It is always a pleasure to collaborate with other wedding vendors for our clients weddings. It is just as fun to collaborate together on styled shoots of what we hope to see in the future trends for our clients. This shoot is no different! An incredible collaboration over all and I had so much fun dreaming up this invite suite for this colorful, city wedding!
Find all the images and more information on each vendor over on Lakeshore in Love Blog today!
What is more gorgeous than engagement photos in classic NYC? A beautiful elopement captured with a mix of classic and modern city backdrops. This beautiful shoot was the concept of Sophie Kaye Photography and photographed by April and Mike Raymond. Find the complete vendor list at the end of these gorgeous photos.
This beautiful shoot combines modern wedding silhouettes and florals among the backdrop of traditional and timeless New York City architecture. Playing off the mix of modern and classic, I kept the suite simple with pops of florals to bring in modern, desaturated color. To finish off the announcement and highlight the calligraphy I added romantic touches of the floral, vellum jacket, a wax seal with gold foil and dried florals, and you can just make out a black and white photo of Washington Square Park that graces the backside of the announcement with the couples custom wedding monogram.
Personalized vow books are the right touch for any elopement. Store your handwritten vows in a beautiful booklet with your monogram and wedding date to preserve your words for years to come. They additionally give you a beautiful, clean way to hold your vows that won’t stand out for the wrong reasons in your photos.
Not exchanging written vows? Personalize the booklet with your monogram and date and use the booklet to store a note to your partner about your marriage and love story.
Photo @aprilandmikeraymond
Planning & Concept @sophiekayephotography
Model @amanda.larson_
Floral Designer @navafloral
Hair & Makeup @bymadelineeleanor
Gown Designer @pninatornai
Gown Boutique @kleinfeldbridal
Ring Box’s @thestylingreserve @the_mrs_box
Shoes @jimmychoo
Jewelry @chanelofficial
Stationery @linalulupaperie
Coffee @ralphscoffee
What a fun surprise to pick up a Modern Luxury this week in Chicago and find my work published! Check out both my calligraphy and stationery featured in Modern Luxury Weddings, Chicago from The Big Fake Wedding, Chicago 2021 event!
On a warm August night, a handful of vendors came together for a gorgeous vow renewal on the rooftop of Lacuna Lofts under a gorgeous floral arch.
The invitations and paper good were inspired by traditional Moroccan patterns and colors as well as the lush colors of the florals. I loved getting to pull in warm tones to a lighter palette with the contrast of a deep wine color as the RSVP envelope. To add a hint of glamor and a little more elegance, the calligraphy is done in a metallic gold with the invitation foiled in a warm gold.
The theme continued on the beautiful table scapes with arched menus in the same sand color pulled from the invite palette with mimicked arched acrylic placards, bringing in a pop of green to this already stunning table.
CAKES & CATERING:
CEREMONY MUSICIANS:
FAVORS & GIFTS:
FLORAL, DESIGN, & DAY OF COORDINATOR, TABLES 1 & 2:
FLORALS & DESIGN- CEREMONY BACKDROP, TABLES 4 & 5:
FLORALS & DESIGN- TABLE 3 & BOUQUETS:
GROOM & HIS MEN:
HAIR, MAKEUP & BEAUTY:
LIGHTING, ENTERTAINMENT & PHOTO BOOTH:
FEMPRESS Fit | @fempressfit
Hitched Wedding Bands | @tryhitched
Lavish Exposure Photobooth | @lavish_exposure
OFFICIANTS:
PAPER GOODS & CALLIGRAPHY:
SIGNAGE:
VENUES:
VIRTUAL VENDOR:
WEDDING DJ:
WEDDING DRESSES:
WEDDING FILMS:
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
This mix of neutrals used for this vibey city wedding is the ideal mix of urban and nature. I chose to use only hand-drawn eucalyptus branches in both the invite and the complimentary wax seal matching the vibe of the organic color palette. By adding a more traditional calligraphy style, this invite became a beautiful mix of traditional and organic.
I loved seeing the mix of natural and more urban elements with the pops of colors in the decor and florals. The perfect inspiration for a city, boho wedding.
Venue: @ovationchicago
Dress: @bhldn
Earrings: @bhldn
Prop & Event Hire: @poshstudiorentals
Florist: @cityscentschicago
Hair Stylist: @emilyraebridalhair
Makeup Artist: @alyssadianamakeup
Invitation Suite: @linalulupaperie
Cake: @thesweetreservebakery
Models: @emfoertsch, @poukenik
Early Spring weddings are filled with soft, pastels—and this styled shoot from K and K Celebrates is the perfect inspiration for a dreamy pink and gold inspired casual wedding. Staying in line with this dreamy decoré, I chose minimum design elements and brushed, watercolor florals to accent the paper goods both on the invite and escort cards, Each was topped off with antique gold wax seals to add texture.
