Wise Wedding: What is an Invitation Suite?

Have you heard the term “invitation suite” and had no idea what it meant? You are not alone! There are a handful of terms that can sound the same or confuse you when talking with a wedding industry expert. I've compiled a helpful guide outlining these terms and what exactly an invitation suite contains.

Why call it a suite?

The term “suite” refers to a set or a number of things forming a series. Thus your invitation suite is the set of paper items letting your guests know the information for your big day. It should always include the invite and an RSVP card, as well as a card for important information like directions and accommodations.

The basic wedding invitation suite consists of:

1. Your invitation—which is the largest piece–includes the key information of your name’s, wedding date and time, venue, and can include the ceremony venue address without a zip code.

2. The outer mailing envelope is the largest envelope and is addressed in the style of your choosing—printed or hand calligraphy—to your guests. These can be white or for a more fun touch a color or metallic of your choice.

3. The details card includes reception venue name, address, reception start time, and accommodations info such as where you have hotel room blocks. You may also include your website at the bottom of this card or registry information. 

A second card (that you may or may not need) can be included with such information as directions, travel arrangements, or other pertinent information for guests. ( See optional items to include below)*

4. The RSVP card is a smaller card to allow guests to write their name(s) and let you know if they are attending. You may also include a space for meal choice, song requests, or website information.

5. The RSVP envelope is the smallest envelope and should always include an address that goes back to you or the coordinator of the guestlist. (Don’t forget to place a stamp on this so your guests can easily drop them back in the mail to you.)

Other items you can include in your invitation suite*

Inner Envelope

An inner envelope can be used to tell guests who is (and is not) invited to your big day. The envelope is slightly smaller than the mailing envelope and holds the invitation suite inside. This is traditionally used in more formal weddings but allows you to clearly state who you are expecting to show up. Examples include your Guests’ names and noting if they have a plus one (i.e. Mr. Robert Smith & Guest). This is also the place to indicate whether or not children are invited by just writing the parent’s names.

Weekend Details Card

If you have multiple events going on during your wedding weekend, such as a brunch, welcome drinks, after party, etc. include a weekend details card. You want to have your guest know what to expect as well as what to pack appropriately for all the different social events.

Invitation Wrapper

An invitation wrapper is not necessary but is a beautiful and practical addition to your suite. This “wrapper” can be twine, ribbon (Seen in the picture on the left), a belly band, a folder, or even a layer of vellum wrapped around the invite. It is a beautiful accent to keep all the contents of your invite safely together when being mailed.

Website Card

You can include your wedding website on your details card or include a smaller card with just the web address. If you choose to have a website, which is a helpful resource for your guests, include as much information and details of your weekend/wedding there. This will cut down on how many text and phone calls you and your parents will receive from loved ones about your big day.

Envelope Liner

An envelope liner is a beautiful insert to your mailing envelope that allows you to add an additional splash of color, pattern, or shimmer to your invitations. It is also a fun surprise for your guests. It adds additional weight and quality to your overall invite.

Directions/Maps

Including an insert for directions or a map is great for a destination wedding or if you have multiple events happening in the weekend and need an easy guide for your guests. These can be done simply or more elaborate with watercolor features and illustrations. These beautiful pieces are not only functional but can be a keep-sake of your wedding to be framed.

Wax Seal

A popular but beautiful new trend includes the wax seal (Pictured below). These small but impactful pieces are a fun and elegant way to add color, texture, or even your monogram to your envelopes or invitation. They can be used on an invitation wrap, on the inner envelope, or on the outer envelope. If you use them on the outer envelope, know that the suite then must be hand canceled by the post office as they are not always read by the modern machines.

Postage Stamps

One thing your should not overlook is your postage stamp. This small item can make or break the mood of the front of your envelope, choose wisely! There are a handful of beautiful options from the USPS. As well, you can choose vintage stamps totaling the right price for a layered look that will stand out in your guest’s mailboxes.

Photo by Jason Adrian Photo

You can include as many of these items as you see fit and are helpful for your wedding weekend. Just remember, the two most important items are the invite and RSVP, then build your suite from there! Next week, I will be talking about the importance of invitation wording.

As always, if you have a question-feel free to message me!

