A Quick Lesson on Wedding Invitations

Here's what makes a suite sweet.

The new Collection line at Paper Moss/Photo by Erin McGinn Photography

The new Collection line at Paper Moss. / Photo by Erin McGinn Photography Provided

In a world of Facebook invites and Eventbrite links, it’s so nice to know that something still rings true to tradition. Here come the wedding invitations, in all their glory.

According to Anna Berglund, client relations director at Boston-based Paper Moss, the basic invitation package should include four must-have items. Without these fab four, the “inviting” process isn’t complete.

The “invitation suite” consists of the following:

  • Invitation, traditionally 5 x 7 inches
  • Mailing envelope, with return address printed
  • RSVP card
  • RSVP return envelope, with return address printed

“Each of those pieces can have a gorgeous design aesthetic that reflects you as a couple and sets the tone for the wedding,” Berglund says.

If your wedding reception venue is different than the ceremony venue, etiquette suggests adding a separate reception card. But since today’s culture isn’t necessarily pinned on the rules of etiquette, it’s up to you how traditional you want to be.

That’s it. Anything else is beautiful bells and whistles.

If your budget is up for it, Berglund suggests adding little special touches to your invitation suite, such as a custom sketch of your venue, inner envelopes, envelope liners, thicker paper, ribbon, or twine to wrap around the center, even mini packs of confetti.

“When it comes to custom design, the possibilities are endless for ways to enhance designs,” Berglund explains. “These are all fun elements, but are not always necessary. As in many cases, designs can carry themselves beautifully without a bunch of ‘upgrades.'”

If a budget is your ball-and-chain, there are ways to cut down cost.

First, Berglund suggests that budget-conscious couples forgo the custom design route for their suite and choose from a ready-to-order line. This usually gives them several customizable options, such as wording, script fonts, ink colors, paper upgrades, etc. that they can make unique to your wedding. “Skipping the custom design process is budget-friendly and has a much quicker turn around,” she explains.

“We also suggest merging additional information onto one additional card, rather than having several enclosures,” she says. This is where your web-savvy comes into play. A weekend festivities card can include the ceremony and reception locations, weekend events, and your wedding website.

“Using a wedding website to host additional information is key to avoiding multiple enclosures,” she says. “Not only can the enclosures cost extra to create and print, but they also affect the total cost of postage, which can be a cost that people forget to factor in from the start.”

So go ahead. Tell that paperless post that it’s just not invited.

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