What is the right amount of information to include in your wedding invitations?
With so little space, it can be tricky to pick the right information and choose how to lay it out to give your guests a clear picture of your wedding. The wedding invitation is the primary card in your envelope and tells your guests everything about your special day. There are also supplementary inserts that can be included to deliver important information and the style of the celebration.
Here is a list of all the inserts you can include in your invitation suite and the importance of each:
CEREMONY CARD
In case you want a private ceremony followed by a public reception, you can add a ceremony card for those guests invited to the ceremony. It should include your names and their names (name each person to specify if it is just them, the kids and / or a plus one). It is typically smaller than an invitation card and will also include the date and ceremony start time, venue and address.
RECEPTION CARD
It is usually included when you opt to have a public ceremony followed by a private reception. It asks the guests to join you and your families for a celebration. It includes the date, time, Venue and Address, Type of reception (cocktail, formal, dinner, etc). Some couples add the reception details on the actual invitation and skip this card altogether.
RESPONSE CARD
They are standard if you don’t have an online RSVP system. RSVP Cards are sent with invitations with a self-addressed and stamped envelope with a date for return (usually one month before the wedding). It usually asks guests to check a box letting you know how many people will attend the wedding. (It could be for a list of events too)
MENU CARD
They have become popular to give caterers a count and understand what your guests prefer. They include elements of the menu and beverage options. Some can be elaborate and explain why you’ve chosen a dish and its cultural significance. Drink cards can include the options available at the bar.
REGISTRY or WISHING WELL
Registry cards / websites are a convenience to your guests. They usually include a simple link to your website or the names of places where you are registered. A wishing well is a great alternative to a registry.
WEDDING PROGRAMS
They are booklets that provide useful information about the ceremony, the wedding party, the order of events. (Some can be creative – in the form of fans). They can be used to honour the deceased loved ones, thank important people and explain unfamiliar rites of the ceremony. Some couples include their story and can make a beautiful memento. Some details include Dinners, Parties, Brunches, wedding party activities and itineraries, directions and parking, bus pick-ups and drop-offs.
REHEARSAL DINNER DETAILS
DIRECTIONS
They offer directions to local hotels or airports. They include a map of all the events with landmarks marked.
HOTELS or LODGING CARDS
This tells guests where they will be staying and how to get to and from their hotel to the wedding festivities. Transportation can also be included in this card. They sometimes include blocks of rooms and group rates you have fixed for your guests.
OTHER INSERTS
Details like dress code and specific theme. These can be included in each event insert.
ENVELOPE ETIQUETTE
Your guests names and addresses are written on the envelope. Inner envelopes can used to personalise stationery with intricate details. Outer envelopes are needed to contain all your invitations safely. They should be sturdy enough to hold everything and still match your theme.
POSTAGE
Make sure that your wedding invitations have the correct postage before you send it out.