Wise Wedding: Let's Talk Save the Dates

You most likely have in recent years either received a variety of Save the Dates or have walked into friends home and noticed the cluster of Save the Dates hanging on the refrigerator. They come in all forms, from beautiful thick cards with gold foil, to lovely photos of the happy couple, to simple magnets to remind the guest of the upcoming nuptials. They are all great options, all worthy of being hung in a prominent place of honor —but which one is best for you?

Since engagement season is now upon us (there is something about those fall leaves and cozy holiday vibes, am I right?) Save the Date season is not far behind. Since many couples plan their wedding to be the following year—and most in the months between April-September—plan to send or receive Save the Dates in the 6 to 9-month mark before your wedding. Usually, you will see an influx of these pretty things around January & February.

What is a Save the Date?

A save the date is a card that notifies your guests to reserve or “saves the date” of your wedding. This is important to not only make sure all those you love are able to make the date but allow people ample time to schedule travel arrangements. I also like to remind people this is the first piece that people will receive giving them the first impression of your wedding and who you are as a couple. It can be a stand-alone design or you can sprinkle in pieces of your future invite design. Either way these should be fun and show off you and your forever love how YOU see best.

What Information is actually needed?

Four things not to forget to include are:

1. You and your forever loves names: Make sure to include both your first and last names somewhere on your Save the Date. You may be sending these to family friends that don’t recognize just your face or first name.

2. Your wedding date(s): Some weddings are more than one day. If all guests are invited to multiple events on the wedding weekend, include those dates for them to know ahead of receiving the invite.

3. Your location or city of the wedding: You may not know the venue quite yet, but have a date and city picked out and want to let people know sooner rather than later. This is important especially if you plan to have a destination wedding. Including the destination also allows people to know what type of travel accommodations they should be booking such as flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.

4. A wedding website: Many couples like to include a wedding website to help people have quick access to information such as hotels, registry, and any other wedding weekend events they may be invited too. This space is great for putting commonly asked questions and cuts down on the questions you and family members may receive throughout the planning process. Even if you don’t have everything on the website when you send out the Save the Dates, I advise to include it to allow people to get familiar with the address for future reference. You may also want to include special travel accommodations such as the best airport, if they will need to book a car or any other information you may find helpful for guests as they plan to make arrangements.

When do I actually send them out?

Many recommend sending out your Save the Dates around the 6-9 month mark before your wedding. If you know you are having a destination wedding outside of the city you live in or that the majority of your guest will be traveling to your wedding, the earlier you should send out your cards. If your destination* wedding is requiring everyone to travel internationally, it’s best to send your Save the Dates around 1 year prior, if possible.

*As noted above, if you just know the location country and date, this information is better than the information given too late for guests to make appropriate arrangements to travel.

Do I have to send it to everyone I plan on inviting?

Yes. You should plan on sending a Save the Date to everyone you plan to invite, even if they are super involved in the planning (like your parents or best friend) or you know they are planning on not attending. By making your guest list early in preparation for sending your Save the Dates, you essentially have created a master list of addresses that you then can use for sending out invitations and track who has replied (hooray!) later on in the planning process.

Everyone who receives a Save the Date should receive an invitation, but you can send an invite to a guest who did not receive a Save the Date. (Sometimes you have a last-minute invite and not sending them a Save the Date is not the end of the world.)

A simple etiquette rule to follow is any guest over 18 years, even if they live in the same house as another guest ( such as their parents) should receive their own Save the Date and definitely their own invite. If you choose to cut down on how many Save the Dates to send, make sure all names of those are to be invited are written out on the envelope to not create any confusion early-on on the families part.

Choosing the Right Design

Remember that fridge with all those Save the Dates? I bet you do, thus you know that there are hundreds of designs and choices to choose from. The main two designs you should decide between is a Photo Card vs a Type Driven card. Which one is better?

Why would I choose a Photo Card?

As I noted above, your Save the Date is the first impression for many of your loved ones about who you and your partner are as a couple. Many couples are excited to take engagement photos and a photo Save the Date card is the perfect place to use them! They will introduce and showcase your gorgeous faces as well as deliver important information to your guests.

Why would I choose a Type Driven card?

