Invitation Anatomy 101 - Typical Components - Part 1 of 3

"What am I supposed to have in my invitation?" This is one of the most common questions I get asked. The answer is quite simple: Anything! It's true that convention doesn't quite apply anymore with respect to what 'goes' for an invitation these days. That being said, there are a lot of components in the most common invitation styles. I should caution that there are literally thousands of options available ? some a lot more unconventional and some are even bizarre. For the sake of brevity, I'll keep my breakdown constrained to the more common components and options used in invitations today (as about 85-90% of invitation orders inevitably consist of these).

I've broken down my Invitation Anatomy 101 into two lessons: Typical Components and Optional (or Additional Components). The first I'll describe here:

Typical Components

1) The Outer Envelope

• Anchors your 'invitation package'. This is your guest's first impression of your wedding or event at the mailbox!
• It is a good idea to have your return address printed on the back flap of the envelope in the same lettering as your invitation.
• Your guest's address may be handwritten neatly or written using the services of a calligrapher.
• Outer Envelopes should be reasonably sturdy and presented to your post office (fully stuffed) to determine exact postage prior to stamping and mailing.

2) The Inner Envelope

• Historically, inner envelopes were created to provide added protection to the contents of letters. That is, the outer envelope often suffered quite a bit of wear and tear between destinations, so the inner envelope would preserve the contents while identifying the recipient if the original address information wore away.
• The need for an inner envelope no longer exists, but the romantic tradition remains. Nowadays, the inner envelope identifies only the invitees within the household (e.g. Mr. & Mrs. Wilhelm Schneider). No address is written on the inner envelope. All contents of your invitation package are placed inside the inner envelope. Usually the inner envelope back flap is left folded, but unsealed.
• On a side note, I've found that amongst my clients only a small handful a year actually end up ordering inner envelopes. The decline in the use of Inner Envelopes is primarily due to the durability and material quality of custom invitation outer envelopes. This makes Inner Envelopes both expensive and redundant.
• On a side note, I've found that amongst my clients only a small handful a year actually end up ordering inner envelopes. The decline in the use of Inner Envelopes is primarily due to the durability and material quality of custom invitation outer envelopes. This makes Inner Envelopes both expensive and redundant.

3) The Invitation

• Obviously, the most essential component of your invitation package. If your invitation is a folded card, all other components should be placed inside the invitation. If this is not possible, or your invitation consist of a one-sided card, place all other components on top of the invitation. The goal here is to make the invitation package as neat and tidy as possible.
• As mentioned, anything goes when it comes to invitations. However, some typical features of a custom or custom-inspired invitation may include the following:
• Outer Card ? Heavier weighted stock that envelops or mattes the invitation contents. This is the foundation of your invitation. The outer card can be anything from a plain card backing, to a pocket-fold enclosure to a multi-panel pocketed fold-out!
• Outer Embellishments ? Known as the finishing touches on the 'exterior' of the invitation. This can be a ribbon tie, wax seal, monogram, matted graphic, pictures, foil stamped image, name, slogan, clasp, etc.
• Inner Card(s) ? Usually, an inner card contains your invitation wording. There are hundreds of inner card options including, vellums, vellum overlays, mounted card, bound card, embossed cards, imported stationeries, decorative papers, embellished card or paper, folded cards, loose cards, etc.

4) The RSVP, Response, or Reply Card

• Just as important as the invitation, the size and expense of your event is largely determined by the number of accepted/returned RSVP cards.
• RSVP cards usually contain a blank line where the guest fills in his/her name and indicates the number of persons attending from his/her party. Usually an addressed and pre-stamped envelope is included to encourage your guest to respond as soon as possible.
• RSVP cards can contain other information such as multiple dining options which must be chosen, or spaces for comments, requests, feedback etc.
TIP: Lightly number each RSVP card with a corresponding guest/invitation list. That way, if any RSVP card is returned blank without the sender's information, you'll know exactly which guest it is.
• RSVP sizes are usually much smaller than invitations and contain an appropriately-sized return envelope. However, there is a trend towards more oversized RSVP cards (though still smaller than the invitation size).

Congratulations, now that you've completed the first lesson, you're ready for the "Invitation Anatomy 101-Optional Components" articles now.

Laura Paladino's work has been featured locally and nationally across print and television. Her public and commercial clients range from brides to wedding and event planners to celebrities in Canada and the United States. For additional articles and resources, information on Laura Paladino, her invitation design collections, or her select bridal boutique products and studio services, visit http://www.laurapaladino.com

---

Bridal Shower Themes

It is the maid of honor's duty to organize the... Read More

A Wedding Shower Invitation Should Be Attractive And Stylish!

Wedding shower invitations should lay out all of the necessary... Read More

A Wedding For All Seasons

In times gone by it wasn't uncommon for young couples... Read More

June Weddings

From the book Spider's Big CatchAs June wraps its arms... Read More

Chicago Wedding Receptions

There are two major events that you have to plan... Read More

Moissanite Engagement Rings ? Find The Perfect Glam You?re Looking For

Wish to make that one day in your life really... Read More

What Being Best Man is All About

Being a best man is like many duties you will... Read More

Wedding Bouquets for Life

One of the most beautiful of the bride's adornments at... Read More

Wedding Tips for Saving Your Sanity and Your Bank Account

Overwhelmed is a common feeling a bride-to-be experiences as she... Read More

How to Save Money on Wedding Photography

All brides want that one photograph that perfectly captures the... Read More

Flowers in Her Hair

Before George W Bush became a President, John Quincy Adams... Read More

Weddings - Who Pays For What?

Of course, times have changed and there are occasions where... Read More

Wedding Planning: Benefits of Online Wedding RSVPs

Want to manage your wedding guests with style and ease?... Read More

Marriage Counseling: What to Do When a Spouse Flirts Too Much

When Alicia first met Tim, she found him outgoing, charming,... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No.1

Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More

Searching For An Affordable Mother Of The Bride Dress

It is absolutely possible to find a beautiful and affordable... Read More

Exotic Island Wedding! Where Dreams Truly Come True in Paradise

As a travel professional considering an exotic island wedding was... Read More

Budget Tips For Your Wedding Reception

Wedding receptions are expensive affairs and can set you back... Read More

Wedding Flowers ? What Every Bride Should Know before Her Big Day

Whether your wedding will be coming up roses, daffodils, or... Read More

Keeping A Marriage Romantic

My belief is that most relationship problems should be given... Read More

Anniversary Gift Guide

An anniversary gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown

Selecting a wedding gown is possibly one of the most... Read More

Wedding Planning

Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More

Family Cycle (I) - Euphoric and Dysphoric Cycles in Marriage

Despite all the fashionable theories of marriage, the narratives and... Read More

How to Find The Perfect Wedding Dress

You want the perfect wedding dress, so you have made... Read More

Wedding Videography - When Getting it Right on the 1st Take Counts, Hire a Professional

Getting married is one of the most stressful events anyone... Read More

Finding the Perfect Bridesmaid Gift

The bridesmaid gift is essential to the planning of a... Read More

Wedding Flowers -- Determining What You Need

Wedding flowers make up a large part of the wedding... Read More

Wedding Dresses - How to Select the Best One for You

Every bride would agree that her wedding dress should be... Read More

Do You Hear Wedding Bells?

So you've been in that perfect relationship for some time... Read More

Have a Garden Theme Dream Wedding

You've found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall,... Read More

Planning Your Honeymoon -- 6 Tips To Help

The groom traditionally plans the honeymoon. However, most brides prefer... Read More

Wedding Day Hair Styles - A Top Ten Checklist

The big day is fast approaching, and the energy of... Read More