There’s More to Wedding Invitations Than You Might Think
Jan 31st, 2009
Everyone is familiar with wedding invitations, but what about all the terms associated with them. Here are explanations of some of the more common ones that you’ll probably encounter while invitation shopping.
Seal n Send Invitations: This simple wedding invitation style is also economical for several reasons. It is a single-folded piece with the response postcard attached to the invitation by a perforation for easy removal. Being a response postcard, you will save on postage costs. It folds up into a self-mailer piece eliminating an extra mailing envelope. Prices for this product normally include seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap and on the perforated response postcard.
Reception Cards: If there isn’t enough room on your wedding invitation for listing your reception details, reception cards can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.
Response Cards: These cards are essential to planning for your dinner/reception since an accurate guest attendance count will be needed for food and seating preparations. The response card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation. It’s courtesy to include a postage stamp on the return mailing envelope which will already be printed with your chosen mailing address. Your guests can then conveniently fill it out and send it back to you.
Map/Direction Cards: These direction cards would be included as a convenience for any guests who might not be familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.
Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a colored lining to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.
Printed Invitation Envelope Flaps: This option of having your return address printed on the outside envelope can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are returned to you. There is a small cost involved but it also gives an address to those who might not be able to attend but still want to send you a card or gift.
Envelope Seals: These self-adhesive labels add just the right finishing touch. Available in many different designs, they are placed on the back envelope flap to give the illusion that they are sealing the envelope.
Announcements: For those who won’t be invited to your wedding but you would still like them to know about your marriage, you can mail them an announcement card. They can be printed on the same paper as your wedding invitation but mailed on your wedding day or immediately after with the wording stating that your wedding has already taken place.
Informal Notes: These are used separately from your wedding invitations but should be included with your original order since they are usually printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. They are personalized with either your names or monogram on the front with the inside being blank for writing your thank you notes. Any leftovers can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are included with them.
Not all of the above items are necessary to make your wedding invitations complete. Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which ones you would like to include as part of your invitation ensemble.