Wedding Invitations Checklist & Ideas

The best time to order your wedding invitations is 4 months before your wedding. Your save the dates at least 6 months before your wedding.

Wedding Invitations Checklist

Gather all guest lists and calculate how many wedding invitations you will need to order.

• Bride’s list
• Groom’s list
• Bride’s parents’ list
• Groom’s parents’ list

What to include in the invitations:

• Date and time of ceremony
• Name and address of ceremony location
• Correct name spellings for everyone to be listed
• Time of reception or dinner
• Name and address of reception or dinner location
• Time of dance, if applicable
• RSVP date, if applicable

Invitation Ideas

Envelopes with printed return address on back flap – even though they cost a little extra, this will save you time and effort by not having to affix a label or handwrite the return address on each envelope (blank outer envelopes are typically included in invitation cost).

Lined Inner Envelopes – If lining is chosen, the color should match the invitation color(s). Unlined inner envelopes are usually included in the invitation cost.

Reception Cards – Only necessary if reception information doesn’t fit with invitation verse or as a corner copy on the invitation.

Response Cards – HIGHLY recommended so you know how many guests will be attending. Envelopes are usually included in price and come printed with mailing address you specify.

Informal Notes – usually match the invitation and contain your monogram or your names on the front with the inside blank so they can be used as your thank you notes.

Thank You Notes – can also be ordered to match invitations (blank envelopes are usually included in price). The option is usually available to order them blank or have them printed with a verse inside.

Envelopes with printed return address on back flap for Informal or Thank You Notes – even though they cost a little extra, this will save you time and effort by not having to affix a label or handwrite the return address on each envelope.

Direction / Map Cards – guests will appreciate directions and/or a map if they are not familiar with the area of your wedding location. You will need to provide direction information and/or map for printing on the cards. It’s your choice whether you print just driving directions, a map or both on the inserted card.

Envelope Seals – these add a nice touch to your outer envelopes making it look like they are holding down the back flap. In some instances, envelope seals may match the invitation style.

HAVE YOU THOROUGHLY CHECKED ALL SPELLINGS, DATES, TIMES AND ADDRESSES ON ALL YOUR INVITATION ITEMS?

Make any necessary corrections and PROOF AGAIN.

Other printed items you might want to consider ordering at the same time you order your invitations:

Menu Cards – placed on reception tables at each place setting listing all the dinner courses to be served.

Place Cards – placed on reception tables to specify seating arrangements.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations – sent out to ensure all involved know when and where the rehearsal and/or dinner will be held.

Personalized Napkins – can be used at the reception with the place settings or used for distributing the wedding cake to your guests.

Finalize and place your order.