Traditional/Contemporary: The formal invitation
is engraved or printed (e.g., thermographed) in black ink
on high-quality white or ecru paper. The invitation size
is either 5x7 inches, folded in half before being placed
in an envelope, or 4x5 inches inserted into an envelope
without folding.
Informal: Non-traditional invitations vary in
design according to the tastes of the individuals
involved. The invitations can be printed or handwritten,
colorful designs and inks or black and white, with the
only limitation being to stay within the style of the
particular wedding and good taste.
Wedding Announcement
Traditionally sent to people who are not expected to
attend the wedding, but who the bride and groom would
like to inform that the wedding took place.
Resemble the invitations in paper and printing styles,
however, the parents of both the bride and groom are
frequently mentioned. In addition, the words
"request the honor of your presence at the marriage
of" are replaced on the announcement with
"announce the marriage of."
Mailed to people the day of or shortly after the wedding.
Enclosures
Combined Invitation: The wedding invitation
itself can also be used to invite the recipient to the
reception. If all wedding invitation recipients are not
invited to the reception, or if people are invited to the
reception but not the wedding, then a separate Reception
Invitation is required.
Reception Invitation: A separate invitation
which follows the wedding invitation style and is
included with the wedding invitation when sent to people
invited to both events.
Response Card: A separate card and envelope
which people will use to respond back to the bride and
groom regarding their ability to attend the wedding
and/or reception.
Other Information Cards: Cards which contain
maps, travel information, reserved pew designations, etc.
and are included with the wedding invitation.
Addressing
Inner Envelope: The invitation or announcement
is traditionally covered with tissue paper and enclosed
with other enclosures (e.g., Reception Invitation,
Resonse Card and return envelope, At-Home Card, etc.) in
an inner envelope. The names of those invited, including
a couple's children if they are also invited, are written
out in full on the inner envelope. Modern tradition
leaves the discretion of using an Inner envelope up to
the individuals involved.
Outer Envelope: Used to enclose the Inner
Envelope. The handwritten full names and addresses of
everyone invited (no abbreviations) appear on the outside
of the Outer Envelope.
Language Context and Style
Traditional/contemporary formal invitations and
announcements are written in the third person, with all
dates and times written out completely.
The type of Response is dictated by the type of
invitation, if a response card is included it can be
filled out and returned, if a response card is not
included and it is a formal invitation it should be
answered with a handwritten note usually written in
the third person. Finally if the invitation is informal, a handwritten response is more standard,
informal English is correct.
