Photographer | Megan Claire
It’s time to let your sweet friends and family know about your special day! Save the date, invitation, and RSVP cards are all a part of the invitation suite. Read along to learn all about what to include, the appropriate sending schedule, and some important details we don’t want you to forget!
WHAT TO INCLUDE
On the main wedding invitation, the fanciest and most formal, be sure to include the date and time of the ceremony and reception, as well as their locations. If the ceremony is in a different location than the reception, be sure to specify that! You can use words like, “Ceremony at 4 o'clock PM with a reception to follow” or “Ceremony at 4 o'clock PM with a cocktail hour to follow.” Cocktail hours are very useful as they allow time for full family photos post-ceremony. It also lets the bride and groom have a moment together as husband and wife! If there is a certain dress code you would like to have your guests follow, the invitation is where you put this information. Some common wedding dress codes include black-tie, semi-formal, and tropical. They generally differ based on the formality of your ceremony and reception. Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to wear something special! Sometimes wedding invitations may also include accommodations for out-of-town guests. These may look like hotel blocks, nearby airports, and directions. Consider a separate insert for these accommodations to provide a classy look.
TIMELINE
The what and when ladies! Wedding invitations do not only include the formal invite. There is a save the date, invitation, details, and RSVP card. Now, what all goes out when? Save the dates generally get sent to guests as far ahead as a year, or shortly after the proposal. These will give guests a heads up that they will be invited to your special day! Formal invitations are then sent out, along with the RSVP and details cards, 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. Generally, you would like to hear a gracious acceptance or a polite decline 2-4 weeks before the wedding date. This gives a final headcount to catering and the venue. Consider how you would like your guests to RSVP. Is this something you would like them to physically mail, or would you like them to confirm their attendance on your wedding website?
THE DETAILS
There are so many elements that are a part of the invitation suite. So here are some details we want you to be very clear on! What is your plus one and children policy? Make this clear to each guest. If kids are invited address it to “The Smith Family”. If children are not invited dress the invitation to “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith”. To indicate a plus one, include “ & Guest” on the addressed invitation. If you decided to have guests RSVP by mail, include a stamp on the RSVP envelope to ensure seamless mailing. Many invitation suites also include a “Details” card. This includes all of the extra information regarding hotels, airports, directions, and meal selection that can make a formal invitation look messy. Lastly, if you are creating a wedding website, which we highly recommend, include the link on the “Details” card as well. This allows guests to access all of the information online along with your registry. Linking the registry itself on the card can be seen as impolite.
Photographer | Alexandra Loraine
Brides, keep these invitation suite details and have your photographer capture them in a flat lay on your wedding day! Need some inspiration on invitation styles? Head over to our Pinterest to see how other brides are utilizing wedding stationery & invitation suites!
