Destination Bliss Volume 7 | Page 16

SIGNED , SEALED ,

DELIVERED .

Anatomy of an Invitation

By Dayna Engberg
14 DESTINATION BLISS

First impressions are important . As you start planning your wedding , few pieces are as crucial ( and confusing ) as the invitation . We break it down to demystify the various components to make your invitation assembly a piece of ( wedding ) cake .

Save the Date

Send this out four to six months before a local wedding , or eight to twelve months before a destination wedding , since guests will need additional time to make travel arrangements . Don ' t forget the URL to your wedding website .

The Invitation

The invitation not only provides all the essential details for the big day , but also it gives guests the first taste of your theme and sets the tone and formality for the event . These should go out six to eight weeks before a local wedding , or up to 12 weeks for a destination wedding .
• The first line of the invitation should name the hosts ( if they are different from the couple ).
• Include the full names of the couple — bride first , or alphabetical for same-sex couples .
• List the name and address for the ceremony . Make sure to avoid abbreviations and spell out things like street names and states .

Reply Card

The reply card is the place you indicate who , specifically , is invited . Phrases such as “ and guest ” or “ and family ” help clarify whether plus-ones and children are welcome . Set a deadline so invitees know when to return it .

Reply Card Envelope

Including a stamped envelope eliminates hassle for guests and improves your chances of receiving it back in a timely manner . If guests can RSVP online , you might replace the reply card and envelope with the website URL instead .
• Include the details for the reception . If the venue is the same , you can say something like “ Join us for dinner and dancing following the ceremony .”