top of page
Writer's pictureLorena Gillispie

Invitation Suite Anatomy

Let's take a look at the parts that consists of wedding invitation and what you need to know about it.






Invitation - Main

This is where all the inviting happens.  The invitation includes things like the host line, your names, and the location, date, and time of the ceremony.  Typically, the invitations are 5 x 7″ in size (also called A7).  The invitation is non-negotiable, you gotta have it.  



Response Card

Response cards are pretty standard.  The RSVP card is typically 3.5 x 4.875″ in size (also called 4bar).  The response card contains instructions for RSVP-ing, such as a line for the guests’ names, whether they’re attending, and sometimes includes meal options as well.  It also comes with an envelope which gets sent pre-addressed and pre-stamped. You also have a card with information on how to rsvp online. It could be used for budget weddings because you do not need an extra envelope and provide stamps. However, having a card is necessary to provide instructions to guest on how to rsvp.


Enclosure Card

The enclosure card is where we start to get into the optional items.  An enclosure card can be extremely useful, but isn’t strictly necessary.  Typically, you need an enclosure card if the following applies to you:

your ceremony and reception are at different locations,you need to list hotel accommodations,you need to provide specific driving instructions,you have wedding weekend events you’d like to invite specific guests to, oryou’d like to include a special design element such as a map or venue illustration.

If you’re using a digital printing process, enclosure cards can be double-sided.  If your suite will be letterpress printed, then it will be single-sided.  Multiple enclosures of different sizes can be used to communicate different information.  Typically, enclosure cards are 4.25 x 5.5″ (A2) or 4.5 x 6.25″ (A6), which allows them to layer nicely with the invitation and response cards.






Envelopes




Envelope Liners

Envelope liners are a fun way to use any extra design elements or to tie the whole suite together.  They take a standard suite and infuse personality and beauty for a relatively low cost.  Liners are completely optional, but they are a wonderful place to include some special artwork, a monogram, a pop of color, or a fun pattern.


Envelope Addresses


Let's understand what types of envelopes and what their purpose are:


First, how many envelopes do I need? That's a valid question. Double envelope sets are a wedding tradition, consisting of an inner & outer envelope. The slightly smaller inner (unlined or lined) envelope houses the invitation ensemble & fits nicely inside of the slightly larger outer mailing envelope. During the rigors of mailing, the outer mailing envelope may get marked up in its travels, but the inner envelope that houses invitation ensemble will stay pristine for guests viewing pleasure. Outer envelopes are optional, but most clients still prefer it because it helps with separating all guest's names and the address.



The outer envelope that will have the guests’ addresses. This envelope is addressed, traditionally, using titles, first, and last names. Think of family name + address


The inner envelope allows you to dictate exactly who is included in the invitation, avoiding an awkward misunderstanding on the day of the event.


The response envelope will have your return address.


If you are curious about the etiquette of addressing envelopes check out the link bellow by the The Emily Post.



Return address


The return address of the person(s) extending the invitation to the wedding should be printed on the back flap of the outer envelope.


Now it's time to understand what kind of methods you will use for addressing your envelopes.


Envelope address can be printed, hand written (Calligraphy) or even a combo (Calligraphy & Printed).


The most popular method is Handwritten outer & inner envelope with printed return addresses for both RSVP and invitation. The return can be printed on the back flap or traditionally on the front of the envelope.


Another option for the return address is to make a custom rubber stamp.





89 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Commentaires


bottom of page