Welcome to the world of weddings! Navigating the vocabulary can be tricky, especially when you have your first meetings with vendors, but don’t worry – we’re here to help! Read on to learn key terms for wedding stationery, including wedding invitations, wedding programs, and more.
Save the Date
A simple card that’s sent to guests ahead of a formal invitation, instructing them to “save the date” of your wedding on their calendar. These are usually sent out shortly after a couple officially books their wedding date, or at least 9-12 months before the wedding. While it’s not necessary to send out save the dates, guests appreciate the advance notice!
Wedding Invitation Suite
An invitation suite refers to all the various pieces that accompany a wedding invitation, including the response (RSVP) card and envelope, reception detail card, and more.
Wedding Invitation
The formal invitation you’ll send out to your guests! Traditional wedding invitations, at minimum, list the couple’s names, and the date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony. Accompanying pieces (keep reading below!) list additional reception information. Modern invitations sometimes include details for the entire day, or direct guests to a wedding website, where they’ll find all of the details and can submit their RSVPs.
Details Card
A details card accompanies a wedding invitation and includes additional information about your wedding, such as your reception location, wedding registry, or wedding website. A details card is only necessary if your invitation doesn’t include all of this info.
Response Card
Also known as an RSVP card, a response card is what your guests will use to inform you of their presence at your wedding. Response card will include the guest’s name, usually with a checkbox to accept or decline the invitation, along with dinner options if you’ve chosen to have a plated dinner. A self-addressed, postage stamped envelope should be included, so your guests can easily mail their RSVP back to you.
Wedding Stationery
Wedding stationery is a general term for all printed paper products at a wedding, including invitations, place cards, dinner menus, thank you cards, and more!
Place Card
Place cards are placed directly on your reception tables and identify the particular seat a guest has been assigned. If you’ve chosen to have a plated dinner, place cards will also note each guest’s dinner selection, usually with an icon in the corner of the card.
Escort Card
Escort cards direct guests to their assigned table at your wedding reception. Unlike place cards, escort cards are displayed at the entrance of your wedding reception. Guest will locate their card, which includes their name and assigned table number, and carry it with them to their seat. Similar to place cards, dinner selections may also be noted in the corner of the card if you’ve opted for a plated dinner.
Wedding Program
Wedding programs are traditionally handed out to guests at the beginning of your ceremony, and list the order of events in your celebration, wedding party members, and more. This allows guests to follow along with your ceremony and identify those who matter most to you!
Looking for wedding stationery or wedding invitation inspo? Check out Merc Love Stories to see photos of invitation suites and stationery from real weddings at Mercantile Hall!
Photo by Corrina Nicole Photography
