What to Include in Your Wedding Invitation Suite

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There are a lot of pieces that go into your invitation suite and it’s easy to get confused. From a save the date to an RSVP card to a reception card, all these pieces can start to run together. This post is all about eliminating that confusion. We are here to explain to you every piece that you can include in your invitation suite and what it’s used for. Keep in mind that not all these pieces are required, or even necessary. It’s up to you to determine what you need and how that fits with your style. Don’t feel pressured to include any items unless you see them as necessary or just plain cute. Keep reading for our tips on what to include in your wedding invitation suite!

1. Save the Date Card

If you are having a long engagement and know your wedding date 6-8 months in advance, this is a great way to give your guests a preview of the wedding. This is especially important if guests will need to make travel arrangements. On the card, include the couple’s names and the date and location of the wedding. You can also put a link to your wedding website for more information. If you will only be engaged for a short time, skip this step and go straight to the wedding invitation.

2. Wedding Invitation

This is the most important piece of your entire invitation suite. This piece should include all the major details the guests should know: names of the couple and the date, time, and location of the wedding. Some brides choose to treat this piece as more of an announcement of the marriage and include details about any wedding events on separate cards (which we will explain further down on the list). Alternatively, if you want a wedding suite with fewer pieces, you can use the main invitation to invite guests to the ceremony and/or reception. You can also use this piece to let guests know of your registry and other details about they may need to know about the wedding, like what attire is expected or if kids are allowed.

3. RSVP card (and envelope)

This piece is a small card your guests can use to let you know if they will be attending your wedding. Traditionally, this also includes a stamped envelope for your guests to send their responses back in. To avoid this extra envelope, make your RSVP card a postcard instead. Just make sure to include a stamp on it!

4. Ceremony Card

This piece lets your guests know where and when the actual marriage ceremony will be taking place. If you are not inviting all of your guests to the ceremony, it is best to include this information on a separate card. Include any pertinent information such as the date, time, and location.

5. Reception Card

This piece is much like the ceremony card but instead lets your guests know where and when the reception will be taking place. If you include this information on your invitation, you can skip this step altogether. If not, include any important information like the date, time, and location on this card.

6. Directions Card

Make sure your guests know where your wedding is and how to get there – you can’t always trust the GPS! This is especially important if you are holding a destination wedding or your wedding is in a hard-to-find area. You can approach this piece is two ways. First, you can simply list the directions to the venue. Second, you can include a map of where the venue is and how to get there. You should also include this information on your wedding website.

 

7. Accommodations Card

This piece is reserved mainly for destination weddings and out-of-town guests. Make sure anyone that has to travel has some direction as to where they should stay when they get there. You can often get a lower rate if you book a block of rooms so make your guests aware of this option. You should also let them know on this card if you are paying for their accommodations.

8. Rehearsal Dinner/Luncheon Invitation

Many couples choose to have a dinner the night before or lunch the day of their wedding. If you are doing this, give the information to your guests on a separate card. Just like the wedding and reception card, include all important details especially the date, time, and location. Typically, the wedding party, family members, and out-of-town guests are invited.

9. Bridal Shower Invitation

If you want to skip a step down the road, include an invitation to your bridal shower in your invitations. This makes it easier when the shower comes along because you do not have to send out a separate invitation.

10. Social Media Card

Use social media to collect pictures from your wedding. There are a lot of apps you can use that allow guests to upload photos to a shared drive. Alternatively, you can create a hashtag and have your guests include it on all their posts at the wedding. You can use a social media card to let guests know of this ahead of time so you are more likely to get more photos.