Planning + Styling: @kandkcelebrates
Photography: @ashlynhenry__
Stationery: @linalulupaperie
Floral: @michaelamantarian
Rentals: @hallsrental
Venue: @chezweddingvenue
Linens: @bbjlinen
Cake: @tonipatisseriecafe
Another gorgeous shoot from the minds of Kristie and Kim at K and K Celebrates wedding planning! This beautiful mix of Grandmillennial and boho vibes has just a touch of romanticism that pulls is all together. I loved using the beautiful floral tablecloth as the main inspiration for the stationery. The toile inspired illustrations carried over from the invite onto the placecards at the table with a touch of pink in the calligraphy.
Planning + Styling: @kandkcelebrates
Photography: @ashlynhenry__
Stationery: @linalulupaperie
Floral: @michaelamantarian
Rentals: @hallsrental
Venue: @chezweddingvenue
Linens: @bbjlinen
Cake: @tonipatisseriecafe
Menus, should you have them or not? When it comes to weddings, the esthic and design of your reception is the largest portion of time people will focus on, and rightfully so! Though I will always say the ceremony is THE most important aspect of the wedding, your reception is where your personality and the design of the day really gets to shine. The small details add up to big impact and that includes menus!
These informational pieces do not have to be boring! Consider them to pull double duty and use them to include:
Guests place cards
Thank you note from you as the couple
A place to request a card and hand it in to the DJ
Additionally these do not have to stay a simple rectangle. Consider other elements in your day such as arches or making the menu fit in the charger of your guests place setting. These details are so fun and won’t go unnoticed by your guests!
We’ve talked about the paper goods to set up and get your guests to your wedding, now what are you to have at your wedding to help provide special touches and communicate to your guests about your day? Let’s start with the ceremony.
Ceremony programs are an informational tool to help guests know what to expect but are optional for you to have. There are two great options for programs if you opt to have them at your ceremony; paper programs or a program board.
Printed programs are great for more involved ceremonies or religious leaning services where the guests will be able to join in traditions such as a song, call and response readings, or communion. Programs also help you honor your bridal party and family involved by listing their names and potentially how you know them. This space too gives you the option to honor family members who are deceased publicly and acknowledge their absence on your big day.
Having a paper program can also allow you to add some special information for your guests such as a thank you note from the couple, the address for the reception if it is not in the same location, and even a new address for the couple if they have just moved in together. Often these style of programs are thought of traditional and are a sweet memento of your day to place in your future wedding photo album or keepsake box.
Photographers: Aaron and Jillian Photography Wedding Stationery: Silver Starfish
Program boards are a beautiful alternative option for more modern or laid back weddings. They still allow you to honor your bridal party and family members who have been by your side by listing their names and help the guests know the order of the ceremony. These are typically placed at the back of the ceremony or church for guests to read as they walk in to find their seats.
Your names and date of the wedding
Location of the wedding
Names of the officiant, bridal party members, and each family member you would like to honor. Typically this includes the parents and grandparents of each partner.
Ceremony schedule. Allow your guests to follow along to understand what is coming up next. Such items include processional, readings, songs, and vows.
Directions and address to reception.
Your love story or other fun details about you as a couple
Your new address as a couple
A note to unplug during the ceremony
Include bubbles, rose petals, or confetti when you hand out your program for when you walk back down the aisle as a married couple
Now it’s up to you whether you want to include a program or not. If you do choose to have one, make sure you include the basics like a running order of events and details about your wedding party.
Remember your wedding is a time to celebrate a joyful step in life and honor you as a couple. What you choose to include should do just that—honor your love story, personalities and create keepsakes (such as a wedding program) that you, your partner, and your guests will truly enjoy!
Here is the beautiful second shoot from the minds of K and K Celebrate! I love the mixture of prints, dusty pinks, and accents of metals that touch the table. The gorgeous florals mix perfectly with the glass accents that accentuate the light flooding throughout the venue. I loved getting to use a mixture of paints, calligraphy, and watercolor for all the paper goods! By using florals and textured paint strokes to create a pattern, the paper goods felt enhanced but not too over done.
The incredible team includes:
Planning: K and K Celebrates
Photography: 606 Photo
Grazing Boxes: Sage and Jam |
Floral: FleurInc
Venue: DL Loft, Chicago
Bubbly Wall: Bubbly Events Chicago
The perfect mix of elegance, romance and a dash of modern!
Envelopes are one of my FAVORITE paper goods! They can add so much to the experience of receiving your invite, not to mention build anticipation for your guest to open the envelope to see what’s inside. There are endless combinations and styles to choose from, but let me talk you through a few of the common ones.
I rarely miss an opportunity to talk about having a calligraphed envelope for your wedding. When else do you have such an open opportunity to make an envelope look extra special?
Calligraphy is a beautiful and timeless option for your envelopes, but not the most inexpensive. Since there are a variety of calligraphy options, you can truly match the feel of your wedding to the style of calligraphy you would like to have on your envelope.
Since calligraphy is hand-done, it will take longer to have ready to send immediately. I’ll let you on a little trick: Take your Save the Date spreadsheet of addresses, add any additional guests and pass it on to your calligrapher as soon as possible. Once you have picked out your envelopes, order them and send them to your calligrapher. They can have them done right when your invites are getting printed or even earlier. This will keep your wedding timeline going smoothly and allow your calligrapher enough time to get them done with our adding rush fees—win, win!
To find my calligraphy styles and prices check here!
