Wedding Invitations - Be In The Know

Invitation Suite Courtesy of Elle & Em Event Design

Perhaps you are just starting your hunt for the perfect Invitation Suite, or you have one selected and are almost ready to order - either way, we highly recommend you read this blog post before processing your order.

1. The Wedding Invitation 

Although this is the core of the entire Invitation Suite, this is also where we see the most mistakes. Double and triple check everything! The lovely ladies at Elle & Em Event Design even suggest having a family member check the details, just for a fresh set of eyes. Things to remember:

• Your Names
• Date of the Wedding
• Ceremony Location - With Address for Out-Of-Town Guests
• Reception Location (If different from ceremony location) - With Address for Out-Of-Town Guests
• Times! For both the ceremony and reception

Additional Information you can include on the Invitation would include Attire Requirements, or other special details including specifying "No Gifts Please" etc. 

2. Response Card + Inner Envelope

This is where you as the couple are going to get back the most useful information to make your lives A LOT easier closer to the Big Day. A huge tip here is to write a number on the back of the Response Card (Thank you Invisible Ink Pens!) and put that corresponding number in a spreadsheet next to the Guests name. Be sure to add the following:

• Date to Respond By
• A space for their Guests Name(s)
• Number of Guests Attending
• Meal Selection (Ex: Chicken, Beef, Fish, Vegetarian, Vegan) *Be sure to provide a Vegetarian & Vegan Option
• Any Other Dietary Restrictions - This could include allergies etc.
• For the Inner Envelope, DON'T FORGET THE STAMP and address this envelope to the wedding guests invited (and leaving out those guests who are not - ex: Mr. John & Mrs. Elizabeth Smith in relation to The Smith Family if you are inviting the children)

3. Direction Card

For out-of-town guests, these are a lifesaver! Generally graphic designers or Invitation experts will have an idea of the area (if local) and can create a little map to help guests from Point A to Point B, and everywhere else important in between.

• Address of Ceremony & Reception - Make sure this is legible!
• Easiest Route between venues 
• Possible Local Stops that can keep guests entertained during the break between the ceremony and reception if needed.

4. Accomodation Card

Some couples are using the back of the Direction Card for Accommodations, while others are creating two separate cards depending on how many guests are requiring accommodations. A few important things to mention:

• Name of Hotel(s) with Room Blocks
• Room Block Code or Name
• Deadline to Book Rooms 
• Pricing - If you have chosen two or three hotels, be sure to include pricing so guest's can make a decision on what price point is best for them
• If you are handling the Accommodation fees for your guests, be sure to indicate that as well on this card
• Any shuttles/transportation to get guests from the hotel to the wedding if available 

5. Outer Envelope 

This is important to make sure is addressed properly to each guest, to ensure you are not receiving Return Mail. We always recommend triple checking names and addresses before sending to print. Also be thinking putting a Return Address on the back is a MUST - you can create personalized stamps or have your graphic designer add this to the back of the envelope, or Top Left-Hand Corner of the Envelope. 

Before sending out all of your invitations, take a full sample down to the Post Office. They will be able to confirm that the size is correct, and the number of stamps that will be required for sending. These invitations can quickly get heavy, so be sure to pop in and make sure you are good to go! 

In terms of Sending out your invitations, we recommend sending them anywhere from 7-9 weeks before the wedding, just to be safe. For the RSVP Date, three weeks prior to the wedding is usually best - this gives you time to follow up with any outstanding guests before final numbers are due.

A special thank you to Elle & Em Event Design for helping collaborate on this post - it's always great to check with the experts! If you are stumped on design ideas, be sure to chat with your designer about personalized details and fun aspects to add, making your suite even more special.