In today’s installment of the Wedding Stationery Guide I’m going to walk you through the various pieces that make up your wedding invitation suite.
The main invitation and the response card are the obvious pieces, but what about everything else?
The following pieces are the most common items you’ll find in a wedding invitation suite. You may need all these pieces (and more), or just a few of them – it depends on your wedding! If you’re having a casual wedding in your home town, chances are you can skip the accommodations and directions cards. But if you’re planning an elaborate destination wedding you may want to provide your guests with lots of information (or maybe just direct them to your wedding website).
1. INVITATION
The invitation is the main component of your stationery suite. It contains the who, what, where, and when of the wedding. It is generally the largest piece.
5˝x 7˝ is standard
2. REPLY CARD
Guests will mail the reply card back to you so you know whether they are attending. This card can also request a meal choice
or serve as RSVP to other wedding weekend events.
3½˝x 4⅞˝is standard
3. RECEPTION CARD
Reception information is sometimes included on the main invite, but if it is at a different location or you have more details to share, use a separate card.
3½˝x 4⅞˝ or 4¼˝x 5½˝
4. INSERT CARDS
Use other inserts to share information about your wedding, such as directions and accommodations or your wedding website. Available in various sizes.
2˝x 3½˝, 3½˝x 4⅞˝, 4¼˝x 5½˝,
4½˝x 6¼˝, and 5˝x 7˝
Finishing Touches
If your invitation suite has multiple inserts, consider one of the following options to keep everything in place.
1. Belly Band
This strip of paper (or ribbon, lace, or baker’s twine) wraps around all the pieces in your suite to hold everything together.
2. Seal or Tag
Use a square tag or wax seal to add interest or secure your belly band. This is the perfect place to use your wedding monogram or add a simple motif.
3. POCKETFOLDER
Mount your invitation to the center panel of this folded card, and tuck your inserts in the side pocket. It can be secured with a belly band, wax seal, or tag. A pocketfolder can also be used in place of an inner envelope.
The Envelope
1. Return Address
The return address is generally printed on the back flap of the mailing envelope. Use the host’s address; names are optional.
2. Mailing Address
The guest’s mailing address is handwritten or printed on the front of the mailing envelope. Use full names, do not abbreviate addresses or states.
3. RSVP Card Envelope
Include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope so your guests can easily send back their reply card. The host’s address is generally used, and make sure to include a name.
4. POSTAGE
Take an assembled invitation to your local post office so they can weigh it and tell you the correct postage amount.
5. Inner Envelope
Use an inner envelope to list the names of everyone invited. This is a great way to indicate a guest can bring a date or if children are invited.
6. ENVELOPE LINER
A piece of paper attached to the inside of the envelope. It can be a solid color, a pattern, or something fun like glitter paper or a vintage map.
