A wedding invitation is a letter sent to a person, asking the recipient to attend a wedding. Usually, they are mailed out 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding date. Wedding invitations can sometimes have fancy writing on them known as calligraphy.

The primary function of the wedding invitation is to inform guests of the date, time, place and hosts of the wedding ceremony and it may also mention the location and time of the reception. The wording, lettering style and ink color you choose are also important when establishing and carrying through your wedding theme.

An invitation to a wedding can be done by word of mouth, by phone, by Internet or by email. The main purpose is to make sure that guests know the main details of the wedding - Who is getting married, when is the wedding, where is it going to be celebrated, and other details. Although your wedding invitation is similar to any other invitation, it is more than just a simple invitation; it's a visual statement before the guest even reads the words. The impression it creates leaves an indelible mark in the minds of the guests. It shows the formality and tone of your special occasion through the formality and elegance of the paper, letter font, and style. As a rule, the more formal your wedding is, the more formal the invitation. 

Wedding  ANNOUNCEMENT

If your ceremony will be small and private or if you eloped, share your joyful news with special friends and family with a wedding announcement.  

Wedding  ENSEMBLES

Along with the wedding invitation, the ensemble may also include a respond card or folder and envelope. The respond card or folder is traditionally used for gathering totals for the caterer and getting a general number of guests attending. The recipient is asked to mail back the respond card or folder roughly two weeks before the wedding or by the date indicated. The envelope is pre-addressed and pre-stamped by the wedding party for ease.

Other pieces often included in the ensemble are the reception card or folder, map or direction card, and accommodation information. The reception card simply lists the addresses and times of any post-wedding events, such as a cocktail hour, dinner or dance. Maps or direction cards provide details about the location of the wedding and reception. 

MAP CARDS

Help guests easily find the way to your wedding and reception with a printed map card enclosed with each wedding invitation. The map cards are available in white and ecru to match the paper color of your invitations and keep your ensemble beautifully coordinated. For best results, draw your map on unlined white paper with a black, fine-line marker.

ENCLOSURE CARDS

Enclosure cards, as their name implies, are enclosed with the wedding invitation to provide more information for your guests. These include informal notes, at home cards, reception cards and response cards described below. Each invitation has enclosure cards of the same paper, colors and design elements for a perfect match. We recommend printing your enclosure cards in the same ink color and lettering style as your wedding invitations for a beautiful ensemble.

RECEPTION CARDS

Reception cards, tucked in with your wedding invitations, ask your guests to participate in the celebration following your wedding ceremony. Reception cards are also perfect as invitations to such other wedding-related events as a brunch on the morning of the wedding, a gift-opening party, a family photo session, etc. Envelopes are not necessary.

RESPONSE CARDS

For accurate reception planning, response cards are essential. The cards are printed with the date to respond by, a line for guests to fill in their names and a line for guests to indicate how many of those invited will be attending the wedding reception. Response cards include envelopes printed with your return address FREE. Both are enclosed in your invitation. Guests return cards in the envelopes, letting you know whether or not they will attend.