Invitations and Announcements FAQ

1. What items should I order for my invitation set?


The items you order should include the invitation itself as well as several enclosures. The invitation announces the wedding couple and their sponsors. It also lets your guests know the date, time and location of the ceremony.


Enclosures are the small cards included with your invitation. They provide more detailed information than available on the invitation itself. In addition to the reception and response cards, other types of enclosures include "within the ribbons" or pew cards and map cards.


"Within the ribbon" or pew cards are used primarily in ultra-formal weddings. Pew cards are included in the invitations of guests of distinction such as close family members and special friends. These guests present their cards upon arrival at the ceremony to receive their special "within the ribbon" front row seating.


Map cards are enclosed in the invitations of out-of-town guests who may have difficulty finding your wedding ceremony or reception site.


2. People keep talking about two different types of invitation printing: thermography and engraving. What's the difference and which should I choose?


Thermography and engraving are both types of raised letter printing. Thermography begins with a flat imprint of a specially-formulated ink. A powder designed for thermography is then sprinkled over the wet ink and both are bonded to the paper by heat to produce the raised look.


Thermography simulates the appearance of the more-expensive engraving process. Engraving involves the cutting of copy or a design into a metal plate. The die is inked and wiped clean, leaving ink in the impressions. The paper is then laid on the die, and the press forces the paper into the cavities of the die to achieve the raised lettering effect.


3. In the invitation albums I've looked through, there are different prices quoted for traditional and photo lettering. What does that mean?


Traditional lettering (sometimes called Letterpress Printing) is a cost-effective, time-honored, traditional hot lead process. Molten lead is formed into the shapes of the letters using pre-cast molds. The letters cannot be made larger or smaller due to the limitations of the pre-cast molds.


Photo Lettering (sometimes called Offset Printing) can provide the look of a flowing script type through the use of photographic technology. The process starts with a photographic image of the words to be printed. The image can then be reduced or enlarged.


4. Why should I order a separate reception card? Won't a line at the bottom corner of the invitation ("Reception immediately following at The Stony Brook Inn") work just as well?


The wedding ceremony and reception are two distinctly different types of events. Because these two events are so different, traditional etiquette dictates that separate cards be used. In addition, some invitation styles, such as short-fold or specialty-die-cut stocks, are unable to accommodate corner copy. This card is enclosed in the invitation and does not require an individual envelope.


If you are on a tight budget or if your reception is at the same location as the ceremony, feel free to use corner copy instead of a reception enclosure card.


5. When is a respond card and envelope necessary?


A respond card is necessary in just about every case since this acts as your RSVP. Knowing how many guests will attend is critical when making catering arrangements and creating your seating chart.


6. What does the term "blind embossing" mean?


This is a special printing technique in which an image is pressed into paper resulting in a raised design. The embossing is termed "blind" because the design is formed without ink or foil.


7. What is a "deckle edge"?


This is the untrimmed, feathered edge of a sheet of paper. It is most often found on parchment stocks.


8. What is a lined inner envelope?


Traditionally, your invitation set includes a set of inner and outer envelopes. The outer envelope serves as a mailing vehicle while the inner envelope protects the invitation. For added elegance the inner envelopes may be enhanced with colored linings.


9. I really don't like the idea of having an inner and an outer envelope. Can I just use the inner envelopes alone and mail them that way?


Unfortunately, the inner envelopes do not have a gummed flap. Therefore, if you did use them as your mailing envelope, you would have to close them with an envelope seal of some sort. Also, in most cases you would not save any money by requesting inner envelopes only. Inner and blank outer envelopes come free of charge with invitations from most of the major invitation manufacturers.


10. Do I need to send announcements?


If your wedding is small or private you may wish to send announcements to friends and family members you are unable to invite to the ceremony. You may also send announcements to those who are unable to attend your marriage celebration. Announcements are sent immediately following the wedding and include the time and location of the ceremony. An "at home card" may accompany the announcement to inform friends and family of your new address.


11. Why does a piece of tissue paper rest on the top of my invitation?


Originally, tissue tissue paper was used to keep ink from smudging onto the envelope and other enclosures. With today's printing technology, the tissue is no longer need. However, enclosing the tissue remains an important part of invitation etiquette and tradition.