Calligraphy may not fit your wedding vibe or even may not fit your budget. A beautiful and cost-effective option is having your address printed on the envelopes. You can also try printing the proper address and write the name in calligraphy to add a modern but elegant touch. These two combinations can create a more cost effective but equally stunning outcome that you’re looking for. This option is also a time saver if you are getting married in a shorter time period than typical or time is running low on when to get your invites out.
Adding extra detail to your envelopes can be a fun way to make them more personal and infuse your style. Here are a few ideas on what to add:
Envelope liners: Once used to block the inside contents of an envelope, these additional pieces are a beautiful way to add color, texture, and elegance to your envelope and invite suites.
Wax Seals: These are fun additions to close ( or seal) your envelope with, but can be costly in the long run both in expense and the time the envelope will make it to your guest.
Decoration: This, in my opinion, is always a great option! From handpainted details like the envelope below to small printed flowers on the envelope flap, make your envelope your own! The options are endless.
As your stationer, I would love to walk you through the additions you can add to your envelopes without making costly mistakes such as wrong address formatting or other mailing faux pas.
Stamps are the most important detail of your envelope! With out them they will not get very far to your guests. There are a variety of stamps from USPS that are perfect for any suite. If you are looking for vintage stamps, remember to make sure the total adds up to modern day postage price. I also suggest finding a beautiful theme ( such as botanicles or travel) or color combination ( like the pink and gold below) to make them pop off your envelope.
A few last items to considerations with envelopes are:
Shape: Anything outside a rectangle will cost more in postage.
Address: Whatever way you choose to address your envelope, make sure it is readable, in the correct area on the envelope, and you include a return address.
Thickness matters! Make sure you are aware of what you are putting in the envelope and that the envelope is the right material to hold it all.
Color: Don’t forget color is an option for your envelopes.
Have questions or concerns about envelopes? I would love to help you, just let me know your questions below!
It was a dream to design these fun, patterned invites for this gorgeous shoot! Elisabeth from Ivory + Beau approached me to create this design first with a fun Marti Gras inspired design and summer color. As the shoot was pushed from July to early Fall, the colors darkened but the gorgeous pattern play and art deco feel didn't! I know if I got married today, this dress and venue would be a strong contender in my planning! Check out more of the inspiration and pictures at the Low Country Wed Blog.
PHOTOGRAPHY l Izzy + Co.
PLANNING & STYLING | Ivory + Beau
GOWN & FLORAL | Ivory + Beau
VENUE | The Clyde
PAPERIE | Lina Lulu Paperie
CAKE & PASTRIES | Sugar Whisk Co.
MOBILE BARISTA | Origin Coffee Bar
EVENT RENTALS | Bounce, Play, Love Event Rentals
BRIDAL ACCESSORIES | Anna Roses Atelier
HAIR & MAKEUP | Megan Anslie Johnson
MODEL | Victoria Gutierrez
Today’s Wise Wedding advice is going to be simple and to the point. Weddings can be expensive, and people often don’t fully understand everything that goes into planning a wedding. This can include not understanding how many people a reception hall allows, RSVPing in a timely manner, and frankly who you actually want to be there on your day.
We want to make sure it is clear to the recipient who the invite is actually inviting. The easiest solution is clearly writing or printing out every guest who you expect to attend on the mailing envelope of the save the date and the invitation. This will provide clarity early on for the guests. If you are wanting to have an entire family/household attend including children, use wording such as "The Williard Family” or write out each name “ Mr. and Mrs. John Williard, Jonothan, Mary and Sarah”. If you would like just the adults to attend, use the wording “Mr. and Mrs. John Willard”. This implies they are the only ones expected to attend. For those with a plus one or a significant other who you would like to attend, write “Jonothan Willard and Guest” or if you know their partner’s name, go ahead and address it directly to the two of them.
For formal weddings, you can use an inner envelope and again write out each name of the people you would like to attend. For those with a plus one, the address envelope should just state the guests name and the inner envelope is the correct space to add the words “and guest” for the parties with who you have given one.
If you would like to go a step further, as talked about last week, you can fill in the number of guests or directly write the guest’s names on the RSVP card who you are expecting to attend.
This may be slightly controversial, but I know most couples have a B-list of guests. Whichever way you fall on this choice if you are to send out invites to anyone on your B-List make sure to print extra invitations and have the RSVP card have a later return date. This will ensure that those guests will have a resturn date that is later than when they receive their invitation. Remember, whoever receives a Save the Date should always receive an invitation, but those who receive an invite do not always have to have a save the date.
To ensure that your RSVPs get back to you, don’t forget to address the return envelope to the correct person and stamp your RSVP envelope. This simple courtesy will cut out the extra step of guests needing to buy a stamp and will help your RSVP return to you in a timely manner.
In the case of an online RSVP, make sure directions are clear and web address is easily typed out.
In the last few weeks, I have talked through how important the invitation is, how to word the invitation but many people get tripped up on what to include WITH the invite suite. Today we are talking through the “extra” cards you include in an invitation suite to help your guests fill in the rest of the information gaps. These cards also keep the questions to you, your forever love, and your parents to a minimum—hooray!
