Wedding invitation

A sample formal wedding invitation

A formal wedding invitation is usually sent to prospective wedding guests. It contains the time and place information for the wedding ceremony.

Formal wedding etiquette dictates that if the wedding ceremony and reception are held in different locations, a formal reception card with the reception time and place information be sent. This requirement is often relaxed for semi-formal weddings.

A response set is also usually included with an invitation, which provides a card on which guests inform the host(ess) of whether they will be attending the wedding or not. A reply date is printed at the bottom of the form.

1 Components
2 Types of Printing
3 Invitation Tips
4 Weddingbee Posts

Components

Invitation -
Reception Card - The reception card is usually smaller than the invitation and includes information for the reception.
Outer Envelope - Outer envelopes were historically used because invitations got dirty during the delivery process. This way the contents would be protected and a clean inner envelope could be presented to the lady of the house. Your return address should be printed on the back flap of the outer envelope and your guest's title, full name, and address should be printed/calligraphered on the front.
Inner Envelope - The inner envelope is no longer necessary, but a lot of people choose to include them, especially if the wedding is a formal affair. Inner envelopes are addressed less formally than outer envelopes, with the guest's name printed on the front.
Inner Envelope Lining - For decorative purposes, the inner envelope may be lined with tissue paper or paper.
Tissue paper - Tissue paper was used to separate each invitation layer because ink used to take a long time to dry, and this kept each layer clean. Today it serves a decorative or formal purpose.
RSVP Cards or Postcards - RSVP cards are filled out and returned by guests so you know who will be attending. Less formal events can use RSVP postcards which eliminate the need for an envelope and lowers postage costs.
RSVP Envelope - Guests return their RSVP cards in these envelopes. They should have your name and address printed on the front.
Travel/Accommodations Cards - If you have secured a special airline rate or have blocked hotel rooms for your guests, you may choose to include a separate card with this information. This is also often included with the Save the Date card.
Parking/Transportation/Map/Direction Card - If you have made special parking or transportation arrangements, you can include a card with that information. You may also choose to include a map/direction card.
At Home Card - This is a very formal card that indicates your new home address as a married couple and the date at which you'll be occupying that address.

Types of Printing

Thermography -
Letterpress -
Engraving -
Digital Printing -
Lithography, Offset -

Invitation Tips

Some invitation companies may include extra envelopes, but if they don't, order extra envelopes to allow for addressing mistakes.
Number the back of your RSVP cards and maintain a corresponding list in case cards are returned without names filled in.
Invitations are typically mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. You should send them out sooner if you are having a destination wedding, a large number of traveling guests, or if your wedding falls on a holiday. You may also consider sending out save the dates up to a year before the wedding date.
Take a complete invitation set to the post office and have it weighed so you can affix the correct postage.
Have the post office hand cancel your invitations instead of having them fed through their automatic machine.
You may want to carry the same theme or motif throughout all your wedding stationery, including your save the dates, invitations, programs, menus, placecards, table cards, and thank you cards.