WHAT'S IN A WEDDING INVITATION SUITE?
Part I – The Basics
You’ve chosen the perfect wedding invitation design. It’s everything you have dreamed of. But you’re wondering, what’s actually in a wedding invitation suite? How do you choose the pieces you need to include in an invitation suite? Before you get overwhelmed, let’s start with the basics.
THE INVITATION:
The most important piece of your suite. This is where the who (you), when, and where of your wedding will be. Keep it simple and sweet. Wording will depend on who is hosting your celebration and can also be dependent on where the ceremony is…like a church or a less formal venue. There are definitely wording rules of etiquette for the invitation that apply and will take up another blog post down the line. For now, let’s stick with the easier stuff like aesthetics, shape and a few notes about cost.
These days, there are so many options for shapes and sizes. Rectangular are the most popular and then there are square, die cut and laser cut.
Rectangular shapes give you a good amount of space for design and the info that you need to include on your invitation. Cost-wise, they tend to be the least expensive because, well, they’re a rectangle (why? all straight cuts). What you put in the envelope will add to the weight and bulk of the invitation which in turn adds to the overall cost to mail. Keep this in mind for any shape of invitation you choose. Note: for a rectangle, keep it to a 5”x7” size. Many stationery designers use this as a standard and it will fit into an A7 envelope and envelope colors are abundant in this size. There are larger sizes, but larger usually means more $ for cover stock and printing. If you can afford it, go for it!
Squares are fun and the shape lends itself well to a lot of designs. Keep in mind that mailing a square envelope will add to the overall postage cost from the get-go. Size your enclosures to be at least ½ inch smaller, per side, than your invitation. They can be rectangular or square. Your reply card should be the standard 3.5”x5” to fit the RSVP envelope properly.
Die cut….ohhhh, I love die cut invitations! Want to add that extra special touch to your suite? Die cut cards are certainly something to consider if your budget can handle it. Tip: see if your designer has house dies available. This will help avoid a custom die fee. It will probably not eliminate the set-up fee though and this is one reason why die cut items are more expensive.
Laser cut invitations are also another option. Again, they can and will add to the overall cost. Laser cost is generally determined by the intricacy of the design. Tip: opt for an already available laser cut pocket, gate fold or panel card. There are also inner envelope options with lacy edges. So pretty!
THE REPLY CARD:
I’m going to say this right now, don’t forgo a RSVP card. There are other ways to cut corners in your wedding budget and this is not one of them. I know it’s probably cool and fun to have friends and family reply via your wedding website, it’s a time saver for you and all you have to is sit back and wait….but listen to me, there is really something exciting about opening your mailbox and seeing those little envelopes in there. It’s such a great feeling and like getting a gift every day before your wedding. If you have too much on your planning-plate, employ a trust-worthy friend or bridesmaid to handle the receipt and counting of the replies.
What about a RSVP postcard? You can, but they are less formal and can get mangled in the mail a little easier since they don’t have the protection of the envelope. If this is an option you would like to use, I recommend them for very casual, informal weddings only.
RSVP cards are usually a standard 3.5”x5” size & fit into an RSVP/A1/4 bar sized envelope. If you need more room, you can go up to 4.25”x5.5” which will fit into an A2 sized envelope.
THE DETAILS OR INFORMATION INSERT:
The most popular of the optional inserts are information or details cards. The standard size is 4.25”x5.5” and they can be larger or double-sided if you need to add more info onto them. I don’t recommend going as large as your invitation though so 4”x6” would be the recommended largest size…unless you are using a pocket to hold your invitation and pieces. Then, if necessary, go to the largest size the pocket can accommodate. Usually it’s 3.5”x6.5” for a standard size pocket.
This insert includes information that does not belong on your invitation. Reception information, the complete address of your venue, your wedding website, accommodations information, etc…note though that it is not the place for your registry information. Please keep this info to your wedding website and shower invitations.
OTHER INSERTS TO CONSIDER:
• Accommodations
While not completely necessary, you can opt to include this with your suite. It should list all of the accommodations you have vetted for your guests and list them with hotel phone numbers, addresses and websites. If you have blocked off any rooms at these places, you should note this as well as any code the hotel or resort gave you for this reservation. If you only have one or 2 places, you can include this on your details card.
• Reception card
This card is a small insert and 3”x3” works pretty well. Not a must but something to consider if your ceremony and reception are in two different places. Some folks opt to put this information on the details insert.
• Maps &/or directions
They are great if you are having a lot of out-of-town guests and they will need help getting around. There are lots of options to customize here and it’s best to discuss with your stationer. They can be a flat card or even a trifold if you are having events over an entire weekend and want to list them there with the map.
• Weekend itinerary
If you are having a wedding weekend full of parties, events and gatherings then this is a must. It can be as simple as a flat card, multi-page like a booklet, or trifold like the above mentioned with a map & the weekend schedule.
You may ask: What about a rehearsal dinner invitation?
This invitation should be mailed separately. I wouldn’t go smaller than 4”x6”. A 5”x7” size is perfect and should be mailed after your wedding invitations and about 4-6 weeks before your wedding.
I hope this helps you to determine what pieces you may need to include or exclude from your invitation suite. As always, I am more than happy to answer any questions you have. That’s what I am here for!
Enjoy your day!
~Lauren XO
PHOTO CREDITS: RYANN LINDSEY PHOTOGRAPHY