The cards that most often get included in a suite are the RSVP card, a Details card and an accommodations insert. Let’s break down what is most important for each:
This item is a separate card that guests mail back to you to let you know if they will be or will not be attending your wedding. These cards are traditionally a one-sided card with the RSVP date, a line to fill in the name of your guest, and a “yes” or “no” to circle or a check box to mark off. Other items that can appear on the card can include a meal choice or a spot to have guests write in a song for the DJ to play.
(Helpful tip: To avoid an uncomfortable conversation or unexpected guest, you can write the expected guests’ names on the RSVP before sending it out. This will help your guests know who is invited, especially guests with children of a certain age or a possible plus one. To make it clear for guests who can bring a date, you can pre-write the guest’s name and the wording “& Guest”, “and plus one”, or have a line for a number of guests and fill in the correct number for them on the RSVP to help them know if they truly have the option to invite a date. We will explore the wording of this in the upcoming Wise Wedding entries. )
RSVP cards are most often sent with an accompanying envelope addressed to the couple (or the person in charge of guest count) and a stamp. For more casual weddings, an RSVP postcard can be used as well. Remember to include a stamp with either choice for your guests.
If you are asking your guests to RSVP through your wedding website, you can still include an RSVP sized card with no envelope in the invite suite. This typically one sided card would contain the address and how-to directions to RSVP on your website. You can also add this information to the details card to cut costs.
Your RSVP date should be set 1 month prior to your wedding date. As discussed in Wise Wedding: Tackle Your Wedding Paper Goods Timeline, always check with your event space and caterer for when they need a final guest count.
Your details card or insert is an additional card to include with your invite and RSVP card. This strictly informational card helps guests understand additional expectations or helps draw attention to anything about your wedding/weekend that they need to be aware of ahead of the day. Many couples now have a wedding website that addresses these concerns and contains the same information. The details card can include this website address, as well as the information you think your guests might miss if they don’t visit your website.
Often these cards are sent with the invitation but can be sent ahead of the time with the Save the Date if important information is needed to conveyed sooner. Such information could be to book accommodations or flights ASAP for a destination wedding, if your wedding date is over a holiday, or is in the same city as a busy event such as Mardi Gras or the Super Bowl.
Other items to include on the details card(s) include:
If your reception is in a different location than your ceremony, formal etiquette says to leave the address and that information off your invite and place the reception address on the insert.
Wedding website address
Accommodations and if you have room block information such as a date to book by or a code provided by the hotel to give a discount to guests.
Transport information, such as shuttle busses to the wedding or airport location
Attire. Here you can let know guests to wear a “casual cocktail” or if you have a mostly grass location to advise them to wear sandals or flats, etc.
Parking or driving information if it is out of the norm or would be hard to find. This could include parking garage information for city locations, signs to look for, or special instructions for locations such as a friend’s house, national park, or more secluded location.
Special instructions for the venue, time of year, or whether instructions (such as if it rains where the ceremony will be held ).
Registry information. Though it is not traditional to include registry info with your invite, the details card would be the best location to do so.
Other items you can include in your details insert are special wedding weekend activities such as a welcome cocktail party, wedding brunch, or afternoon picnic. If not all guests are invited to these events, include them on different cards and insert them into your wedding invitation suite.
Make sure to include a heading on your card for guests to easily identify. This can be as simple as the words “Details” or something like “More information” or “We’d Like You to Know…”. If the card is more themed such as directions or weekend details, use those headings for guests to see.
The fun thing about your details card is that since you are not fitting it into its own envelope, you can design it in a more “fun” style and shape. The only rule of thumb is to keep it smaller than the invite to give the invite precedents. You can have a half-circle, a folded card, or a two-sided, skinny card—it’s up to you! Allow the design to be functional, but compliment the vibe of your wedding and invitation suite.
Not all weddings have multiple items for the guests to be aware of. One of the more important pieces of info to get to guests is the accommodations. This information can be on a separate card or the oppiste side of the details card if need be. This separate card can be helpful if you have multiple hotels at different price points or for destination weddings to include airports and rental car information.
As discussed earlier, I’m seeing more couples are choosing to have a wedding website as a one-stop place for all things wedding weekend information for their guests. To help your guests know the address you have a few options:
As previously mentioned, include it on a RSVP style card and have guests RSVP on your website.
Include the address on the details card with wording such as “Find all wedding weekend information at www….” or “Please visit or wedding website for all information at www…” This is best for more traditional weddings where you use your details card to list only important information such as booking accommodations and reception address. You then can use your website to list such things as directions to the venue, registry information, and other items for your weekend on the website instead of the details insert.
Include a separate wedding website insert card with just the website address for guests and wording such as “For more information, please visit: www….” This insert card would be the smallest of the insert cards included in your invitation suite.
The last item you can insert is a map for your guests. This is especially a fun detail for destination weddings or if the majority of guests are from out of town. I will discuss maps more in the upcoming weeks.
If you have any questions on insert cards or interested in me designing your wedding suite, contact me here!
Though many weddings these days walk the fine line of traditional and breaking “the rules”, one important category of rules to follow is what to include in your invitations, specifically the wording.
