Invitation Anatomy 101 - Typical Components - Part 1 of 3

"What am I supposed to have in my invitation?" This is one of the most common questions I get asked. The answer is quite simple: Anything! It's true that convention doesn't quite apply anymore with respect to what 'goes' for an invitation these days. That being said, there are a lot of components in the most common invitation styles. I should caution that there are literally thousands of options available - some a lot more unconventional and some are even bizarre. For the sake of brevity, I'll keep my breakdown constrained to the more common components and options used in invitations today (as about 85-90% of invitation orders inevitably consist of these).

I've broken down my Invitation Anatomy 101 into two lessons: Typical Components and Optional (or Additional Components). The first I'll describe here:

Typical Components

1) The Outer Envelope

• Anchors your 'invitation package'. This is your guest's first impression of your wedding or event at the mailbox!
• It is a good idea to have your return address printed on the back flap of the envelope in the same lettering as your invitation.
• Your guest's address may be handwritten neatly or written using the services of a calligrapher.
• Outer Envelopes should be reasonably sturdy and presented to your post office (fully stuffed) to determine exact postage prior to stamping and mailing.

2) The Inner Envelope

• Historically, inner envelopes were created to provide added protection to the contents of letters. That is, the outer envelope often suffered quite a bit of wear and tear between destinations, so the inner envelope would preserve the contents while identifying the recipient if the original address information wore away.
• The need for an inner envelope no longer exists, but the romantic tradition remains. Nowadays, the inner envelope identifies only the invitees within the household (e.g. Mr. & Mrs. Wilhelm Schneider). No address is written on the inner envelope. All contents of your invitation package are placed inside the inner envelope. Usually the inner envelope back flap is left folded, but unsealed.
• On a side note, I've found that amongst my clients only a small handful a year actually end up ordering inner envelopes. The decline in the use of Inner Envelopes is primarily due to the durability and material quality of custom invitation outer envelopes. This makes Inner Envelopes both expensive and redundant.
• On a side note, I've found that amongst my clients only a small handful a year actually end up ordering inner envelopes. The decline in the use of Inner Envelopes is primarily due to the durability and material quality of custom invitation outer envelopes. This makes Inner Envelopes both expensive and redundant.

3) The Invitation

• Obviously, the most essential component of your invitation package. If your invitation is a folded card, all other components should be placed inside the invitation. If this is not possible, or your invitation consist of a one-sided card, place all other components on top of the invitation. The goal here is to make the invitation package as neat and tidy as possible.
• As mentioned, anything goes when it comes to invitations. However, some typical features of a custom or custom-inspired invitation may include the following:
• Outer Card - Heavier weighted stock that envelops or mattes the invitation contents. This is the foundation of your invitation. The outer card can be anything from a plain card backing, to a pocket-fold enclosure to a multi-panel pocketed fold-out!
• Outer Embellishments - Known as the finishing touches on the 'exterior' of the invitation. This can be a ribbon tie, wax seal, monogram, matted graphic, pictures, foil stamped image, name, slogan, clasp, etc.
• Inner Card(s) - Usually, an inner card contains your invitation wording. There are hundreds of inner card options including, vellums, vellum overlays, mounted card, bound card, embossed cards, imported stationeries, decorative papers, embellished card or paper, folded cards, loose cards, etc.

4) The RSVP, Response, or Reply Card

• Just as important as the invitation, the size and expense of your event is largely determined by the number of accepted/returned RSVP cards.
• RSVP cards usually contain a blank line where the guest fills in his/her name and indicates the number of persons attending from his/her party. Usually an addressed and pre-stamped envelope is included to encourage your guest to respond as soon as possible.
• RSVP cards can contain other information such as multiple dining options which must be chosen, or spaces for comments, requests, feedback etc.
TIP: Lightly number each RSVP card with a corresponding guest/invitation list. That way, if any RSVP card is returned blank without the sender's information, you'll know exactly which guest it is.
• RSVP sizes are usually much smaller than invitations and contain an appropriately-sized return envelope. However, there is a trend towards more oversized RSVP cards (though still smaller than the invitation size).

Congratulations, now that you've completed the first lesson, you're ready for the "Invitation Anatomy 101-Optional Components" articles now.

