So, you have the engagement ring, you’ve made a guest list, set a date, booked the Ceremony and reception venue(s), and bought a dress. Now what?!? You need people to show up…
In order to do that your guests need to know 4 things.
Who, What, When, and Where. (Ceremony and/or Reception Invitation, accommodation Card, Maps, Etc)
In order to NOT overpay the caterer, you need to know HOW MANY! (Response Card and Envelope)
In the stationery biz, we call that an Invitation Suite.
An invitation suite includes the Ceremony Invitation, Reception Invitation, a Response card and Response Envelope, and directions to ceremony/reception locations.
These items are enclosed in an Inner Envelope which is enclosed in an Outer envelope.
Why do people use all these items? Let’s take it step by step…
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Your guest is invited to one or both events. Because they are separate functions, they have separate invitations. Formal etiquette frowns upon adding “Reception to follow” to Ceremony Invitation. However, you are the star of the show and you make the final decision on your big day!
RESPONSE CARD & ENVELOPE: Your response cards will have an area for your guest to write their name and a date to be returned by. This allows you to know how many to expect. Your Response Envelope should have the return address and postage affixed. Many less formal brides have begun using Response Postcards. While not traditional, this method makes stationery and postage cheaper. It also keeps an informal wedding looking informal from the beginning. Your guests will appreciate not showing up to your garden wedding in a tux!
Remember! There is a difference in appearing informal and looking cheap…
ADDITIONAL GUEST INFO: Maps, lists of accommodations & entertainment may also be included in the Invitation Suite. A map is handy and considered good manners. accommodation Cards are helpful to out-of-town guests.
INNER ENVELOPE: An Inner Envelope will have the names of each guest invited, or head of household “and Family”, or guest name “and guest”. The Inner Envelope will hold all above mentioned pieces of the Invitation Suite.
OUTER ENVELOPE: The Outer Envelope has the name and address of each guest (or and Family/and Guest) and their address. Postage is affixed. I recommend a return address on back flap, just in case.
*Guests should receive their Invitation Suites 6 weeks before the wedding. This will allow out-of-town guests to make travel arraingements.You should request Responses 3 weeks before wedding date. Caterers usually want a head count 2 weeks prior to reception. This way you have one week to call straggling guests who haven’t sent back their responses.
**Number the guests on guest list. Write the corresponding number lightly in pencil on the back of Response Card. If someone forgets to write their name on the response card you will still know who they are!
Ezra Art Calligraphy 