Many people choose to go traditional on the wording without considering the origin of the order of the invitation wording. Today, I will be breaking down the way an invite is written and common phrasing you can use.
The opening line of your invite is the space which indicates the host or hosts of the wedding. Traditionally, a bride parent’s would pay for the wedding and they would be considered the host of the wedding and party. Thus the common phrase for the host line would read:
“ Mr. and Mrs. Jam invites you to celebrate the wedding of their daughter…”
Now, in our modern times, many couples are opting to pay for their own wedding, or receiving financial contributions from one or multiple parents. Here are a few helpful tips to navigate your wording:
If you (the couple to be wed) are paying for your wedding, you do not have to include a host line.
The word “and” between two names traditionally implies the two people are married
Very Formal: Mr. and Mrs. David Charles Jam…
Formal: Mr. and Mrs. David Jam… OR Mr. and Mrs. David and Cheryl Jam…
Casual: David and Cheryl Jam…
If your parents are divorced, keep both names on a separate line, with the mother’s name first. You still keep both names on separate lines, even if they are not remarried
If just one divorced parent is hosting, their name is included on the first line
If you are including a name of a step-parent, include it on the same line as their partner
Not Remarried:
Mrs. Cheryl Jam
Mr. David Jam
Remarried with Step-Parent(s)
Mrs. Cheryl Jam Davis and Mr. Joseph Davis,
Mr. David Jam
Both Sets of Parents:
Very Formal:
Mr. and Mrs. David Charles Jam
and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Matthew Berd
Formal:
Mr. and Mrs. David Jam
and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Berd
Casual:
David and Cheryl Jam
with Stephen and Jessica Berd
( Note: Different'-sex couples the bride’s parents are named first then the groom’s parents. In same-sex couples, the preference of who’s parent’s name is first is up to the couple or how it looks best with the design of the invite.
If all parents are financially contributing, place the bride’s parents first and then groom’s parents names
Names should not be listed in order of who is financially contributing more
Hosts who are not married should have names on separate lines
If you choose to include a deceased parent name, you will need to rearrange the wording as they can not actually serve as host. A common way to honor the deceased parent is to put it alongside the child’s name such as “ Marie Elizabeth Jam, Daughter of David Jam” or “ Marie Elizabeth Jam, Daughter of the late David Jam”
You can exclude the formal titles, i.e. Mr. or Mrs. for a more casual wording option
If the couple is paying with some assisitance from either parents or no assitance, use one of these common phrases:
The Couple is Paying:
with their parents:
Together with their families…
Together with our parents…on their own:
With great joy…
With full hearts…
The honor of your prescence is requested at the wedding of…
<Name of couple> invite you to share in their joy…
After the host line, you include a request line. This line is asking your guests to join you at this joyous occasion, and set’s the tone for your wedding. This wording can range from super formal to casual. The tone can be conveyed in the style of wording you choose to go with. Such as:
The phrase “honor of your presence” notes a religious aspect to your ceremony.
The phrase “pleasure of your company” notes a non-religious ceremony.
For a more formal wording, you can use such words as honor, pleasure, or cordially, i.e. “…request the honor of your presence…” or “…cordially invite you to the wedding of…”
For more casual wording, use phrases such as “love for you to join”, “joyfully request…”, “invite you to celebrate…” or “invite you you to join the celebration…”
For a very casual wedding, use phrases such as “would love your company…”, “join in the festivities…” or “want you to come party with …”
Now that you have established the host and formally asked your guest to join you, let them know what they are joing to celebrate, or more accuratly—who.
Traditinally this is the line where the parents of the bride ask the guest to join them “ at the marriage of their daughter…”
If both parents are hosting, the line would read, “ at the marriage of their children…”
If you as the couple are hosting, the phrasing may include “ as they say "‘I DO’; “as they join in the union of marriage…” or “as they celebrate their marriage…”
The most important information on the invite might seem the easiest, but there are a few items to decide on.
For differnet-sex couples, the brides name is traditionally listed first. If her parents are hosting, her first and middle name can just be listed with out her maiden name followed by the grooms full name and then his parents names.
For same-sex couples, you can list the names by choice or alphabetically. If one set of parent’s is listed as the host, put their child’s name first.
Writting out full names are often regarded as formal. For a less formal feel, opt to only include fist and last name or first and middle names when parents names are listed as well.
The date and time are staright forward, but just as the other portions of your invite, you mst decide how formal you would like to have it.
Traditionally, the date and time are fully written out, incuding the year
The day and month should be capatilized, and the year should be lower-case.
The time should be spelled out. If your time is on the half-hour, using “half-after” is more traditional. Using “half-past” or the word”thirty” after the time is the more casual version.
Evenings begin at five o’clock. You do not have to state “morning”, “afternoon” or “evening” unless it falls btween 8, 9 , or 10 as these could be morning ceremony times. You can state the time and then the pharse “in the evening…” but it is not necessary or traditional.
These rules can be broken in more contemporary designs.
This information of location follows the date and time on your invite.
For the ceremony, list the venue name on one line, and on a seperate following line include the city and state fully written out.
