Article written by Creative Director, Christy-Ann Moore
Appeared in: Ottawa Wedding Magazine, Spring/Summer Issue 2010
Traditionally a separate card for the reception information was included along with the wedding invitation that only listed the church information. Today you typically see all of the information on one card; this option is better for your budget and better for your guests as they then have only one piece of paper to keep track of.
The environment is top of mind these days and couples are seeking environmentally friendly papers and inks. Ask your stationer; a stationer that cares about the planet should have environmental options for you to choose from.
Even if you have a wedding website, and especially if you don’t, providing a printed map of the ceremony and reception site, along with the invitation is a very useful tool for your guests and they will thank you for it. If you have out-of-town guests, in addition to the map, you should also provide accommodation information for up to three hotels (high, mid, low end) that are close to the reception site. If you contact the hotels and arrange special rate pricing by blocking a group of rooms for them to book for your event don’t forget to provide your guests (include the info on the insert card) with the “booking number” and “reserve by date” so that they aren’t left out in the cold. 
A Wedding Website: Should you or shouldn’t you?
A website is a great idea and there are many wedding planning sites that offer this feature. Some are free while others will cost you but regardless of the route you choose this is a great way to get extra information out to your guests. The biggest perk of all for the wedding website is that you can include your wedding registry information. It is absolutely not acceptable, still today, to include the registry information on or along with the wedding invitation. And please, please, please! do not use the registry info cards that stores provide – this is the absolute biggest faux-pas when it comes to wedding invitations. Traditionally registry information was passed along by word-of-mouth; today a better option is the wedding website. You can include the website information along with your invitation and voilà, your guests have the information and you didn’t break any rules. Fabulous!
RSVP via email: Should you or shouldn’t you?
The quick and easy answer is no! If you are having a formal affair you should absolutely send an RSVP card, and don’t forget the stamp for the return, as it is your responsibility to provide one. If you are having a casual event and/or trying to stick within a budget, a new option that some stationers now offer is an RSVP postcard. It should save you money as the envelope will no longer be required and will save paper which is better for the environment. Regardless of what option you choose, do not ask your guests to RSVP via email; it is impersonal and sends a message that you like to cut corners.
So when making choices for your invitations (or for anything regarding the wedding for that matter) don’t over think your options, go with your gut feeling and stick with it; your first choice is usually the right choice. And keep in mind that your invitation sets the tone for your event, so choose a stationer that has options, listens to your ideas and respects your wishes.
