Wedding Invitations - Terms You Should Know

Many times these pieces are available to match the wedding invitation design you choose.

Reception Cards: If there isn't enough room on your invitation for listing the details of your reception or if not all guests will be invited to attend the reception, reception cards can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. 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 planning for your dinner/reception since an accurate guest attendance count will be needed for food and seating preparations. The response card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your 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 or Map Cards: These direction 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 can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable invitations are returned to you.

Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a colored lining to add a special touch to your invitation ensemble.


Accommodation Cards: Out-of-town guests needing overnight arrangements will greatly appreciate receiving these cards since they list contact information for the hotel(s) where a block of rooms has been reserved.


Informal Notes: These are used separately from your invitations but should be included with your original order since they are usually printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. They are personalized with either your names or monogram on the front with the inside being blank for writing your thank you notes. Any leftovers can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are typically included with the pricing.

Seal and Send Wedding Invitations: This type of invitation is mailed to guests as a single-folded piece (without an envelope) having the response postcard attached to the invitation by a perforation for easy removal. Since the response piece is a postcard, you will save on return mailing postage.


Casual Wedding Invitations: Just as their name implies, these invitations are more informal. They are usually a single invitation card with the option of including reception and response cards if needed. They are also available in a wide range of smaller quantities to accommodate any size wedding, but remember it's a good idea to order a few extra.


Pocket Wedding Invitations: This invitation style has a pocket that neatly holds the invitation card. Some styles, like the one pictured here, include a pocket for holding insert pieces such as response or reception cards and then fold up into a self-mailing piece.


Photo Wedding Invitations: What a great way to share your engagement photo with your guests along with inviting them to your wedding. Adding your photo will truly make your wedding invitation a keepsake for you and for your guests.

Layered Wedding Invitations: This invitation style usually involves the connecting of layers with ribbon which means some assembly is required. The layers can be different sizes and colors. Probably more common is the use of a translucent layer/overlay through which you can see the layer underneath. Many times the translucent layer has some design or wording printed on it for special effect.

Embossing - creating a raised design by using a printing method that presses an image into the paper. The design can then be emphasized with colored ink. If no ink is used on the raised design, it is referred to as blind embossing. When the design appears as indented into the paper, this is called debossing.

Filigree - lacelike decorative pattern that can appear as part of a wedding invitation design.

Foil Stamping - the special technique of hot stamping metallic colored foil onto paper.

Deckle Edge - a unique, feathery edge on a piece of paper commonly seen on parchment wedding invitations.

Ecru - a familiar invitation paper color that is a warm creamy beige.

Pearlize - the addition of a shimmering pearl-like finish usually to an embossed design area of the invitation.

Tea Length - a style of invitation that is either horizontal or vertical and is typically 9 ¼" x 4" in size.

Translucent - a term that is used to describe paper that is somewhat see-through and is often times used in layered invitation designs.

Vellum - paper with a rich, smooth finish.

Linen - featuring a cross weave texture.

Save the Date Cards - With people's busy schedules today, it's a great idea to give your guests advance notice of your wedding date so they can be sure to attend by sending out Save the Date Invitations. If you are going to send them, consider mailing them shortly after setting your wedding date, especially if it's several months in the future or around a holiday.

Even if you don't send them too all your guests, you'll want to at least include close family members and friends. Guests who will have to travel to be in attendance will also find them very helpful giving them plenty of time
for travel preparation, especially if you are having a destination wedding.

Save the Dates come in a variety of styles and designs including annnouncement cards, magnets and scratch-off pieces.

How to have fun and be creative with your Save the Date Cards!

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