Figuring out everything you need to include with your wedding invitations can be a daunting task. Here’s a quick outline of the different pieces you can choose to include to complete your stationery suite:
WEDDING INVITATION
The centerpiece of your wedding stationery suite.
photo by Tara Bielecki Photography
REPLY CARD // RSVP
How guests let you know if they are attending. We can include how many people will attend and/or their meal choice for the reception. A date for the return of the reply card is essential for your planning. Learn more with our Everything You Need to Know About Your Wedding RSVPs post.
photo by Callie Hobbs Photography
MAP // DIRECTIONS INSERT
Directions or maps are essential for weddings with many out-of-town guests. They typically include the main points of interest: ceremony venue, reception venue (if separate), and guest hotels.
RECEPTION INSERT
This card is only needed if your wedding ceremony and reception are at different locations. A reception insert specifies the address and time(s) of the reception celebration.
photo by KMitiska Photography
INFORMATION INSERT
Information inserts contain details on guest accommodations, itineraries, and/or your wedding website.
WELCOME DINNER INVITATION
If you are having more of a “welcome” style event where the entire guest list is invited, it may save you time (and postage) to include this with the invitation suite.
ENVELOPES
Typically you need an outer envelope and reply envelope (with postage provided for your guests).
Inner & Outer Envelopes
Traditionally, two envelopes were used because the outer envelope would get so beat up in the mail that the inner envelope would become more of the clean, undamaged keepsake as part of an invitation suite. Nowadays, this isn’t really an issue; yet some people like the double envelopes as a formality. I personally like to recommend the double envelopes when using an envelope liner – to keep that liner in pristine condition inside the inner envelope!
EMBELLISHMENTS
There are a variety of embellishments to choose from with your suite: envelope liners, belly bands, stickers or wax seals.
header photo by Jamie Lied
