What Wedding Invitation Pieces You Really Need–Putting Your Suite Together

Overwhelmed with the steps of creating your wedding stationery? You're not alone. A wedding invitation is likely the most complex set of stationery you will ever need. It announces a large event that has multiple parts, which possibly includes several venues or even multiple days. So how do you organize all this information on a few pieces of paper? How do they even fit together?

If the little nuances are driving you crazy, then grab a cup of tea and your wedding binder. This blog talks about the job of the main invitation and explains how each insert card works to layout your wedding details. So let's dive in!

Main Invitation

The main invitation is the largest and most obvious piece of your stationery ensemble. It has four important jobs.

a. Identify the hosts of the wedding. This may be you, one set of parents, both sets of parents, or all of the above.

b. List your names and announce the upcoming wedding. Formal invitations include the couple’s middle names.

c. Provide the date and time. The numbers are spelled out for formal ceremonies.

d. Give the ceremony venue and address. If your reception will be held at a different location, don’t mention the second venue here. Simply add a short phrase like “Reception immediately following” at the bottom of the invitation.

The main invitation is the only must-have. However, most couples need at least one additional insert card, even for simpler weddings. 

RSVP Card (AKA Response or Reply Card)

The RSVP Card’s purpose is to help you collect a final guest count. This number is important for your venue and/or caterer so that they can plan the food and drink quantity. Most require the headcount between two and four weeks before your wedding, but double-check with your specific vendor.

To make collecting this info a breeze, RSVP cards should include:

a. A deadline for your guests to respond. Select a date at least a week before your venue/caterer’s deadline so you have time to contact guests who don’t reply.

b. Options for guests to check off whether they will or won’t be attending. Example wording: "Gladly Accepts" & "Regretfully Declines”

c. Blank lines for attending guests to write their names. This will tell you who in the household is coming so you can get that exact headcount. This is especially important if you’ve invited children or plus ones, or if you’re ordering place cards.

d. A pre-postage envelope with your return address.

e. If you’re having a sit-down dinner, you may also need to include menu options.

Traditional invitation suites always include the RSVP card. But these days, some couples opt to gather a headcount through their wedding website. When deciding on a paper or electronic RSVP, consider elderly guests on your list. Some may find navigating the electronic response more challenging than filling out a paper card for return mail.

Reception Card

This card is important if your reception is held at a separate venue from your ceremony. A separate card spotlights the second venue and allows you to note directions or other important information.

Several things to consider for your reception card:

a. An introduction such as “Please join us for feasting and dancing immediately following the ceremony.” If you’re having an adult-only reception, you may include this here as well.

b. The second venue’s name and address.

c. Driving directions or transportation information if you’re providing shuttle services.

d. Cocktail hour information

e. Special dietary or bar considerations. Ex. vegetarian/vegan options, a signature cocktail, dry wedding, etc.

f. Special events during your reception, such as fireworks or a second line if you’re in New Orleans. 

Details Card

This card is the catch-all for any additional information that was not covered in the other insert cards. There are no specific rules for the details card, but you may consider the following:

a. Hotel information. If you’ve booked accommodations for your guests, include the hotel name, address, and phone number. Also indicate deadlines for booking and applicable discount codes.

b. Wedding website URL.

c. Additional events that EVERYONE is invited to, such as a welcome party or post-wedding brunch for destination weddings. However, this is NOT the place for rehearsal dinner information, as typically only wedding party members are invited to this event.

d. Never include registry information in your wedding suite, as this is often considered poor taste. This information is best left on your website.

e. Finally, if you don’t have much to include on either your reception or details card, you may consider combining them. Ex. You may only include the reception venue address and your wedding website.

Other Cards

Depending on the size of your wedding, other cards may be appropriate. For a small budget wedding hosted at a single venue, you may elect to only include a Website Card, which is typically the size of a business card. Or if you’re having an elaborate destination wedding, you may include hotel information on a separate Accommodations Card to free up space on your details card.

Once you understand how the pieces of a wedding suite work together, determining which ones you need isn’t that scary. If you’re still stuck, Camellia Memories is here to help! Schedule a consultation today!