First, when I say type-driven I mean no photos of you anywhere on the card. This style though could include a beautiful illustration or calligraphy elements that become the main focal point. I personally love this style as it does two amazing things: First, your Save the Date is the first introduction to not only you but also the feel of your event. You have been carefully choosing colors, textures, and the feel of your wedding. Since guests will have this piece of paper pinned up somewhere for the longest period of any other item, why not showcase some of what is to come? Secondly, you can infuse your personality into the card through fun phrases such as “Let’s get us to the Chaple on time!” or “Let’s celebrate, save our date!” as well as fun illustrations of the venue, landscape, your beloved animal, or even some inside joke. It’s your Save the Date, why not tailor it to be fully unique to you?

Budget-friendly options for you to still send out Save the Dates

If you have not gathered by now, there are a few great reasons to send out your Save the Dates. I understand though that people often will ask if they have to or for budget-friendly options. Here are a few tips to keep costs low for your first impressions:

1. No fancy printing. It could be tempting to add gold foil or embossment on your Save the Dates, but it isn’t necessary. Since both these printing styles require an extra step, that extra step includes an extra charge. If this element is still something you really would like for your Save the Dates, picking the traditional “Save the Date” phrase can cut down the cost as it will not need to be created.

2. No fancy add on’s. Since most people will be pinning this up on a board or fridge, you don’t have to add any extra items to create extra costs such as wax seals, ribbons, etc. Choosing a standard size, such as a 5” x 7” can keep postage cost minimal.

3. No extra calligraphy. I will always advocate for calligraphy, but on a Save the Date going with digital printing will be just as beautiful and will be another cost-saver in the long run.

If you are looking for a unique Save the Date, I can create a custom design for you, just click here. If you have any further questions about Save the Dates, feel free to contact me here.

Next up, I’ll be talking all about the timeline of invitations and the importance of prepping in advance.

Wise Wedding: All About the Timeline

You have your date picked out, you have your venue booked, your photographer scheduled, and all your favorite people are ready to celebrate you! Now we need to get everyone else on the same page and to your event on the right date and at the right time. I joke the invite is the most important item on the wedding checklist, I mean how else are you going to get everyone you love in the same room? I know there are so many more important things, like the ceremony and the marriage itself, but the invite is still a pretty important piece of paper. All jokes aside, couples ask often what is important to include in the invite and when they should actually send it out. The average time a couple spends planning their wedding is around 15 months these days. That’s a decently long time to be planning a party. Then when do you let everyone know about the who, what, where and when?

Over the upcoming weeks, I will be going into detail about all things paper, stationery, and calligraphy that you could use for your wedding, reception, and other events celebrating your big day! Here is a brief overview of each item. (Psst…Bookmark this post as a shortcut to the posts to come! I will be updating each section below with the link to the more in-depth post)

Sending out Save the Dates

Your Save the Date should be sent out around the 6-month mark, or sooner if travel is involved for a destination wedding.

Your Save the Date should be sent out around 6-9 months before the wedding, and at around the 1-year mark if it is an international destination wedding. The more travel involved the sooner the card should be sent out.

Save the Dates can include pictures, just typography, a fun illustartion of you as the couple or the destination you are getting married. These are the first introduction to your significant other to many family members, and will clue your guests into your vibe and potentially the feel of your wedding.

Sending out Invitations:

You should start thinking about invitation design around the 4-6 month mark before the wedding. The invitation should be sent out around the 2-month mark before the wedding.

Since the invitation is the “main event” and involves a few more pieces and more information than the Save the Date, we advise you to start the design process early on. If you choose from the collection with minimal changes, it can be anywhere from 4- 6 week period. If you choose to go custom, depending on the print style, at a minimum with a digitally-printed invitation, you are looking at around 6-8 weeks for design and production. If you are looking for anything additional (letterpress, foil, ribbon, wax seals, custom maps, liners, calligraphy, etc) it can potentially add more time to that process by a few weeks depending on guests count.

That’s at minimum 2 months of back and forth to help me create your invite, which in the grand scheme of things is so important to get all the right information on the right cards and out to the right people, am I right? It is also important to give your designer enough time to creatively work through your requests and give you the best options. Start inquiring about invitations at the 6-month mark. Especially for custom work, as a designer, I do not create items perfectly the first time around. By putting the work upfront in filling out your questionnaire, giving me complete information, color swatches, and a mood board is how you will help me create that custom, unique design that is just right for you and your fiancé(e) and be the perfect complement to your Big Day!

