Save the dates have gone out and you’re putting together your wedding invitations. You know you have to include the date, time, and RSVP, but what else do your guests need to know about? We received some expert insight on everything to include in your wedding invitation suite (i.e. an envelope that includes all the paper goods to go with the wedding invitation like maps, RSVP cards, etc.) Here is everything you need to include according to stationery extraordinaire, Gina with Ginger P. Designs.
Where to begin?
When working with couples, Gina likes to first meet the brides(s) and groom(s) at her storefront. “The best way is for couples to come to our shop where we have several examples on display for them to see and compare what is the best fit for them,” she suggests regarding beginning the design process. She also says couples should send out “Save the Dates” 6-8 months in advance.
When compiling your guest list, Gina’s advice is to “Make sure you count the number of HOUSEHOLDS on your list, not individual guests to know how many save the dates or invitations to send,”
The Invitation
The invitation is the main portion of a wedding invitation suite. This is where you can work with a stationery designer to create a truly custom and memorable piece. “We pride ourselves in making every invitation suite unique to the couple and we work together to make your stationery unique and a good fit for your wedding day,” Gina notes of the process. “So often we help couples come up with a solution for their guests because the invitation really sets the tone for what is going to be expected on the wedding day.”
Here’s what you should include on this piece:
- The hosts (oftentimes, the parents of the couple or a combination of the parents and the couple)
- Formal invitation to the wedding
- Names of the couple
- Location
- Date and time
- Reception info (if it varies from ceremony)
- Dress code (formal, black tie, casual)
Details Card
This portion includes “describing the timeline for the big day along with the reception and accommodations information,” Gina says. This is where you get into the nitty-gritty of the day. Here you’ll include:
- Schedule of the day
- Information and addresses of location(s)
- Accommodation information
- Where the couple is registered
- Wedding website link (if relevant)
- Any other important details the guest should know prior to joining you at your wedding
Wedding Guys Wisdom: Double (and TRIPLE) check all the information you put into your invitations. It is a costly and timely fix to resend!
RSVP
On this RSVP card, Gina says you’ll want to include a “space for guests to say whether they will be attending or not and any other information you need from them; including meal selections or transportation.”
- Date for guests to respond by
- Names of guests
- “Accept” and “Decline” lines
- Meal selections + dietary restrictions
- Transportation needs (if any)
- Postage for them to mail the RSVP back with the bride or groom’s home address
Map
If you have guests coming from out of state, have multiple locations throughout the day, or just want to give guests more details, consider a fun map to include in the wedding invitation suite. We love Ginger P.’s map of Minnesota above that includes the wedding location, accommodation sites, airport, and Mall of America. Here are spots to highlight on the map:
- Wedding ceremony
- Wedding reception
- Hotel accommodations
- Airport
- Popular activities in the area
- Main roads to know
Envelope
All of these custom pieces should be delivered in a beautiful package. You may want to include an inner and outer envelope to provide extra protection for the wedding invitation suite and set the tone of formality. For a more formal affair, consider having your stationer hand-write the addresses using calligraphy and providing a custom wax seal.
- Recipient address with names of those invited to the wedding
- Return address
- Stamp
- Wax seal (optional)
- Calligraphy writing (optional)
Embellishments
Some items to finish out the invitations are a belly band or a pocket folder with a wedding monogram or logo.
Other Paper Needs
You could try to DIY your other wedding signage needs, or you can ensure that everything will look cohesive and bespoke with the help of a talented stationery pro! Ginger P.’s team is capable of designing and printing other items such as menu cards, escort cards, table numbers, and other types of large signage for your day.
See more wedding signage inspo on our Inspiration Galleries!
All images courtesy of Ginger P. Designs