If you are having the ceremony and recption at the same place, use the phrase “ Reception to Follow” or “ Dinner and Drinks to follow” to let guests know on the followling line.
If you are having the recepetion at a seperate location, let your guests know by only including the venue name and not the address on the invite on the line below the ceremony information. You can include a reception card with the additional information of address or any parking information.
This line can be used to again let your guests know the formality of the recption with phrases such as “Dinner, dancing and merriement to follow”, or “An evenign of celebration to follow”
If you are not serving a full meal, use this space to notify the guests: “Punch and cake to follow” “ A dessert reception to folllow” or “Drinks and dancing to come!”
Some couples want a specific dress-code to be followed for their big day. If you are having a black-tie wedding, this must be included on the invite. For any other dress code, you can state it at the end of the invite after the reception line.
You can also include a note on the details card of your invite suite or on your wedding website. If you do not state a dress code, guests will pick up clues from the invite through look and wording on how formal a wedding will be.
Like with any part of your wedding, choose the wording on yor invite that works with your personalities and you style of your day!
Have you heard the term “invitation suite” and had no idea what it meant? You are not alone! There are a handful of terms that can sound the same or confuse you when talking with a wedding industry expert. I've compiled a helpful guide outlining these terms and what exactly an invitation suite contains.
The term “suite” refers to a set or a number of things forming a series. Thus your invitation suite is the set of paper items letting your guests know the information for your big day. It should always include the invite and an RSVP card, as well as a card for important information like directions and accommodations.
1. Your invitation—which is the largest piece–includes the key information of your name’s, wedding date and time, venue, and can include the ceremony venue address without a zip code.
2. The outer mailing envelope is the largest envelope and is addressed in the style of your choosing—printed or hand calligraphy—to your guests. These can be white or for a more fun touch a color or metallic of your choice.
3. The details card includes reception venue name, address, reception start time, and accommodations info such as where you have hotel room blocks. You may also include your website at the bottom of this card or registry information.
A second card (that you may or may not need) can be included with such information as directions, travel arrangements, or other pertinent information for guests. ( See optional items to include below)*
4. The RSVP card is a smaller card to allow guests to write their name(s) and let you know if they are attending. You may also include a space for meal choice, song requests, or website information.
5. The RSVP envelope is the smallest envelope and should always include an address that goes back to you or the coordinator of the guestlist. (Don’t forget to place a stamp on this so your guests can easily drop them back in the mail to you.)
Inner Envelope
An inner envelope can be used to tell guests who is (and is not) invited to your big day. The envelope is slightly smaller than the mailing envelope and holds the invitation suite inside. This is traditionally used in more formal weddings but allows you to clearly state who you are expecting to show up. Examples include your Guests’ names and noting if they have a plus one (i.e. Mr. Robert Smith & Guest). This is also the place to indicate whether or not children are invited by just writing the parent’s names.
Weekend Details Card
If you have multiple events going on during your wedding weekend, such as a brunch, welcome drinks, after party, etc. include a weekend details card. You want to have your guest know what to expect as well as what to pack appropriately for all the different social events.
Invitation Wrapper
An invitation wrapper is not necessary but is a beautiful and practical addition to your suite. This “wrapper” can be twine, ribbon (Seen in the picture on the left), a belly band, a folder, or even a layer of vellum wrapped around the invite. It is a beautiful accent to keep all the contents of your invite safely together when being mailed.
Website Card
You can include your wedding website on your details card or include a smaller card with just the web address. If you choose to have a website, which is a helpful resource for your guests, include as much information and details of your weekend/wedding there. This will cut down on how many text and phone calls you and your parents will receive from loved ones about your big day.
Envelope Liner
An envelope liner is a beautiful insert to your mailing envelope that allows you to add an additional splash of color, pattern, or shimmer to your invitations. It is also a fun surprise for your guests. It adds additional weight and quality to your overall invite.
Directions/Maps
Including an insert for directions or a map is great for a destination wedding or if you have multiple events happening in the weekend and need an easy guide for your guests. These can be done simply or more elaborate with watercolor features and illustrations. These beautiful pieces are not only functional but can be a keep-sake of your wedding to be framed.
Wax Seal
A popular but beautiful new trend includes the wax seal (Pictured below). These small but impactful pieces are a fun and elegant way to add color, texture, or even your monogram to your envelopes or invitation. They can be used on an invitation wrap, on the inner envelope, or on the outer envelope. If you use them on the outer envelope, know that the suite then must be hand canceled by the post office as they are not always read by the modern machines.
Postage Stamps
One thing your should not overlook is your postage stamp. This small item can make or break the mood of the front of your envelope, choose wisely! There are a handful of beautiful options from the USPS. As well, you can choose vintage stamps totaling the right price for a layered look that will stand out in your guest’s mailboxes.
Photo by Jason Adrian Photo
You can include as many of these items as you see fit and are helpful for your wedding weekend. Just remember, the two most important items are the invite and RSVP, then build your suite from there! Next week, I will be talking about the importance of invitation wording.
As always, if you have a question-feel free to message me!
