Here’s EXACTLY What Wedding Invitations Should Include

What should wedding invitations include? If you’re worried you’ll forget an essential invitation part, you’ve come to the right place! We’re explaining the anatomy of a wedding invitation so you know exactly what to include and what is optional. Subscribe now for the latest to your inbox!

One of the most-asked questions on invites is: what should a wedding invitation include? How many things comprise an invitation? What are the important wedding invitation parts? After all, you don’t want to forget any important details or overwhelm guests with too much information.

In this blog post, you’ll learn exactly what makes up a proper wedding invitation so you know EXACTLY what to include on yours. Plus, there are only 5 required items and the rest are optional, so you can be stress-free while we work through this topic together. 🙂 Five items aren’t too many to memorize.

While we’re on the topic of not forgetting anything on the invitation itself, make a mental note to include these Four W’s: who, what when, and where. Don’t forget that important H: how to RSVP. That’s important, too. Double-checking all of those items is just as important as proofreading the invitation before it is printed and you’d be amazed at how many couples miss those important details.

Let’s dive right into the important invite parts. To do so, we’ll be using fabulous examples from Minted: this suite example is a perfect option by designer Ashley Rosenbaum. If you love the look but want something slightly different, you can browse + customize it (or other styles) to suit your needs here.

Let’s get started!

There are five most important wedding invitation parts:

1. The Invitation Card

The invitation card is the heart of the invitation. It is the formal card used to tell guests the exciting news: who is getting married, what you have planned, when, and where it will be held. Don’t forget to put the date and time of the ceremony for when (some couples forget this!)

2. The Outer Envelope

The outer envelope is an important thing to include in your wedding invitation suite. A proper invitation always has an outer envelope, which is used to address the invitations to your guests. The invitation addressing also gives guests a hint as to who exactly is invited at the household (e.g. if kids are included or it is an adult-only event). For more on this, read: How to NOT Invite Kids to Your Wedding with Proper Etiquette.

3. The Reception Card

Since the reception is not to be mentioned on the invitation card, you’ll need to put it on a separate reception card, also known as an enclosure card.

4. The RSVP Card and Envelope

Every invitation must include a response card (aka an RSVP card) and an envelope. As mentioned next, the envelope should always include a stamp on it, so guests can mail it back with ease. Include your mailing address on the front of the RSVP envelope (or whoever is collecting responses). A proper RSVP should always be inside the invitation suite and can alternatively be done online if you prefer. (For more on online RSVPs, read: Wedding RSVP Cards vs. Online)

5. Postage for Outer Envelope and RSVP Envelope

Include proper postage (you can buy wedding stamps here) on the front of the outer envelope. As stated in #4 above, you’ll also need proper postage on the RSVP envelope.

Pro Tip: Include a wedding postage stamp on invitations, like this boutonniere stamp or the LOVE forever stamp.

If you include these things in your invitation, you’ll be all set!

If you want to add a few more elements, here are some optional things to include in a wedding invitation.

6. Inner Envelope

For a more formal invitation, include an inner envelope inside the outer envelope. The inner envelope is slightly less formal in naming guests and always looks so nice when guests open it up.

7. Enclosure Cards

If you have additional items you’d like guests to know about your wedding, add enclosure cards like these. You can share details about the dress code, wedding website, and lodging accommodations.

Do not include any mention of your wedding registry: gift registries are not something a wedding invitation should include. Instead, here’s how to add the wedding registry to your invite.

8. Map or Directions

If you want to include a map or directions card, you can do so! It can be helpful for guests to know exactly how to get from the ceremony to the reception without needing to rely on GPS.

9. Belly Band

A belly band is a nice way to assemble invitations to look their best upon arrival. It is optional, but I wholeheartedly love the look!

Now that you know the wedding invitation parts you *need* to have, it’s time to pick out YOUR invitation suite:

Click here to shop the new collection of invitations at Minted. You’ll love the complete suites, in addition to the extras you can choose to coordinate with your wedding: matching place cards, table numbers, escort cards, signage, and so much more awaits you here.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

This is a sponsored post.