Courtesy of Cheree Berry Paper
Now that you've perfectly worded your wedding invitation, you may be wondering what else you need to include in the envelope. To help you figure this out, we've created this handy guide that explains the most common invitation enclosures.
Enclosure #1: Reception Card
If the reception is taking place at a venue other than the ceremony site, list the location and address on a separate sheet called the reception card. Of course, you can try to squeeze the reception information onto the main invitation, but if you prefer to keep the design more streamlined, then provide the details on a separate reception card.
Enclosure #2: Reply Card (also called the "response card")
Including a reply card with the wedding invitation has now become common practice. (Though, the most formal wedding invitations may not include a response card. In that case, you'll need to respond to the host with a formal acceptance note, handwritten using black ink on white paper or your own stationery, if you have some.) Typically, the reply card is a separate card with a self-addressed and stamped envelope, or a postcard (which saves paper, since you can skip the envelope). Give guests a RSVP deadline and a place to write their names and whether they're coming. (Expert tip: Since people sometimes forget to write their names on the reply card, number your guest list, and then lightly pencil the proper number on the back of each reply card before tucking it into the addressed invitation.)
Enclosure #3: Wedding Website
If you've created a website to help your guests learn more information about your wedding, list the URL on a separate card. Of course, you can also list the website on the invitation itself, if there's enough room.
Enclosure #4: Attire Card
Many of your guests will be wondering what to wear, so you can provide dress-code guidance by adding a line to the lower right-hand corner of the invitation indicating "black tie" or other attire information. But if your dress code is very specific or requires a bit of explanation (i.e., "beach chic" or "bring your dancing shoes!"), a separate card might be useful. You could also include any attire information on your wedding website, if you have one.
Enclosure #5: Map
Many couples choose to include a custom illustrated map to highlight the various locations where wedding events will be taking place. You can personalize it even further by calling out your favorite local spots (say, the best coffee shop in town); directions to the wedding may be printed on the same card.
Enclosure #6: Accommodations Card
Recommending a couple of hotels that are convenient and affordable for your out-of-town guests is a gracious thing to do; you can convey this information on an insert card or list the details on your wedding website. List the name of each hotel, plus contact information and the basic room rate (if you wish). You can also include transportation details, such as shuttle bus information, if you're providing guests with rides to the ceremony and reception.
Enclosure #7: Wedding Itinerary
If you've planned extra events for all the guests — a welcome dinner, group hiking excursion, rehearsal dinner, or post-wedding brunch, — it's a good idea to provide a weekend itinerary to enclose along with the wedding invitation. These details can also be listed on the wedding website. However, if not everyone is invited to every event, use separate invitations to avoid any confusion.