Wedding Invitation Card

The wedding invitation card is the main piece of a wedding invitation ensemble, including the formal announcement, request, and details of the wedding. Coming from the bride’s side, the invitation card actually invites the guest to the wedding. The wording for a church wedding (where “/” represents a new line) could be: “Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Smith / request the honor of / (guest’s name) / presence at the marriage of their daughter / Sarah Lynn / with / Mr. Thomas Jones / Wednesday, the sixth of June.”

In addition to the wedding invitation card, an ensemble would also usually include a reply card (or postcard), a map or direction card, and a reception card – though not necessary. As for the envelopes, traditionally there are two, but a single envelope for all components can also work. It’s up to you to decide how you’d prefer the presentation.

Wedding invitation cards can be basic in design or more elaborate, with embellishments such as charms, brads, and ribbons added. Depending on budget, the printed invitation can be designed in a number of ways: engraving, lithography, thermography, letterpress, or embossing. Invitation samples provided by the stationer or printer can help in making these budget and style decisions.

Wedding etiquette dictates that all wedding invitations should come from the home of the bride, even to those whom the family does not know personally. As in the example above, the wording should properly reflect this and all invites should go out no later than eight weeks in advance. Prior to the wedding invitation, “save the date” cards are also a good idea, so as to help with travel plans for guests.

In planning a wedding, the wedding invitation card is really the first step in setting the event’s framework. Once sent, the entire party is working within that time limit and all that leads up to the actual wedding is pre-set by the wedding invitation requesting “the honor of” the guest’s presence.