Wedding invitation cards are the printed announcement that tells guests who is getting married, when and where the ceremony and reception take place, and how to respond. Most couples mail them six to eight weeks before the wedding date and tuck insert cards in the envelope for the RSVP, directions, and dress code. The main card carries the hosts' names, the couple's names, the date, the time, and the full venue address.
What goes on a wedding invitation card?
A standard invitation includes the host line, the request to attend, the couple's full names, the day and date, the time, and the venue.
- Host line: who is inviting guests, such as parents or the couple themselves.
- Couple's names: full names, with middle names spelled out.
- Date and time: day of the week spelled out, date written in full, time with a.m. or p.m.
- Venue: name and street address of the ceremony site, plus the city and state.
- Reception line: "Reception to follow" or a separate reception card.
- Dress code: optional, printed at the bottom or placed on an insert.
Street types such as "Street" and "Avenue" are traditionally written out rather than abbreviated. A zip code on the card saves guests a search.
When should wedding invitations be sent?
Mail wedding invitation cards six to eight weeks before the wedding, which is the window most planners recommend. That timing leaves guests about a month to reply and gives you room to build a final headcount for the caterer. Send save-the-date cards six to twelve months ahead for holiday weekends, destination weddings, or long out-of-town guest lists.
Set the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the wedding. Catering and venue numbers are usually due to vendors about two weeks out, so a later deadline adds pressure.
What do the insert cards do?
Inserts keep the main card clean and carry details that change often. Standard additions include an RSVP card with a return envelope, a reception card, an accommodations card, and a directions or map card.
Reply cards should list a deadline and a meal choice if the caterer needs one. Pre-address and stamp the return envelope, since reply rates rise when guests do not have to hunt for postage.
Classic and modern wording compared
Traditional wording reads "Mr. and Mrs. John Carter request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter." Modern wording often opens with "Together with their families" or names the couple first, which suits couples who host and pay for the wedding themselves.
- Formal: third person, spelled-out titles, "request the pleasure of your company."
- Casual: first person, "Please join us as we celebrate," shorter lines.
- Bilingual: two cards or a two-column layout with matching fonts.
How many invitations should you order?
Order one invitation per household or couple rather than per guest, then add extras. Printers commonly suggest 10 to 20 percent more than your guest list count to cover calligraphy errors, keepsakes, and late additions.
Paper, printing, and postage
Card stock weight, finish, and printing method drive both the look and the cost. Letterpress and foil stamping cost more than flat digital printing, while heavier stock feels more substantial in the hand.
Weigh one fully assembled suite before buying stamps. Square envelopes, thick inserts, and wax seals can push a piece past the first-class limit and trigger a non-machinable surcharge.
Etiquette rules that still apply
- Leave registry details off the invitation card; share them by word of mouth or on a wedding website.
- Spell out dates, times, and street types instead of using numerals and abbreviations.
- Send invitations to everyone on the list, even guests who already received a save-the-date.
- Do not print "adults only" on the card; address the envelope to the names invited.
Frequently asked questions
Are wedding invitation cards and save-the-dates the same?
No. Save-the-dates announce the date early and need no response. Invitation cards carry the full details and the RSVP request.
Can wedding invitations be sent by email?
Digital invitations suit casual weddings and cut cost, though many guests still expect a printed card for a formal event.
Do I need a separate RSVP card?
A separate reply card is standard for mailed suites, while online RSVP links work well for smaller or informal weddings.