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Choosing Your
Wedding Invitations
…Setting the Tone
The style of your wedding invitation is the first indication of
the tone of the wedding that your invited guests will see. Your
invitation's style should generally reflect the style of your wedding.
For a formal traditional wedding, a formal traditional invitation
is appropriate. Casual but traditional wedding? Casual contemporary?
Renaissance, American Indian, or other themed wedding? The possibilities
of wedding style are limitless, as are the styles of wedding invitations
that are now available. So before you begin to select your invitations,
determine the degree of formality and the style of your wedding.
Then identify a theme, or thread of continuity to carry through
in your wedding invitation and all other associated stationery.
Wedding Invitation
The wedding invitation itself is generally a card presenting specific
information: who, what, when, and where. This may be a simple unfolded
card, or it may be more elaborate with folds and ribbons. When perusing
wedding invitation books, you will see a variety of ways in which
to convey this information. Choose a style reflective of you and
your wedding's style. The card may be printed on a variety of paper
types, weights, and colors in a variety of ink colors. Traditionally,
the invitation card is inserted into an inner envelope, which is
inserted into the outer mailing envelope. The guest's name is written
on the inner envelope, while the guest's name and address are written
on the outer envelope. Don't forget to have your return address
printed on the outer envelope.
Reception Card
If your reception is being held at a location separate from the
wedding site, a reception card is generally included. However, some
less formal weddings include this reception information on the wedding
invitation card itself.
Response Card
Your guest's completion and return of these cards will give you
an accurate count of the number of guests to expect at the wedding
and reception. The cost for several of your wedding services is
based on the guest count, so this card is important to your planning.
The wedding invitation response card is printed with RSVP information,
making it easy for your invitees to RSVP. The printed information
should include a request that the card be returned to you by a certain
date (i.e., at least two weeks prior to the wedding date). Have
the response card envelope preprinted with your return address and
pre stamped with first class postage.
Map Card
Even if you do not expect any out of towners, your guests will appreciate
inclusion of a wedding map directing them to the wedding and reception
sites. You may have your stationer print these on the same stock
as your other documents, or you may generate a map of your own.
This choice is dependent on the level of formality of the wedding
and invitation package. Either way, be sure that the map is clear,
legible, and accurate.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitation
Everyone you ask to attend your wedding rehearsal will know first
hand from you that they are invited to the wedding rehearsal dinner.
But what about other friends and family who are traveling from out
of town? Oftentimes, the only time you will see these loved ones
who have traveled many miles to be with you on your wedding day
is at the wedding and reception. Will this give you enough time
to spend with them? One option is to turn your rehearsal dinner
into a pre-wedding get together for those guests that you rarely
see. If you choose to do this, be sure to send them a written invitation
to your rehearsal dinner.
'Hold The Date' Announcement
Do you expect to have out of town guests or are you planning a Destination
Wedding? If so, it is a great idea to send out a very early (at
least 2 months prior) announcement of your impending wedding along
with its date and location. This early announcement gives your guests
plenty of time to arrange for advance fare flights and facilitates
arranging time off of work. This announcement should follow the
tone of the other elements of your invitation packet.
Thank You Notes
Your Thank You note cards are very similar to your Response Cards.
Be sure to send one of these to each of the guests as you receive
their gifts. This card is printed with your married names on it.
Its envelope is preprinted with your return address and hand addressed
to your guest.
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