330.864.6848    Sign up now - receive our Invitation Guide and e-mail specials invitation guide | before you order | ensemble | verses | addressing | assembly |  HOME SHOP ONLINE WHAT'S NEW TIPS 'n TOOLS Invitation Guide Before You Order Ensemble Explained  Verses Addressing Assembly PROMOTIONS SERVICE         The Wedding Invitation Ensemble Explained All the stationery parts described The Basics Pieces Invitation The invitation is the most important part of the invitation ensemble and contains all the information your guests need to know so they can plan to attend your wedding. Styles of invitations vary in style and formality. Your invitation sets the mood of your wedding. Luckily there is something for everyone from classic and elegant to fun and whimsical.   It is proper etiquette to include reception information if space allows and if your guests are invited to both the wedding and the reception. Reception information can be added as a continuation of the wedding verse (add a blank line between if you choose) or you can add the information in the form of a corner copy.   Double envelopes are included with the majority of invitations. Some casual and contemporary invitations may only have an outer envelope. Be sure to read the description so you understand what is included with the invitation price. Outer Envelope* The outer envelope is gummed and is used to mail your invitation and enclosure cards to your guests. A return address can be added to the envelope flap if you choose. This will ensure undeliverable invitations are returned to you for correction and re-mailing. The font and ink color can match the invitation and enclosure cards or they can be embossed.   Inner Envelope* The inner envelope is not gummed and is used to contain your invitation and the enclosure cards after the outer envelope is opened and discarded. A lining can be added if you choose. They are available in many colors and can coordinate with your ink color. Not every lining color is available with every invitation. Be sure to see what color options are available. Lined inner envelopes are the most economical way to dress up an invitation.   *Order an additional 25 inner and outer envelopes to replace mistakes made while addressing. Tissues The tissue was necessary to prevent wet ink from smudging, but improved printing techniques have made them necessary for tradition purposes only. They are rarely included with orders today.   Reception Card The reception card is an enclosure card that contains all the information needed regarding your reception time and location.   Response Card The response card is the enclosure card that your guests will return to inform you if they are able to attend and what entree they desire if a selection is necessary. The respond card is always accompanied with an addressed return envelope.  An invitation to the ceremony alone does not require a response card.   Optional Invitation Enclosures Map/Direction Card The map or direction card is an ideal way to provide directional information to your guests. They can be printed with either a hand drawn map, a computer generated map, or written instructions.  A map on one side and written directions on the other is an option also.   Accommodations Card The accommodations card is a courteous way to direct your guests to the most convenient hotel accommodations in relation to your events.  A block of rooms with a special rates  is usually negotiated.  Be sure to include all the information necessary for your guests to make their reservations.   For the Ceremony Programs The wedding program contains the ceremony outline and the wedding party.  Including a memoriam, thank you, honeymoon plans, and your new address are other options you may want to include.  Extra programs can be placed by the guest book at the reception (usually on the place card table) for guests that could not attend the ceremony.   Pew Card The  pew card or within the ribbon card is a small card about the size of a business card that is enclosed in the invitation of special guests who are to be seated in reserved pews.   For the Reception Place Card The card, usually a tent fold, is printed with fill in lines for your guest's name(s) and the table number where their reserved seats are.  Place cards are put in alphabetical order on a table for guests to pick up when they arrive.   If you offer your guests an entrée selection, place cards can also include a symbol of which entrée was chosen so the server can see what to serve each guest.   Menu Card A menu card is printed with your names, wedding date, and complete menu. It is usually placed at each place setting, but it can be displayed in the center of the table as well. If there is a monogram or motif used on the wedding invitation stationery then it can be added to the top of the menu card as well.   Table Numbers The table number is usually placed on a stand in the center of the table so you guests can find where the seats reserved for them are located as indicated on their place card.   After the Wedding Informal Note The informal note is printed with your name, monogram, or with a "Thank You" design on the front. The inside should be blank so you can write a personal note. Your return address can be added to the envelope flap if you choose.   Specializing in discount wedding invitations since 1998. Serving nationwide online and locally by appointment  .  Northeast Ohio:  Akron, Canton, Cleveland and surrounding communities 330.864.6848  .  anne@annesgrapevine.com  .  Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 Copyright© since 2003 Anne's Grapevine. 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