Traditional Wedding Invitations: The Elements
Outer envelope
Historically,
this envelope told a bride's footman to which household an invitation should be
delivered. This large, outer envelope
is usually a square shape and complements the invitation inside. For more information on
how to properly address outer envelopes, click here.
Inner envelope
In
the old days, a servant would receive the invitation package, remove the inner
envelope, and hand the inner envelope to the member of the household to whom it
was addressed. Many modern brides
continue to adhere to this tradition. More on inner envelopes
here.
Wedding invitation
The
wedding invitation is where you give guests the information they need in order
to attend your event on time. It's also
an opportunity to let guests know how formal the event will be, and set the
tone for your special day. More on invitations here.
Response Cards
The
Response (RSVP) cards are a critical component of the invitation and wedding
planning process because they allow your guests to let you know whether they
will be attending, as well as how many people they will be bringing to the
event. RSVP cards can be blank to allow
guests to write their own message, or they can be printed to allow guests to
fill in a blank or two. An addressed, pre-stamped envelope should always
accompany response cards in order to make it as simple as possible for your
guests to respond in a timely manner.
Some
options for response cards include:
Classic
fold-over cards
Panel
cards
Double-sided
postcards
More
Reception Cards
A
reception card may or may not be needed for your event. If the reception will be held at the same
location as the ceremony, you may choose to simply include an additional line
on your invitation saying "Dinner and dancing to follow" or "Reception
immediately following." This way, guests will know that the reception will be
held at the same location.
When
the reception will be held at a different location than then ceremony, you will
want to provide the reception location and time so guests can make their
arrangements accordingly.
You
may be choosing to invite only a select number of guests to the reception, or
you may be inviting everyone who is attending the ceremony. Either way, a reception card
can easily be incorporated into the invitation. Traditional reception cards are made of the same paper and type
style as the invitation, and are generally half the size of the invitation
itself.
Direction Card
All your guests will likely not be as familiar with your chosen
locations as you are! By including a map or direction
card, you help ensure that no one will get lost or arrive late to your
event. For an elegant and cohesive
look, have the printer of your invitations print your map/directions card as
well. This way, you can be sure that the paper stock and type style will match
your invitations perfectly. An alternative option to including a direction card
with the invitation is to wait to receive RSVPS, and then send directions and/or
maps to attendees who have indicated that they will be attending.
Here
are a few options to help your guests arrive in style...
- Simple text
directions provide your guests
with turn-by-turn directions to each of your destinations (usually from each direction
to the church or ceremony site, and then from the church directly to the
reception)
- Hand-drawn map made by a friend or local artist
- Professional
map provided by the
church or reception site
- Combination of directions and a map
Ceremony or Reception Site Map
Most
churches, parks, and reception sites will have their own professionally made
maps. Simply request a copy and submit
it to be printed on your card.
*Please note that not all brands will allow
you to submit your own map. Make sure to inquire about this option when you
have decided which invitation you would like to order.
Accommodation cards
Whether
you are hosting a destination wedding in a vacation spot, or simply know that
many of your guests will be traveling to attend you event, you will probably
want to provide accommodation information.
An accommodation card might include helpful information for everyone
attending your wedding, or you might choose to include this card only with the
invitations being send to your out-of-town guests.
Helpful
accommodation cards include:
-
Local hotels in a
variety of price points
-
Room block
information, if applicable
-
Places to rent in the
area
-
Any local
destinations or activities in case people will be coming for more than a day or
two.
-
Be sure to include
phone numbers, web sites, and any other information your guests might need to
make their arrangements
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