WEDDING INVITATION ESSENTIALS

Weddings tend to embrace the traditional, formal and elegant. While digital correspondence may befit other occasions, when it comes to hosting a wedding, most couples opt for paper invitations that are stamped and mailed. A wedding invitation is more than just fancy stationery; it is a guest’s first look at what is to be the tone and style of the celebration.

According to the wedding planning resource Zola, most couples still mail traditional paper wedding invitations. Generally, couples should expect to have available invitations to cover 60 percent of the total guest count list. So couples should budget for 100 to 150 invitations for a 200-person guest list.

Although design is important, the primary job of a wedding invitation is to inform guests of key details. Here is the essential information that a wedding invitation should convey.

The wedding hosts

The traditional first line of the invitation indicates who is hosting the wedding (i.e., who is paying for it). While it was once customary for the bride’s parents to host the wedding, many couples now pay for their own weddings or finance their nuptials with help from family members.

The couple’s names

The centerpiece of the wedding invitation, the couple’s names will be prominent and generally in a fancy font. The bride’s name traditionally precedes the groom’s, and middle names may be used.

The request

The next component of the invitation is the actual request for attendance. The wording will change depending on the scope and formality of the wedding. Wording here also may differ between religious or secular ceremonies.

The when and where

Some other notable components of the wedding invitation include the date, time and location. Formal invitations will spell out the date and year in words, but more casual ones may only feature numerals. Couples should always include the day of the week so guests can doublecheck the calendar.

The reception details

Reception details might be included on a separate card in the wedding invitation package if it is being held at a different location from the ceremony. That card will include the venue name and address, as well as when the cocktail hour will begin.

The reception details also should include a clear reply-by date, which will be crucial for compiling the final head count. Guests may be directed to go to a wedding website to RSVP digitally; otherwise, couples traditionally provide an RSVP card with a complementary addressed and stamped envelope.

Additional details

The wedding invitation also can convey some additional information, if desired. If there is a wedding website, it can be included for registry information and lodging accommodations. The invitation also may feature a line in the lower-right corner that will mention the dress code. To convey that children are not invited, the polite option is just to address the invitation to the adults or include a line on the RSVP card that says, "We have reserved two seats in your honor." Wedding invitations are designed to provide a wealth of information in a decorative package, ensuring that guests will have what they need to attend and enjoy the upcoming nuptials.