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

---

Women and Marital Issues According to Internet

Following is a list of question that, I believe, can... Read More

Get The Bling Without The Sting - Affordable Engagement Rings

Just because you don't have a lot of money doesn't... Read More

Marriage Advice: Upgrade Your Marriage By Changing Your Focus

As the story goes, a Cherokee elder was sitting with... Read More

Whats a Goldfish Doing at a Wedding?

Time was when you'd open a wedding invitation you'd find... Read More

Honeymooning on the Waves

Cruising down the river was always deemed by couples the... Read More

Wedding Favors: A Brief History

For many centuries wedding favors have been a part of... Read More

Butterfly Releases

Butterfly Releases offer the viewer the chance to see beauty... Read More

Wedding Dresses ? Why They Are White and Other Wedding Lore

Brides have always worn white, right? Not so. In ancient... Read More

Chicago Wedding Receptions

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

Save on Wedding Costs and Have that Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate fountains, once a rarity at weddings, are becoming more... Read More

An Ethical Alternative to the Conspicuous Excess of the Average Wedding

Many happy couples are turning their backs on the traditional... Read More

Marriage Counseling: What Do Wives Really Want in a Husband? Part One

Numerous men have pondered the questions, "Why does my wife... Read More

Saving Money on Your Wedding Reception Using Reception Themes

Just like weddings, receptions are often theme based as well.... Read More

Is Conflict Healthy in Marriage?

Today my three-year-old daughter told my husband that she wants... Read More

Inside Secrets On How To Stay In Love

My husband Bill and I have just had our 37th-wedding... Read More

What Can We Learn From the ?Runaway Bride? Story?

Have you heard enough about the "Runaway Bride" yet? Well,... Read More

Make Your Honeymoon an Everlasting Experience

Honeymoon is the most wonderful time of every couple's life.... Read More

10 Valentines Day Tips for Spouses Who Want to Improve Their Marriage

The best and most valuable gifts are often not material... Read More

Building Up Your Marriage with Healthy Communication

Would you like to have a stronger, healthier, more enjoyable... Read More

Honeymoon Registries: A Guide to Asking for Your Honeymoon as a Wedding Gift

Is the cost of your wedding putting the honeymoon of... Read More

Las Vegas Helicopter Weddings

If you've always dreamed of flying in a helicopter, Las... Read More

How to Recognize and Cope with an Emotional Affair

Did you know that an emotional affair can be just... Read More

A Summer Wedding

THE sunshine had come out to ensure the wedding of... Read More

Wedding Etiquette for the Best Man, Groomsmen, and Ushers

Undoubtedly, the groom will want to choose a few good... Read More

Like Sand Through an Hour Glass

Symbols! Weddings are full of them. Exchanging rings. Exchanging roses.... Read More