Everyone is familiar with wedding invitations, but there are actually many other terms that are associated with them. Here are some of the more common terms that you are likely to encounter while shopping for your invitations.
Announcements: For those people you would like to inform of your recent marriage but who won’t be invited to your wedding, you can choose to mail them an announcement card. They can be printed on matching invitation paper with the verse reading that your wedding has already taken place. Suggested mailing time is on the day of your wedding or immediately after.
Double Envelopes: Traditionally, formal wedding invitations come with two large envelopes. The outer envelope is actually the mailing envelope that will contain the name and address of your guests. The inner envelope holds your invitation along with any insert pieces and is addressed with only your guests’ names. This envelope is left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope.
Engraved Invitations: This is a time-honored printing process of raising ink on paper through a process of etching metal plates, filling the etches with ink, then pressing paper into the plates. Engraved wedding invitations tend to be more expensive.
Envelope Seals: Decorative self-adhesive seals can add the finishing touch to the outside of your mailing envelope. They are available in many styles and are used to give the illusion that they are holding the back flap down even though the envelope has already been sealed.
Informal Notes: These are typically used as your thank you cards. It is a good idea to order them when ordering your wedding invitations since they can be printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. Informal notes are personalized on the front with either your monogram or first names with the inside left blank for writing your own personal message. Any extras can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are included.
Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small cost, you can request a colored lining on the inside of your inner envelopes to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.
Map Cards: Guests will appreciate direction cards as a convenience if they are not familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.
Printed Envelope Flaps: Having your return address printed on the back flap of your mailing envelope can save you time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are promptly returned to you. A return address also provides an address to any guests who might not be able to attend but still wish to send a card or gift. There is usually a small charge for this option.
Reception Cards: An insert card that contains all the details of your wedding reception. Reception cards can be used in place of having this information printed on your invitation or if only certain guests might be invited to this portion of your celebration. They can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that including this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.
Response Cards: Guests are asked to return this card indicating whether they will be able to attend your wedding. Response cards provide you with the accurate guest count you will need to properly plan for your dinner/reception. The response card along with its return mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation. Remember to include a postage stamp on this small return envelope which will also have a mailing address pre-printed so your guests can easily return it by the date you have requested.
Thermography: A printing process whereby invitations are printed in ink and a special powder is sprinkled over the wet ink. Then the invitation is sent through a heater which melts the powder and “raises” the ink. Thermography is more commonly used in printing since it is more cost effective than engraving.
