Save on Wedding Invites: Understand What You Need

Images: Waynesville Inn, Four Seasons, Signature Wedding Aisle Runners, Wedstar

Planning a wedding can get out of hand very quickly. Almost everyone involved seems to forget the meaning of the occasion and head straight to fantasy land. Don't get me wrong, I think we all go through this because it's the one day of our lives that we can indulge and not feel bad about spending. It's THE moment we've waited for and it "has to be perfect." But 20 years later, there'll be something that you will inevitably look back on and realize that you didn't need to spend so much on or you didn't really need.

Your invitation does set the stage for your wedding. It sets the tone and the expectations of your guests before they arrive but remember the main function is to inform. The basic premise of the invitation is to let your guests know where to be and on what day and time to be there. As such, you should think about how much information they will need to attend or plan to attend your wedding. This will always correspond with the type of wedding you will have.

So what do you actually need? I always say that the only items you need are the invitation, a response set (r.s.v.p. card and envelope), and an outer envelope.

Now, there are always exceptions to everything. As I said earlier, the amount of information directly relates to the type of wedding you're having. For instance:

-When having your wedding and reception in the same location, you can eliminate the use of a reception card.

1. Unless you need to state a cocktail and dinner hour


2. You would like your guests to do something special prior to the reception


3. Need to state an "adult only reception"
   

-When assisting out-of-town guests at local weddings, include basic travel information.

1. Include hotel information and discount codes


2. Details on formal gatherings they should attend (welcome suite or cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner, departing brunch)


3. Sitter services that you have arranged
   

-When informing guests of a destination wedding.

1. Include travel information (air, passport, vaccine, hotel, etc.)


2. Provide details on formal gatherings they should attend (welcome suite or cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner, departing breakfast or brunch)


3. Details on tourist areas and activities or formal activities that you have planned for them.
   

Each of the items above should be listed on separate insert cards and included with your invitation. They are pertinent to your guests deciding whether or not they will attend your event. They will also help your weekend or day flow smoothly.

Recap: The amount of information your guests need depends on the type of wedding you will have.

Tip: Have a basic idea of the type of wedding you would like (outdoor, indoor, day or night, theme) before you think about you begin to look at invitations.