What do you need to order for your wedding invitations?
Invitations and stationery for your wedding can be confusing to navigate. One of my jobs as a stationer is to guide couples on what items they absolutely need for their invitation and then discuss the “oh my goodness - I LOVE this!” items. So, what do you really need to include with your invitation? Let’s break it down.
Photo by KPhotography
Invitation
The absolute MOST important stationery you will ever need for your wedding! The invitation gives your guests the details on who is getting married, where and when. Not only does it set the tone for the big day, but it also becomes a treasured keepsake for years to come after your wedding!
Do I need it? Yes! Yes! Yes! Absolutely!!
RSVP/Response Card
The response card is what guests send back letting you know whether they can attend or not. This can also include meal options, dietary restrictions and even song requests!
Do I need it? Yes. While digital responses are becoming more popular, paper RSVPs are strong recommended over online responses. Not only is it more formal, but you will get more responses this way too. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like getting cute little cards back in the mail?
Reception Card
The reception card gives your guests the details of your reception. The time, location and whether or not there is a cocktail hour.
Do I need it? Depends. It is needed if the ceremony and reception are held at two separate locations. If they are at the same location, a simple “reception to follow” at the bottom of the invitation card is perfect!
Accommodations Card
The accommodations card gives your guests details on hotel recommendations and/or group codes. Most hotels will give your guests a group discount if you contact them prior to your wedding. You can pass along this information to your guests on the accommodations card.
Do I need it? Optional. It is recommended to include this information if you have a lot of out of town guests or a destination wedding.
Map/Directions Card
The map/directions card gives your guests directions or list points of interest around the area. This can include a fun custom map or be text based. I LOVE creating custom maps for couples highlighting unique places that are special to them!
Do I need it? Optional. This is one of those - “Oh I LOVE that” cards to include in with your invitation. A custom map certainly is fun and makes a statement!
Wedding Website Card
The wedding website card is a smaller card that tells your guests to visit your website for more information.
Do I need it? Optional. Most of the time this information can be included on one of the other cards. If you want to keep all of your extra details on your wedding website and not include them with the invitation, then this smaller card is perfect for giving your guests that information.
Details Card
The details card is a simplified card giving your guests details on the reception, accommodations and any other information you’d like to include. This can be front and back which really helps save on the number of cards and is friendly on your budget too!
Do I need it? Optional. It is recommended if you want to include any additional information with your invitation. I recommend going with a simplified “Details Card” if you do not have a pocket to help keep things organized. It makes it much easier for your guests to keep track of everything.
Save the Date
An announcement of your big day to everyone you plan on inviting to the wedding. Helpful tip: Do NOT send a save the date to someone you aren’t 100% sure you want at your wedding. Everyone receiving a save the date should receive an invitation as well.
Do I need it? It’s optional, but highly recommended if you are getting married in “high traffic” months such as June or October OR if you are having a destination wedding.
Download a handy guide!
Click and save the image to the left to be your handy guide when it comes to ordering wedding invitations. Hopefully this guide helps you navigate what you need to order for your wedding invitations.
Highly recommended: work with a Wedding Stationer
So many of my couples come to me not knowing what they need to include with their wedding invitations. Not only am I able to guide them in the cards that they’ll need for the invitation, but how to word them, how many to order and etiquette too! I highly recommend working with a stationer!
Until next time!
Questions? Want to work together? Feel free to e-mail me at design@brittneynichole.com or contact me here.