Traditional Wedding Invitation Terms You Should Know

There are many terms and items related to wedding invitations.  Here are explanations of some of the more traditional wedding invitation terms you might encounter in your invitation shopping.   

Seal and Send Invitations:  This is an all-in-one wedding invitation that is mailed as a single-folded piece without an envelope.  The response postcard is attached by a perforation for easy removal.  You will save on postage for the return mailing since the response piece is a postcard.  Decorative seals are usually included along with a printed return address on both the back flap of the invitation and on the response postcard.

Wedding Announcements:  These cards are mailed to anyone you would like to announce your marriage to but who didn’t receive your wedding invitation.  They can be printed on the same paper as your wedding invitation but mailed on your wedding day or immediately after with the wording stating that your wedding has already taken place.

Reception Cards:  If there isn’t enough room on your wedding invitation for listing the details of your reception, these cards can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert.  These could also be used if only certain guests will be invited to your dinner and/or reception.  Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Response Cards:  These cards are essential to your dinner/reception planning since an accurate guest count will be needed for food and seating preparations.  The respond card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation.  Remember to include a postage stamp on this small envelope which will also have a mailing address already printed on it so all your guests have to do is fill out the card and mail it back by the date you have printed on it. 

Direction / Map Card:  These cards would be included as a convenience for any guests who might not be familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.    

Printed Invitation Envelope Flaps:  This option of having your return address printed on the outside envelope flap can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are returned to you.  There is a small cost involved but it also gives an address to those who might not be able to attend but still want to send you a card or gift.

Lined Inner Envelopes:  For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a matching color lining to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble.  Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.

Envelope Seals:  These self-adhesive decorations add a nice finishing touch to your outer invitation envelopes.  They are available in many styles and are used to make it look like they are holding the flap down even though it has already been sealed.

Informal Notes:  These can be used as your thank you notes.  Including them with your original wedding invitation order is convenient since they are usually printed on matching paper and will save you on shipping costs.  They are personalized on the front with either your names or monogram with the inside being blank for writing your personal thank you notes.  Any leftovers can be used long after the wedding for other purposes.  Blank mailing envelopes are included with them.

Some of the above items are not required to make your traditional wedding invitations complete.   Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which ones you would like to include as part of your invitation ensemble.