Your Guests' First Impression is the Stationary

The Invitation 

This piece of stationary requests the presence of your guest at the your wedding ceremony and the reception if it is at the same location as the ceremony. 

 

The Envelopes 

With your invitation order, you should receive to sets of envelopes. The invitation and all the inserts are placed in the inner envelope (the smaller one). This envelope can be lined with your wedding color and is inserted into the outer envelope (the larger one) with the front of the inner envelope facing you. 

 

The Reception Card 

This insert invites your guests to the reception. The card informs them of the type of reception (i.e. cocktail, black tie, dinner and dancing, luncheon, etc.), the location and time of the reception. 

 

Corner Copy 

This is text added to the lower right or left corner of your invitation to provide your information to your guests. Corner can be used instead of a reception card to invite guests to the reception. Or it can be used to provide other needed information, such as alternative rain location or photography information. 

 

Response Card and Envelope 

These items are included with your invitations to enable your guests to reply with the number of guests attending or to send their regrets. The idea behind the response card and envelope is to make it as easy as possible for your guests to reply. Thus, the envelope is usually pre-printed with the bride's address, and a stamp is placed on the envelope before it is mailed out with your invitation. This insert is very important because it is the best way to get an accurate head count for your reception. 

 

Announcement 

This stationary item is sent out on the day of your wedding to "announce" your marriage to friends, relatives and business acquaintances. Announcements are sent to those people who were not invited to your ceremony or reception. 

 

Informals 

Informals are note cards with the same design as your invitations and other inserts. They are usually imprinted with your and your groom's married names. These are used in the same fashion as traditional stationary. Since your married names appear, they cannot be used before you are officially married. 

 

Thank You Notes 

Thank you notes are sent out in response to any gift (engagement, shower, wedding) you receive. The thank you notes can match your invitation or be of a simplier design. You can get the notes with an imprinted verse, but etiquette dictates that you should write a personal response to each gift you receive. You can also get your thank you notes with your married names imprinted. Again, these cannot be used until after you are officially married. 

 

Programs 

This stationary item is distributed to guests as they arrive at your ceremony site. It usually outlines the order of service for your ceremony, allowing your guests to follow the ceremony. It is also a great place to include any songs or other participation requested of the guests. In addition, the program lists your wedding party, a great way to acknowledge your wedding party publicly. 

 

At Home Cards 

These cards can be sent with your invitations, announcements or thank you notes or as an entirely separate item. The At Home Card informs recipients of your new address and phone number.