What's Sweet About A Wedding Invitation Suite?

Now that starting this blog has me searching the house for some chocolate, perhaps I should have given it a different title!

I'll think about it...once I've finished this 3 Musketeers bar I found. Yup, now you're looking for chocolate too, right?

When I first started this business, I was genuinely surprised at how many young brides didn't know very much about invitation wording or any of the stationery etiquette. But when I stopped to realize that we live in an era where 90% of the current Gen Z have never hand-addressed an envelope or had the need to go to a post office, I decided to cut them some slack. I mean, all they've ever known is a world at their fingertips on a keyboard and this internet thing they can even access from their wrists if they want. So it makes a lot of sense that they are reaching out on social media to compare notes with other young brides.

My FDIL and I are huge Jane Austen fans. Ms. Austen's command of satire and her jabs at the ridiculousness of young women of her day keep us giggling through every one of her novels. Her leading ladies are strong and smart and totally shocking to the sensibilities of their peers. (You caught that, right?) Those were the days when young women left "calling cards" if no one was home when they went to visit someone without an invitation.

So why am I rambling on about all this? Because while calling cards seem very ridiculous to us, there's something special about following etiquette when it comes to things as lavish and formal as a wedding. Even if you're doing everything that's considered outside the box, there are still some traditions/etiquette we've held on to through the years. A special dress that identifies you as the bride. The fact that no other woman should be wearing white!! A public declaration of vows with an officiant. The exchanging of rings.

And I would humbly submit that paper invitations should be included on that list.

While you may want to have a wedding that's more modern than traditional (go for it!), it's still a good idea to send paper invitations rather than digital ones. We've all heard stories of the USPS not getting invitations delivered as expected, but those incidents are actually few and far between. Emails bouncing back, hiding in spam folders, graphics not displaying correctly - there's a higher risk of those things happening than an inept mailman. Plus, not all of your guests use email on a regular basis or at all.

In previous posts, I've talked about how Save-the-Date cards are not necessary under most circumstances. But invitations DO NOT fall in that category, obviously. So your invitation suite (all that goes in the envelope) should include:

• The invitation

• A details card
  

• RSVP card or postcard

• Addressed and stamped RSVP card envelopes or postcards

Let's unpack that list.

The Invitation

Duh! (Sorry, couldn't resist. Kinda like that 3 Musketeers bar.)

Details Card

We've already covered what should be on the invitation in the past couple of weeks. So the purpose of the details card is to inform your guests of important information you didn't include on the invitation. Examples of things like: the time and location of your reception, where you're registered, suggested hotel options for out of town guests, whether children are welcome or not, the dress code (if applicable), a QR code or link to your wedding website if you have one...and the list could go on - but it really shouldn't.

Not all of that will apply to your wedding. Just select what does and try to avoid writing a book. The size of details cards may vary but remember - rather use BOTH sides of the card or a second card than try to cram everything on one side. Most brides today have a wedding website - use that for lengthy explanations.

RSVP

The RSVP card needs to include a place for the guests to: write their names, the number in the party, if they're accepting or declining and menu choices (if applicable). I've seen some fun and creative RSVP card wording lately, which is a great way to further encourage your guests to send them back and perhaps reduce your 30% non-response statistic. (I know someone who loves chocolate and can help you with that aspect of your guest list management!)

If your RSVP card needs an envelope, make sure that's included and that it's addressed and stamped. There's also the option of a stamped and addressed postcard instead.

There are several other things you could include in your invitation suite ~ directions card or a simple map, weekend events card, accommodations card, etc. But remember that the more inserts you add, the bulkier and thus more expensive it will be to mail. Another reason to direct your guests to your website.

Receiving a wedding invitation in your mailbox is fun. After all, it's not a bill, right? And it's even more exciting when you open the envelope and find that all of the enclosed pieces are designed to complement each other ~ colors, fonts, graphics...

YOUR invitation suite can have that kind of impact. I'm ready to collaborate with you whenever you are. And in honor of my special needs son's 22nd birthday next weekend, everything is 22% off through the end of May.

Let's Start Talking

Make printed and mailed invitations a priority in your wedding budget. It's money well spent. I promise.