Short answer
A wedding invitation card is the printed card that states who is getting married, the date, the start time, and the ceremony location. The main card sits inside an outer envelope, often with an RSVP card and a details card. Most couples mail the suite 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding and set the reply deadline 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding.
What goes in an invitation suite
- Save the date card, sent 6 to 8 months ahead
- Main invitation card with names, date, time, and venue
- RSVP card with a stamped, addressed return envelope
- Details card for dress code, parking, and hotel blocks
- Reception card when the ceremony and party are at different sites
Sizes and paper
The common main card is A7: 5 by 7 inches. It fits an A7 envelope at 5.25 by 7.25 inches. RSVP cards are often A2: 4.25 by 5.5 inches, with an A2 envelope at 4.375 by 5.75 inches. Cardstock for invitations runs from 80 lb to 120 lb cover weight. Text weight paper at 70 lb to 80 lb feels thinner and bends in the mail. Cotton and felt papers hold letterpress and foil stamping, which adds thickness.
Wording
Names come first. The host line names the people paying, such as parents, then the phrase "request the pleasure of your company." Spell out the date and the year. Write the time with a.m. or p.m. List the venue name, city, and state. Include the RSVP name and address on the reply card. Add an RSVP date. Skip registry details on the invitation. Put them on a separate card or a wedding website.
Count and postage
Send one invitation per household and one per single guest age 18 and older. Order 10 to 15 percent extra for errors and late additions. USPS First-Class mail covers items up to 1 ounce. A full suite with a reply envelope and card can pass that weight. Square envelopes cost more to mail. Thick or rigid pieces may need nonmachinable postage. Bring one assembled suite to a post office for a weight and size check before you buy stamps.
Timeline
- 8 to 10 months before: order save the dates
- 6 to 8 months before: order invitations and reply cards
- 6 to 8 weeks before: mail the suite
- 3 to 4 weeks before: RSVP deadline
- 2 weeks before: give the final guest count to the caterer