This past summer, the talented Teresa Williams set-up a styled shoot to capture all the things that go into a wedding for her new course, The Wedding Photography Accelerator. I was and am so honored I got to be apart of this amazing resource in the tiniest way. Check out all these amazing vendors and the stunning outcome of this shoot!
When Teresa asked me to be apart of this shoot, she sent me a mood board with the lushest and riches organic colors and shapes. I grabbed a few designs I had previously used and combined them to make a “custom” suite for the shoot. I pulled the primary earthy tones from the florals and the secondary color of a dusty pink and the beery red from the bridesmaid dresses. I love the way it turned out!
I love the trend of natural colors being used all year long. Since the pinks and deep reds were going to be the primary accent colors at the ceremony, I choose to use them as the accent colors of the paper goods. In the main suite, I played off the natural colors of the ceremony backdrop with a mix of brown, cream and gold. I loved finishing the suite off with a pink, vellum jacket tied with a natural dyed, silk ribbon. For a romantic touch, I placed a few of the smaller flowers in the ribbon.
How beautiful are the details of this ceremony backdrop? The natural architect of the venue, Artifact Events, was elevated but not hidden by this beautiful installation from Posh Studio Rentals. All the details of the day came together in the dreamiest way!
Vendor List:
Photographer: @_teresawilliams
Venue: @artifacteventschicago
Cake: @lusciouslayersss
Invitation Suite: @linalulupaperie
Prop + Event Hire: @poshstudiorentals
Florist: @bkfloralandevent
Hair Stylist: @emilyraebridalhair
Makeup Artist: @alyssadianamakeup
Gown + Suits: @adorebridals
Videographer: @mrssarahchapman
Production Assistant: @dani_stratts
You have your date picked out, you have your venue booked, your photographer scheduled, and all your favorite people are ready to celebrate you! Now we need to get everyone else on the same page and to your event on the right date and at the right time. I joke the invite is the most important item on the wedding checklist, I mean how else are you going to get everyone you love in the same room? I know there are so many more important things, like the ceremony and the marriage itself, but the invite is still a pretty important piece of paper. All jokes aside, couples ask often what is important to include in the invite and when they should actually send it out. The average time a couple spends planning their wedding is around 15 months these days. That’s a decently long time to be planning a party. Then when do you let everyone know about the who, what, where and when?
Over the upcoming weeks, I will be going into detail about all things paper, stationery, and calligraphy that you could use for your wedding, reception, and other events celebrating your big day! Here is a brief overview of each item. (Psst…Bookmark this post as a shortcut to the posts to come! I will be updating each section below with the link to the more in-depth post)
Your Save the Date should be sent out around the 6-month mark, or sooner if travel is involved for a destination wedding.
Your Save the Date should be sent out around 6-9 months before the wedding, and at around the 1-year mark if it is an international destination wedding. The more travel involved the sooner the card should be sent out.
Save the Dates can include pictures, just typography, a fun illustartion of you as the couple or the destination you are getting married. These are the first introduction to your significant other to many family members, and will clue your guests into your vibe and potentially the feel of your wedding.
You should start thinking about invitation design around the 4-6 month mark before the wedding. The invitation should be sent out around the 2-month mark before the wedding.
Since the invitation is the “main event” and involves a few more pieces and more information than the Save the Date, we advise you to start the design process early on. If you choose from the collection with minimal changes, it can be anywhere from 4- 6 week period. If you choose to go custom, depending on the print style, at a minimum with a digitally-printed invitation, you are looking at around 6-8 weeks for design and production. If you are looking for anything additional (letterpress, foil, ribbon, wax seals, custom maps, liners, calligraphy, etc) it can potentially add more time to that process by a few weeks depending on guests count.
That’s at minimum 2 months of back and forth to help me create your invite, which in the grand scheme of things is so important to get all the right information on the right cards and out to the right people, am I right? It is also important to give your designer enough time to creatively work through your requests and give you the best options. Start inquiring about invitations at the 6-month mark. Especially for custom work, as a designer, I do not create items perfectly the first time around. By putting the work upfront in filling out your questionnaire, giving me complete information, color swatches, and a mood board is how you will help me create that custom, unique design that is just right for you and your fiancé(e) and be the perfect complement to your Big Day!
As noted above, the more info you have for your day the better. By having your date set, the venue booked, and having a rough idea or initial design meeting with your wedding planner on how the look and feel of your day will be a huge help when we start talking about your invitations. As soon as you have an idea of what you like, we can get started talking about design for your paper goods too!
I try to deliver the full suite at least a week prior to the “deadline” to ensure you can double-check your guest list and everything is in order. Check out my Wise Wedding: Invitation Details post for more information ( link will be posted here when ready).
Reply cards or RSVP cards are sent out with the invite 2 months before the wedding date.
Your RSVP is included in your invitation suite and will be sent out to all your guests when your invite is. Typically an RSVP date is 1 month before the wedding. This gives you ample time to make sure each guest has replied back to confirm with the caterer, start seating arrangements, or for you to track down replies in case an invite was lost in the mail or from an inconsiderate guest. Each venue is different and may require a guest count sooner or later than the traditional 1-month mark. Make sure to double-check this info with your planner and/or venue.
