What goes into a wedding suite of invitations

Of all the many items on your wedding planning checklist, selecting the invitation suite of stationery may be the most fun activity. The “suite” is a chic way of saying all the paper goods – including the star of the show – the invitation. Just like a wedding, invitations can be as simple or fancy, low-cost or high-end as you wish, and you are likely to enjoy the process of perusing papers, designs, ink colors, ribbons, wax stamps, and more. Invitations can stand alone as their own element or offer recipients a first glimpse into a theme. No matter your aesthetic, here’s what’s what:

THE BASICS

• Invitation & Envelope: Generally the largest piece, the invite has all of the important details. • Response Card & SASE*: Be sure to provide a clear RSVP deadline.

*Self-addressed stamped envelope

• Pretty stamps for all mailings.

THE EXTRAS

• Save the Date Card: An optional card that lets guests know to reserve a spot on their calendar because a special invite will be on its way. • Inner Envelope: A smaller envelope that holds the invitation within the larger envelope. • Reception Card: Information for guests if the reception will be held at a different location than the ceremony. • Information Cards: One to several cards with information such as directions, parking, weekend events, and any details you want guests to know. • Invitation Wrapper: A band that holds all the cards together.

THE THANK YOUS

Most manners experts suggest sending thank-you cards for all gifts received within three months of the wedding. Make having cards a no-brainer by either including them in your suite or purchasing separately to have and to send, and get stamps, too!

INVITATION SOURCES

• Allyson DuPont Designs, Cranston • Bryn’s Invites, Newport • Champagne and Ink, Newport • Creative Inspirations, Coventry • Crosstown Press, Cranston • Design by Sofia, Rumford • DWRI Letterpress, Providence • Elated Paper Co., Portsmouth • Ladyfingers Letterpress, Pawtucket • Little Birdie Papercraft and

Design Studio, Warwick • New England Invitations, East Greenwich • One Bella Design, Cranston • Pink Ink Paperie, Cumberland • the original pear, Providence • Sharon Morgera Calligraphy & Design,

Middletown • Spoon&Sailor Letterpress, Central Falls • Sunderland’s Studio, Portsmouth • There Will Be Cake, Providence • Wishes Under Wrap, Johnston

LOCAL CALLIGRAPHERS

• Black Tulip Calligraphy, Providence • Coastline Letter Co., Providence • Heather Belle Ink, Tiverton • Posh Papers, Riverside • Scribe Calligraphy Studio & Gallery,

East Greenwich

Alicia Reynolds

• International experience, local knowledge • Whether you are a first time buyer, looking to move up, down or just around town, I can help you achieve your goals!