Invitations 101

The Basics
There are four basic parts to a wedding invitation, the envelopes, the invitation, the reception card and the response card. Let us explore each of these elements closer. We will start with the envelopes.
The envelopes consist of an outer and an inner envelope. The outer envelope is used for the mailing; it has the recipient’s full name and address. The inner envelope holds the invitation and other inserts. The inner envelope is often sealed (with a sticker bearing the couples initials and is typically gold or silver) or is left unsealed.
The invitation is your communication piece. The invitation will share all of the details that you want the invitee to know. Information like where, when, who and what time the wedding will take place. The wording for the invitation is based on who is introducing the couple to be married.
The reception card (optional) is used when the reception is being held in a location than is unconnected to the site the wedding ceremony is held at. Another use for the reception card is when you invite all invitee to the wedding ceremony but only select guests to the reception.
The last piece we will examine is the response card. The response card is sometimes called the R.S.V.P. card. The response card is essential for wedding that are holding receptions. Response cards allow you to get an estimated head count of how many people will be attending and possibly eating at the reception. Response cards may have two parts to them the first part is for the guest and is now and then referred to as a save this date card and has the time and location of the reception. The second part of the response card is for the guest to return to you. It will have a place for the guest to record the number of people that will be attending the reception. This part of the response card can be a post card or returned in a preaddressed and often postage paid envelope.

How to Assemble
Five rules for the proper assembly of the invitations.
1. Place the response card face up under the flap of the response envelope(skip if postcard)
2. Set the response card face down on the reception card.
3. Lay the reception card face up on top of the invitation a piece of vellum or tissue paper can be placed between the reception card and the invitation to protect the invitation from smudging.
4. Position the invitation and the rest of the items in the inner envelope with the writing facing the back of the envelope. Secure the envelope if you choose.
5. Put the inner envelope in the outer envelope, secure the flap and mail.

Example of the Proper Wording for an Invitation

If Bride’s Parents are Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
Request the honor of your presence at the
Marriage of their daughter
Jessica Doe
To
Roger Rabbit
On Saturday, the Sixth of May
Two Thousand and Twenty Five
At Eleven O’ Clock Am

If Groom’s Parents are Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rabbit
Request the honor of your presence at the
Marriage of their son
Roger Rabbit
To
Jessica Doe
On Saturday, the Sixth of May
Two Thousand and Twenty Five
At Eleven O’ Clock Am

If Both sets Parents are Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
And
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rabbit
Request the honor of your presence at the
Marriage of their children
Jessica Doe
And
Roger Rabbit
On Saturday, the Sixth of May
Two Thousand and Twenty Five
At Eleven O’ Clock Am

If One Parent is Hosting
Mr. John Smith Doe
Requests the honor of your presence
At the marriage of his daughter
Jessica Ann
To
Roger Peter Rabbit
On Saturday, the Sixth of May
Two Thousand and Twenty Five
At Eleven O’ Clock Am

If the Couple is Hosting
Ms. Jessica Ann Doe
And
Mr. Roger Peter Rabbit
Request the pleasure of your company
At their wedding
On Saturday, the Sixth of May
Two Thousand and Twenty Five
At Eleven O’ Clock Am

When to Order Your Invitations
Order your invitations approximately three months before the wedding day. By ordering three months in advance you are leaving plenty of time to get the invitation proofed and printed to your satisfaction. Be sure to order enough invitations to cover your guest list, your bridal party and a few extras. (You will want enough extras for any mistakes or last minute add-ons to your guest list) You will want to mail the invitations roughly six to eight weeks before the wedding date.

Some of the Different Types of Printing

Embossing- Is a raised printing method typically used for initials or borders. Another type of embossing that is sometimes put on invitations is blind-embossing which employs a die to yield colorless letters and images with raised-relief surface. Engraving- A metal plate is engraved with text and the paper is compressed into the metal, which creates an elevated surface. Letter Press- Text or an image on a raised surface (such as lead type, or polymer or magnesium plates) is inked to produce a physical impression pressed onto the paper. Offset Printing- A rubber roller is used to press ink onto the paper. This is the most cost-efficient printing method. Thermograph- A heat-based process fusses ink and resinous powers to create raised lettering, this method are considerably lower cost than engraving.

Written by
Deana Schwark
01/01/2009