guests, pew cards are presented containing the pew number. Pew cards are included with the invitations or sent to the guest after they have responded with an acceptance.
A within the ribbon card is to inform ushers about guests that should be seated in a special section identified with a ribbon. Within the ribbon cards are included with the invitations or sent to the guest after they have responded with an acceptance to the wedding.
Tips On Ordering Your Invitations
- Base the number of invitations you order on guests within households, not per guest. Remember to include everyone in the wedding party as well as your officiate.
- Order at least 25 extra invitations for keepsakes and to cover for last minute guests. Reordering additional invitations, which in most cases must be done in quantities of 25, may be almost as expensive as your original order due to start up costs.
- Order extra inner and outer envelopes, as they will be valuable if mistakes are made while addressing.
- Addressing of the double envelopes (outer and inner) serves a useful purpose; it permits the bride and groom to be very specific as to who is invited. Only the names of the people mentioned on the inner envelopes are expected as your guests.
- Assign a number to each of your guests and lightly write that number on the back of the response card. It will allow you to know to whom the response cards belongs in case your guests accidentally omit their name.
How to Use Titles Correctly
Mr. - Any man, single or married, not using a professional title.
Miss - Any woman who has never been married or any woman whose marriage has been annulled.
"Ms." is not for use on formal stationery and is not an abbreviation.
Mrs. - Any legally married woman, or any divorced woman who has retained her married name, or a widowed woman who has not remarried. Using Mrs. with a women's first name, Mrs. Amanda White indicated she is divorced. This should be used when there are children. Other wise the appropriate use of the title Mrs. is Mrs. Byron Smith.
Dr. - Any person holding a professional medical degree. "Dr." is not the same as a Ph. D.
When names end in:
"o" add an "s"
"s" add an "es"
"sh" add "es"
"ch" add "es"
"y" add "s"
"z" add "es"
"x" add "es"
| Married Couples: |
Outer Envelope:
Mr.and Mrs. Byron Smith
Dr. and Mrs. Byron Smith |
Inner Envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Dr. and Mrs. Smith |
| Married couple different names: |
| |
Mr. Byron Smith and Ms. Amanda White
Dr. Byron Smith and Dr. Amanda White |
Mr. Smith and Ms. White
Dr. Smith and Dr. White |
| |
| Couples not married: (Note no "and" is used between the two names) |
| |
Mr. Byron Smith
Mr. Smith |
Ms. Amanda White
Ms. White |
| |
| Individual with a guest: (Many people now invite the women with a guest instead of the traditionally based escort) |
| |
Ms. Amanda White and Escort
Ms. White and Escort |
Mr. Byron Smith and Guest
Mr. Smith and Guest |
|
