Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation
April 30th, 2008The wedding invitation can be as simple or complex as you want or need it to be. Traditionally, there are five main components to a wedding announcement – the outer envelope, inner envelope, reception card, response card, and map with directions.
The outer envelope was traditionally designed to prevent the invitation from being damaged during its trip through the mailing process. The envelope is home to the recipient’s name and address. It serves as a holder for the invitation and the three other components.
Upon opening the outer envelope, the inner envelope is revealed. This container houses the actual invitation. Many of today’s couples decide to bypass the inner envelope completely. This is because the outer envelope is sufficient for holding and protecting the invitation and its contents. If an inner envelope is used, it is custom to address the envelope to the invitees of the household. For example, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. An address remains absent from the envelope. Additionally, the back flap is left unsealed.
The next piece of the invitation packet is the actual invitation. The most vital part of the package, the invitation can be a folded card or a one-sided card. When using a folded card, it is common to include the final aspects of the invitation package inside the announcement. Invitations featuring a one-sided card should be presented with the remaining packet on top of the card.
Along with the invitation, it is traditional to include a reception card. The reception card provides specific information regarding the celebration’s location and time. Reception cards are only necessary when the ceremony and reception are set to take place in separate locations.
With the reception card is the response card. The response card is typically small in size as to not distract from the actual invitation. This card allows for guests to accept or regret the invitation. Guests are encouraged to RSVP. To increase the amount of responses, it is recommended the mailer include a self-addressed stamped envelope to return the card in. Additionally, it is a good idea to add in a deadline for the RSVP. This will help to encourage guests to respond to the invitation regardless of if they can or cannot attend. If the response card does not feature the names of the guest(s), lightly number each card and assign a guest(s) with a correlating number. This way, in the event a card is returned without a name, it is still possible to determine where the card originated.
When the first, printed wedding invitations were founded, the need for a map and directions to the event was non-existent. Today, however, this is not the case. An optional insertion, a map and detailed directions to the wedding’s location assist the guest in successfully finding the event. If there will be guests traveling from out of town, it is also a good idea to include information on local accommodations. This information should entail the establishment’s name, address, directions, and telephone number.