Inquire at the time of your invitations if you are using the same person for design and calligraphy. If you are hiring a separate calligrapher than the invitation designer, inquire 1 month byt the latest before the invitations are to be sent out.
There are two options when addressing your envelopes, printed envelopes or hand-done calligraphy. Both can be beautiful options, but I am in full support of calligraphy for your mailing envelopes. When will you have another time in your life to really make a statement with your piece of mail? I may be biased, but I truly do believe that your invite feels complete with calligraphy addressing. I personally ask for at least two weeks for 50-100 names or three weeks for 150-250 names from when I receive the envelopes.
Yes, calligraphy can be done “last minute” but doesn’t need to be. Once I (or your designer) have decided on an envelope/paper color and it is ordered, the calligraphy can begin when the envelopes are received. Since you collected all your addresses with your Save the Dates way back around the 9-month mark before the wedding, you have all the information you need to send to your calligrapher. A quick tip is to keep your addresses in a spreadsheet with each guest’s title and full name included ( example. Dr. and Mrs. Jason and Sandra Smith, instead of Jay and Sandy Smith). Most designers and calligraphers, including myself, will ask you for a document like this. Bonus, this spreadsheet can help you track who has RSVPed, help with seating arrangements and keep track of wedding gift thank yous— win!
You should start thinking about day-of items at least 3 months before your wedding date, and start finalizing everything in the 2-month and 1-month mark.
First, let me explain what a “day of item” is. It is anything that you will be needing just for the day of your wedding that adds to your decor and provides information to your guests. This can include programs, venues, place cards, escort cards, seating charts, welcome signs, etc. You should begin thinking about these around the same time you research your invitation look and feel. These items then can be booked around the 2-month mark. When you start your invitations, note to your designer the pieces you would like and which items you would like to coordinate with your invites look and feel and your receptions look at feel. This will allow them enough time to supply you with a design to approve, as well as order the right amount of product for you to receive finished, on time.
The last months of planning a wedding are of course full of finalizing details and making sure everything gets to the venue and set up the way you envisioned. This is no different for your day-of items. Learn more about the specifics of all the day-of items on the Wise Wedding: All the extra details post ( link will be posted here when ready).
Send a thank you from any bridal events 2-3 weeks from the event or from receiving the gift. From your wedding, thank you’s should be sent out no later than 3 months.
There is a myth going around that you have 1 year to send your thank you notes out from your wedding. This may be a newer myth due to couples opting to send a thank you card with a photo from their wedding on it, as wedding photos take longer to be edited and delivered to the couple. I recommend ordering a small amount of thank you cards that match your Save the Dates. This way you have themed cards on hand for thank yous for your shower and other bridal events or to write a special note to your bridal party. The nice thing about purchasing custom cards is that they don’t have to have the words “Thank you” printed on them. These cards can be have a pattern that is used in your weddding papergoods or have a monogram of your future, marrried name. By not including the actual words “thank you”, you can order a larger amount of custom cards that can be used for any event, including your wedding thank you notes.
If you have any other questions about the timeline for your paper goods or would like to talk about what I can help you with to check something off your current timeline, contact me here. In the meantime, to keep yourself organized, download my free wedding timeline checklist here.
When I was asked to be apart of a shoot at Artifact Event Space I couldn’t say “yes” quicker! I have been to this space a few times, as well as helping with events, and it is just so dreamy! The exposed brick, gorgeous antiques, and light pouring in is the perfect setting for any Chicago party. All the touches from each vendor created the most magical blend of an elegant, city wedding with a touch of whimsy bohemian you could ask for!
Paper goods set the stage for your guests to understand what the “feel” of your wedding will be. With this Save the Date and invitation suite I choose hand-made paper with rough, deckled edges to contrast the timeless feel of the typography and hand-drawn botanicals.
By using two colors for the invitations, black and cornflower blue, the traditional elegance of a black-tie wedding is conveyed without sacrificing the laid-back vibes of the bohemian decor that the bride and groom have throughout their day.
Hand-done details, such as the vow books and the accent mirror, lend the bohemian elegance to this unconventional space in just the right touches without feeling out of place.
One of my favorite extra items for this wedding was this mirror! The unconventional shape next to the cake adds dimension and unexpected whimsy to the sweets table. I used the lyrics from Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness to add that extra touch of romance and sentimental flair (not that this beautiful couple needed it in the slightest - they’re so sweet together!).
Photography: Teresa Williams | Flowers: Ashland Addison Floral Decor | Dress: BHLND | Hair: Emily Rae Bridal Hair, Chicago | Cake: Luscious Layers
These elegant invites convey so much in their simple design. I loved incorporating so many beautiful elements including the natural, deckled edged paper; antique gold calligraphy on the dark grey envelopes; and the illustrated, vine that is included on all three informational pieces for this complete invitation suite.
The relaxed calligraphy emphasizing the couple’s names on the invite creates a modern monogram of sorts, as well as adds a touch of sophistication to the already subdue but timeless color palette. Using the pocket folder allows all the pieces to mail easily while adding an extra and dynamic to the opening experience for the guest.
Photos by Bozenavoytko Photography | Planner: Elisabeth Dari
