Wedding Invitations - Guide to Invitation Enclosures By Cori Russell

Wedding invitations can be as simple as a sheet of paper printed with the basics, or can include a series of annexes. Depending on the nature of your wedding budget and your role, you can choose to waive consolidate some precincts and inviting. Not sure what you need? Here is a complete guide to the different venues you may want to include in your wedding invitation.

On the outside:
Most wedding invitations consist of two separate envelopes. The outer envelope (which actually scanned by the post office) listing the names and addresses of all recipients and all attachments.

Inner envelope:
The inner envelope contains only the names of the recipients guests. It has all the contents of the formal invitation in the third person for protection during transport.

Reception Cards:
Reception Cards specify where and when the reception will take place. These are only necessary if the ceremony and reception will be held at different locations. It is also perfectly acceptable to waive the separate card and print the information directly into the reception of the wedding invitation.

Cards answer:
Your guests will use the response card (also known as RSVP cards) to indicate whether or not they attend your wedding and your choice of food (if applicable). Be sure to print a term in the RSVP card, and always includes a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Map / Directions:
This option will help guests navigate insert and organize accommodation and is particularly useful if there is a significant distance between the addresses or confusing wedding event locations. You can request an address card for your invitation stationery to ensure a consistent look and feel to your office suite, or you can write and print by hand.

Ceremony Cards:
These are used where some guests are invited to the reception only (with the private ceremony, the family). The main one is the wedding invitation to the reception while the ceremony is safe for the few guests who were invited to the ceremony.

Cards of accommodation:
Accommodation cards are useful for destination weddings or any wedding with a significant number of out-of-town guests. These cards provide travel, lodging, and area information.

Now that you're an expert in enclosures invitation, consult this complete guide to wedding invitations for all you need to know about planning and to send your invites.

Elegala.com Cori Russell is editor of Wedding and Gala. Elegala.com is a wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the process planning.