Wedding Stationery Guide: What goes in your invitation suite?
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.
With 15 years of experience in stationery design, I’ve had the privilege of translating ideas and inspiration into frame-worthy wedding invitations for hundreds of brides.
I collaborate with detail-oriented brides just like you so they can craft their dream invitation—all while making the process feel effortless and stress-free. With my guidance, you’ll breeze through a step-by-step plan and check “stationery” off your to-do list. The result? A keepsake that reminds you and your guests of your special day for years to come.
I create tailor-made wedding stationery for brides searching for a simple, classic invitation design with just the right amount of personality.
Hi, I’m Sarah!
This process allows you to choose from time-tested foundational designs—plus a curated selection of decorative elements, fonts, and finishing touches—ensuring your invitations are both beautiful and meaningful.
You’ll see your vision come to life through my streamlined process, where I work with you one-on-one to make sure every aspect of your invitation suite is perfectly tailored to you.
Banter & Charm’s signature design process is a unique blend of semi-custom and custom—without all the fuss of a full bespoke design.
Made-to-Measure
This fresh approach to collaborative design provides the personalization benefits of a bespoke invitation suite, but with the ease and peace of mind that comes with ready-to-order designs.
You can be as involved as you like: direct every last detail, or sit back and allow me to craft the design based on your preferences and selections.
or just a few things— it’s up to you!
Customize everything!
in St. Joseph (right along Lake Michigan!) Not local? I serve brides throughout Michigan and northern Indiana, Notre Dame, Chicago, the Midwest, and across the US!
Banter & Charm is a Michigan wedding invitation design studio