Laura Paladino's work has been featured locally and nationally across print and television. Her public and commercial clients range from brides to wedding and event planners to celebrities in Canada and the United States. For additional articles and resources, information on Laura Paladino, her invitation design collections, or her select bridal boutique products and studio services, visit http://www.laurapaladino.com

07/07/2024 Las Vegas DJ Company: Knight Sounds Entertainment Las Vegas DJ Company and Photographer: Knight Sounds Entertainment creates and captures the vibe. Knight sounds Entertainment and Photography truly brought the vibe and captured it at our recent photoshoot at the Secret Garden Wedding Venue in Las Vegas. As a multi-faceted company they participated in numerous ways. They are the preferred Las Vegas DJ The post Las Vegas DJ Company: Knight Sounds Entertainment appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

07/04/2024 American Comic book inspired wedding saves the day Comic book inspired wedding saves the day Your wedding should be uniquely about you. This couple celebrated their wedding by theming it with their shared love of comic books. Or more specifically The Avengers. Check out all the cute details of this couple pulls together for their comic book inspired wedding and how much their The post American Comic book inspired wedding saves the day appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

06/28/2024 Brilliant Bridal Las Vegas stuns with trending wedding dress fashions Brilliant Bridal Las Vegas stuns with trending wedding dress fashions Brilliant Bridal provided the most stunning selection of gowns for one of our latest photoshoots at Emerald at Queensridge. Let’s take a look at some trending Wedding Dress fashions. Features to keep your eyes peeled for: Illusion Everything. Illusion necklines have been on trend for The post Brilliant Bridal Las Vegas stuns with trending wedding dress fashions appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

06/22/2024 Disco, Penguins and UFO’s? Unique Vegas wedding theme This unique Vegas wedding theme takes the cake You can’t have too much of a good thing. When planning a styled shoot at Superfrico Las Vegas we took heavy inspiration from the venue decor and theme. There is a lot going on at Superfrico. It is a feast for the eyes. If you are looking The post Disco, Penguins and UFO’s? Unique Vegas wedding theme appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

06/20/2024 Vegas Makeup Artistry shares top 2024 wedding makeup trends. 2024 Wedding Makeup trends and Tips for the Las Vegas Bride At our recent styled photoshoot, Annie and her amazing team from Vegas Makeup Artistry shared their top 2024 wedding makeup trends and hair looks. We have asked her to give us some tips on how to keep your hairstyle looking fresh on a hot The post Vegas Makeup Artistry shares top 2024 wedding makeup trends. appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

06/15/2024 Getting the perfect fit – Vegas Wedding Dress Alterations Getting the perfect fit thanks to Wedding Dress Alterations As much as we would love our dream dress to fit like a glove off the rack it is a rare thing of beauty. Every woman is different and beautiful in her own way and often time that leads to alterations. Your dream dress may be The post Getting the perfect fit – Vegas Wedding Dress Alterations appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

06/05/2024 Las Vegas Grooms Marry in Enchanting Lakeside Wedding Las Vegas Grooms, Antonio and Bryce share their Memorable May Wedding Details Nothing screams romance like a lakefront ceremony surrounded by your friends, family and doggos. Nothing fills your chest with with warmth like a passionate evening kiss in front of cascading fountains of sparks while the crowd cheers on. Antonio and Bryce's romantic wedding The post Las Vegas Grooms Marry in Enchanting Lakeside Wedding appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

05/01/2024 Emerald at Queensridge, A Beautiful Elegant Las Vegas Wedding Venue Bridal Spectacular shares one of the most elegant and imitate Las Vegas Wedding Venues captured by M Place Production. You know it's the one when you enter the enchanted grounds at Emerald at Queensridge. If you're looking for an elegant and intimate wedding venue, then Emerald at Queensridge is your dream wedding venue. Once you The post Emerald at Queensridge, A Beautiful Elegant Las Vegas Wedding Venue appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info

04/01/2024 A Las Vegas Garden Wedding Of Your Dreams at The Secret Garden Bridal Spectacular shares the perfect dream garden wedding at The Secret Garden captured by M Place Productions. Gardens seem to embody the most romantic ambiance, both being intimate and grand all at the same time.  Just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip, The Secret Garden is just that! This garden venue sits on 10 The post A Las Vegas Garden Wedding Of Your Dreams at The Secret Garden appeared first on Bridal Spectacular. more info