What should I buy?
Invitations / Envelopes
Reception Cards
What is a reception card?  Do you need it?

The purpose of the reception card is to invite your guests to the reception
in your honor.  You do not need to provide an envelope, as you will just
tuck the reception card inside with your envelope.  

Some couples choose to not include the reception card and include this
information at the bottom of the wedding invitation.  If you are having a
formal affair it is a good decision to separate this information.  For a more
informal wedding having the information on the wedding invitation is
acceptable.
Response Card / Envelope

The Response Card is used to allow your guests to inform you of their
attendance at your event.  The response card is sent with your invitation
either tucked inside its accompanying envelope, or nestled under the flap.
 It is important that you apply postage the envelope creating less work for
your guests.  It is likewise important to understand that not all guests will
reply.  

* Helpful hint - To ease your guest RSVP tracking try this.  First track
your guest list using a program such as Microsoft Excel. Click
here to
email us to request a template you can use!
Your invitation is the first opportunity for you to set the      tone for
your event.  Here your guest will see what to expect.  

  • Having a "Black Tie" affair?  Utilize a more traditional styled
    invitation. Use standard cream or white, and accent with your
    event colors.
  • Are you a fun loving couple?  Try using some color!
  • Don't be afraid to use textures or unusual configurations

Most formal wedding invitation ensembles will come with the matching
inner and outer envelope set.  Ever wonder why this is?  

When mail used to be delivered by courier such as Pony Express (on
horseback) the outer envelope would get very dirty as it was exposed to
the weather elements.  The outer envelope served as protection to the
envelope and invitation inside.

That said, do you need the inner/outer envelope set?  This truly
depends on the style of your wedding.  As formerly mentioned if you
are having a formal wedding it is a good idea to stick with this more
traditional layout.  If you are going for something different and more
original consider using a lined envelope.  You can also spice it up a bit
by using colored envelopes.  Remember to keep in mind that your
envelope will still need to be written on with your guests mailing
information, so do try not to go too crazy!
Map Cards
Map cards are helpful for events that are held off of the beaten path.
They are also useful for guest that are not familiar with the area. Map
cards do not require an envelope as no mailing is needed. We can
assist you in creating a map for directions to your event. For the
clearest directions travel the path yourself and write the directions
down. You can use a mapping website, but remember that they often do
not account for construction. You do not want your guests to get lost or
confused!
Thank You Cards / Envelopes
Why send thank you cards? When do you send thank you cards?
Engagement Party
Bridal Shower
The Wedding
Attendants
Parents
Thank someone who has gone above and beyond
Event Staff
Vendors
Who knew there were so many reasons to send thank you cards.
Anytime you wish to express your gratitude you should do so in a
thank you. There are times even that you would include a gratuity with
your thank-you, but this is up to you.

Here are a couple of ideas to make sending your thank-yous easier to
get through:
Bridal Shower/Engagement Party: Have your guests write their mailing
address on notecards at the start of the party. As your recorder is noting what
each guest gifted you will have an easier time of matching gift with the thank
you and corresponding mailing address.
The Wedding: It is inevitable that you will begin receiving gifts prior to the
wedding date. Guests who are not able to attend will send them to you early,
also if you have registered with a store that offers delivery from their site, your
guests may choose this option as well. Send these thank yous right away.
After the wedding you will have many cards to write out. If you can save
yourself even the 10-15 that were sent ahead of time, it will make a difference.
Event Staff/Someone who has gone above and beyond: When you receive
service that stands out reward them! Designate someone to hold the
envelopes with a pre-determined amount of money
Our New Address
Using the address card is a great way to let your friends and family know
where you have relocated. Consider including this information in with
your thank-you card. This can also be a great opportunity to send your
first card as a newlywed couple. Use your creativity in creating your
address card.

  • Send a postcard with a picture from the wedding on the front.
  • Take a picture of you as the new couple standing in front of your
    new home.
  • Design a postcard to announce your new mailing address, phone
    number, email address, and website if you have one!
Please Excuse our Mess
while we are under
construction!
Invitation Ensemble
The task of purchasing your invitations can be a daunting one. Below you
will find some helpful information for what you might purchase for your
invitation ensemble. Every wedding is different, and depending on the
level of formality you are going for, you may purchase some, or all of the
pieces below.

  • Invitations / Envelopes
  • Reception Cards / Envelopes
  • Response Cards
  • Map Cards
  • Thank You Notes
  • "Our New Address" Cards