Ok so there are save the date cards, response cards, invitation, reception information, maps, wedding programs, itineraries, menu selections, seal and sends, and oh gosh- so many other things! What all do you include with the invitation? I know the save the date card is sent out prior to the wedding, basically announcing your wedding date. I am so swamped with this all!
2006-09-21 05:24:19 · 16 answers · asked by glorymomof3 6 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
First off, don't stress out too much about it. There are so many variations on what people send with the invitations nowadays, that if you leave something out, people will just assume that you meant to do it that way (whether you did or not).
You should include whatever items you feel are necessary - leave out anything that you don't see the need for. You don't even have to send save the date cards, although it's not a bad idea, especially if you're getting married during a busy time (ie. June, Christmas, etc.).
Everything else depends on what you'll need. Some people don't invite everyone to both the ceremony and reception, so they might include reception information seperately. Otherwise, it can just be included on the invitation.
Response cards are usually included, either in a pre-addressed, stamped envelope, or as a post-card style card. (The envelopes are more formal, but if you don't care about that, you can save yourself the cost of the envelopes.) Menu selections (if you're offering a choice) can be included on the response cards to streamline things. Some people forgo the response cards altogether and ask for an e-mail, phone call, or online response, but many people still frown on this. (It's less formal, and is especially less liked by people of older generations.)
Maps and accomodation information could be included and is nice to give, but it's not obligatory. If you go very formal and are moving after the wedding, you might also have "at home" cards included.
Just keep in mind that the more pieces of paper you include, the more it may cost you in postage...
Congratulations, and good luck!
2006-09-21 06:12:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Save the Date cards should be sent out months before the wedding or the invitations are sent out. The invitations should be sent out approximately a month...no more than 2 before the big day. The response cards are usually the only thing that are sent with the invitation.
The invitation will state the date, time and place of the wedding. You can also have the invitation state where the reception will be held and the address. This information is usually at the bottom of the invitation. If they need directions, they will either ask or get online for the directions, themselves. If they ask, you can offer to mail them the directions and a map print out. Other wise, don't worry about this aspect too much. Most people will take it upon themselves to figure out the directions. Afterall, you have enough to worry about on your big day!!
You can get different types of response cards. There are some that list the two meal choices for a sit down dinner. The invitee returns them with the number of each meal they are ordering. For example if 4 people are attending and 2 want chicken and 2 want beef, then the appropriate numbers should be indicated next to each choice.
If your doing a buffet dinner then the response card will have a section that states how many people are attending. It won't matter what they eat, because buffet usually means variety and they can choose whatever when they get there.
The wedding programs are handed out at the church or wherever your having the ceremony. You can have one or two bridesmaids handing out programs before the guests are seated. I dont know what the itineraries are for...for the reception? I never had those. Everybody knows what to expect at a reception so we kinda just went with the flow. Our DJ took over from there. But if you have them, then you can have a bridesmaid or two -- or even groomsmen hand them out at the reception at the door before the guests sit, or just have them at each place setting. Or make up one for each table. Up to you.
Good Luck and Have Fun!!!
2006-09-21 06:29:11 · answer #2 · answered by my_lil_buttercups 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first time I heard of save the date cards was here on Answers; we don't do that where I come from. I think the only thing that should go with the invitation - which will include the place, date and time of the ceremony and of the reception - is a response card and envelope, and some people include a small map. Don't include menu stuff and extra stuff - that's not the place for it. Keep it simple and you won't be swamped!
2006-09-21 15:27:45 · answer #3 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a good way to consolidate:
- Invitation itself (explains date/time of ceremony & reception, the location(s), etc. No additional itinerary and no additional reception info should be needed)
- Response card includes the menu (allow guests to choose the dish they want if it is a plated meal with more than 1 option)
- One map. On the front you can map out how to get to the ceremony (if different from reception) and on the other side map out how to get to the reception
- Hotel/Accomodation information on one piece of paper
Then, the wedding programs are handed out at the ceremony - they are not included with the invitation.
It's really not that overwhelming. Go to www.carlsoncraft.com for more information. They give you a great guide to go by.
2006-09-21 08:21:26 · answer #4 · answered by PT&L 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ok, if you have wedding programs those are given out at the wedding. If you have agendas for the wedding party you would either give those out at the rehearsal dinner (or rehearsal) or send an invitation for the rehearsal dinner what that information. For the wedding invitation, if you are going very formal with menu cards and rsvp cards and information and maps it all goes in the invitation. If you get to have too much your invitation is going to lose affect. Try putting the mat and reception information in one card. Then slip the rsvp card and menu card together in a small self-addressed envelope in the invitations to be returned to you.
2006-09-21 05:52:37 · answer #5 · answered by rdnkchic2003 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For all the questions you may have while trying to organize & do everything according to proper etiquette check out this link: http://www.knot.com
Traditionally, a wedding invitation includes the following in the addressed envelope:
an inner envelope which holds the invitation card, the response card, directions if necessary, & any other info directing guests (my gf had several hours between church & reception so guests were directed to a local museum to pass the time)
Try not to stress too much & always ask for help when necessary or just a drink will do sometimes. Good Luck & God Bless
2006-09-21 05:38:19 · answer #6 · answered by curiousgeorge 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Basics are usually
Invite,
RSVP cards (w/self addressed stamped envelope)
Map/Directions
*If you're registered anywhere, sometimes the stores have little cards (no bigger than a business card) that you can include.
The wedding program/itinerary, and menu selection can be distributed the day of the ceremony.
2006-09-21 05:40:24 · answer #7 · answered by Pask 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The invitation itself should have the time/date/location of the wedding on it and usually says something to the effect of, "reception immediately following at ________". So that gives invited guests all the information they need. Included in the same envelope is a response card and a stamped return envelope.
2006-09-21 05:31:42 · answer #8 · answered by Avid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To save money, we just printed an invitation and a reply card. Once they replied, we emailed them directions and a all of that information.
On the wedding program, given to the guests as they arrive, include the menu, the order to events, etc.
All you really need is in the invitation and the reply card--the rest is just needed if you REALLY want them. If you set up a website, you can get rid of a few of those cards.
I understand being swamped by it all. We tried to order invitations, and wowsa! That's all I have to say--so many options!
2006-09-21 05:33:12 · answer #9 · answered by FaZizzle 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I sent out my invitations I included a response card, a map to the church and reception place, and information to contact if they required a hotel. The reception place I put on the invitation..... and oh yeah, you need to send a pre-addressed envelope with a stamp on it so that they can send the reply cards back to you.
2006-09-21 05:32:45 · answer #10 · answered by Ali Z 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