Invitations

It used to be customary for mail to be delivered cross country by hand and there was an outer envelope addressed to the heads of household to protect the inner card/letter. The inner envelope was addressed to everyone invited or intended to participate.


For reply card, if you're able to customize them, list the names of those invited. Another option is "we have reserved × seats for you". Then you get on the phone asap when they start inviting people on their own.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for response. I like the idea of completely customizing the stationery materials and stating that x number of seats are reserved.

I’ll be honest I’m skipping the formality of invitations. I do remember sending out fancy graduation announcements with 2 envelopes, but for my wedding invitations I’m just doing the one. I’m also planning to have guests RSVP online or by calling/texting rather than having to also include rsvp cards and pre-stamped envelopes.

I go back and forth on this over and over. I feel like the inner envelopes are helpful if you're not inviting kids. Because you'd address the envelope like normal on the outside and only put the adults names on the inner envelope, so it becomes clear that the kids aren't invited. It's also just nice if you're a stickler for tradition. But they definitely aren't necessary! And they do convey that the event is more formal, so if you're having a casual wedding, it's definitely not needed.

My first wedding there was an inner envelope that had names of people invited, plus RSVP card, etc. This one had no inner envelope. I added a details card too. The traditional RSVP card will have an envelope but it will have your name and address (or parents, etc.) for people to respond back.

Everything is nested. The invitation, rsvp card, rsvp envelope, etc. all go into the inner envelope and the inner envelope then goes into the outer envelope. The outer envelope helps to keep everything cleaner. The outer envelope will have the address and main name. For instance you will have Mr. John and Jane Smith/123 Main St, Anytown, State." Then, on the inside, you list each individual person who is invited. For instance, that may read "John Smith/Jane Smith/Joe Smith" if they also have a child. https://www.theknot.com/content/amphtml/addressing-wedding-invitations