Wedding invitation cards: the basics
A wedding invitation card states who hosts, the couple names, the date, the time, and the place. It tells guests how to reply. Most couples mail invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. Save-the-date cards go out 6 to 12 months before. A reply date sits 2 to 4 weeks before the ceremony.
Parts of an invitation set
An envelope holds several printed pieces. Each piece has a job.
- Main invitation card: 5 by 7 inches. Carries the wording.
- Reception card: lists a party at a second location.
- RSVP card: 3.5 by 5 inches. Fits an A2 envelope. Add a stamp and a return address.
- Details card: lists lodging, parking, or dress code.
- Outer envelope: A7 size for a 5 by 7 card. Print a return address on the back flap.
- Inner envelope: optional. Holds guest names written by hand.
Sizes and paper
Standard invitation cards measure 5 by 7 inches. Card stock ranges from 110 lb to 130 lb cover weight. A 130 lb sheet holds a deep impression from letterpress or foil stamping. Digital printing suits flat ink and short runs. Square cards cost more to mail. USPS sorting machines cannot process them, so the post office adds a non-machinable surcharge.
Timeline
- Save-the-date: 6 to 12 months before the wedding.
- Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before.
- Destination wedding: 3 to 4 months before.
- RSVP deadline: 2 to 4 weeks before.
- Final guest count to the caterer: 1 to 2 weeks before.
Wording order
Line 1 names the host or hosts. Line 2 asks guests to attend. Line 3 states the couple names. Line 4 gives the date and year spelled out. Line 5 gives the time. Line 6 gives the venue name and street address. Line 7 gives the reply date and contact. A dress code, such as black tie, goes at the bottom corner.
Mailing steps
- Assemble one full set with the RSVP card, envelope, and stamp.
- Weigh it at a post office counter. Rates change each year.
- Buy stamps for the outer envelope and the RSVP envelope.
- Ask for hand-canceling to protect the ink and foil.
- Mail from a post office counter.
Common mistakes
- No return address on the outer envelope.
- RSVP envelopes without postage.
- A reply date that falls after the caterer deadline.
- Too few extras. Order 10 to 15 spare sets for lost cards and last-minute guests.