As noted above, the more info you have for your day the better. By having your date set, the venue booked, and having a rough idea or initial design meeting with your wedding planner on how the look and feel of your day will be a huge help when we start talking about your invitations. As soon as you have an idea of what you like, we can get started talking about design for your paper goods too!

I try to deliver the full suite at least a week prior to the “deadline” to ensure you can double-check your guest list and everything is in order. Check out my Wise Wedding: Invitation Details post for more information ( link will be posted here when ready).

RSVP information

Reply cards or RSVP cards are sent out with the invite 2 months before the wedding date.

Your RSVP is included in your invitation suite and will be sent out to all your guests when your invite is. Typically an RSVP date is 1 month before the wedding. This gives you ample time to make sure each guest has replied back to confirm with the caterer, start seating arrangements, or for you to track down replies in case an invite was lost in the mail or from an inconsiderate guest. Each venue is different and may require a guest count sooner or later than the traditional 1-month mark. Make sure to double-check this info with your planner and/or venue.

Calligraphy for Envelopes

Inquire at the time of your invitations if you are using the same person for design and calligraphy. If you are hiring a separate calligrapher than the invitation designer, inquire 1 month byt the latest before the invitations are to be sent out.

There are two options when addressing your envelopes, printed envelopes or hand-done calligraphy. Both can be beautiful options, but I am in full support of calligraphy for your mailing envelopes. When will you have another time in your life to really make a statement with your piece of mail? I may be biased, but I truly do believe that your invite feels complete with calligraphy addressing. I personally ask for at least two weeks for 50-100 names or three weeks for 150-250 names from when I receive the envelopes.

Yes, calligraphy can be done “last minute” but doesn’t need to be. Once I (or your designer) have decided on an envelope/paper color and it is ordered, the calligraphy can begin when the envelopes are received. Since you collected all your addresses with your Save the Dates way back around the 9-month mark before the wedding, you have all the information you need to send to your calligrapher. A quick tip is to keep your addresses in a spreadsheet with each guest’s title and full name included ( example. Dr. and Mrs. Jason and Sandra Smith, instead of Jay and Sandy Smith). Most designers and calligraphers, including myself, will ask you for a document like this. Bonus, this spreadsheet can help you track who has RSVPed, help with seating arrangements and keep track of wedding gift thank yous— win!

Designing Day of Items

You should start thinking about day-of items at least 3 months before your wedding date, and start finalizing everything in the 2-month and 1-month mark.

First, let me explain what a “day of item” is. It is anything that you will be needing just for the day of your wedding that adds to your decor and provides information to your guests. This can include programs, venues, place cards, escort cards, seating charts, welcome signs, etc. You should begin thinking about these around the same time you research your invitation look and feel. These items then can be booked around the 2-month mark. When you start your invitations, note to your designer the pieces you would like and which items you would like to coordinate with your invites look and feel and your receptions look at feel. This will allow them enough time to supply you with a design to approve, as well as order the right amount of product for you to receive finished, on time.

The last months of planning a wedding are of course full of finalizing details and making sure everything gets to the venue and set up the way you envisioned. This is no different for your day-of items. Learn more about the specifics of all the day-of items on the Wise Wedding: All the extra details post ( link will be posted here when ready).

Thank You Cards

Send a thank you from any bridal events 2-3 weeks from the event or from receiving the gift. From your wedding, thank you’s should be sent out no later than 3 months.

There is a myth going around that you have 1 year to send your thank you notes out from your wedding. This may be a newer myth due to couples opting to send a thank you card with a photo from their wedding on it, as wedding photos take longer to be edited and delivered to the couple. I recommend ordering a small amount of thank you cards that match your Save the Dates. This way you have themed cards on hand for thank yous for your shower and other bridal events or to write a special note to your bridal party. The nice thing about purchasing custom cards is that they don’t have to have the words “Thank you” printed on them. These cards can be have a pattern that is used in your weddding papergoods or have a monogram of your future, marrried name. By not including the actual words “thank you”, you can order a larger amount of custom cards that can be used for any event, including your wedding thank you notes.

If you have any other questions about the timeline for your paper goods or would like to talk about what I can help you with to check something off your current timeline, contact me here. In the meantime, to keep yourself organized, download my free wedding timeline checklist here.