What to include in the invitation?

Aquarian342

Ok, I just wanted to run this by everybody in case I'm missing anything that could be useful.

I'm putting together my invitations now and so far have included:

-The invitation itself (obviously lol); I am not putting it in a separate envelope however to conserve paper/budget

-Accommodations I've booked blocks at and their prices/last day to book

-Directions to the ceremony/reception area (including a parking map) from the thruway, etc.

-The reply card w/ a forever stamp and pre-addressed: is it true that really small envelopes will not be accepted by the post office? the envelope is prob 4"x4" (I was thinking of doing post cards instead if so)

-Should I include a list of attractions in the area for my out of town guests?  There's going to prob be quite a few.

Any advice would be helpful, thank you!

kat22885

On my directions card I also "directed" people to the website for the out of town stuff.

Is your reception & ceremony at the same place?  If not, you might want to consider a reception card.

And I haven't heard of the post office not accepting the envelopes, but you can always run by and check!

Aquarian342

Yeah I suppose I could put info on my website, or just give them a good tourism website.  Thanks for the idea!

As far as the ceremony/reception, it's actually all in one spot with no gap in time (ceremony starts at 5pm, cocktail/hors d'oeuvre hour is from 5:30-6:30, then dinner and reception stuff go till 11pm) so it should be fairly easy for everyone :-)

[Deleted User]

Definitely include your website on the accommodations card then you can put places to visit, where you're registered, etc on there. I didn't do a directions card...with gps and google, there's really no need for it anymore. Square envelopes can cost more depending on the size so you should double check with the post office. I did find some info on the post office's website about envelope sizes but it was hard to find. Also, double check that your invitation envelope isn't considered oversized. 

Aquarian342

Thanks for the info, shan, I just thought the directions were customary but honestly I really see no point in them.  Whenever anybody gives me directions, I disregard them and just plug in the address into google maps and get turn-by-turn (or now, use my fiance's GPS function on his DROID).

I will prob just go to the post office at some point and bring what I want to send and see what they say; I know the postage isn't extra based on weight though.

kat22885

Haha...I included a directions card because otherwise I'd never hear the end of it from my Nana!!  ...even though she's having someone else drive her

Patineuse1124

I would be sure to include a link to your wedding website somewhere.  I had all the info about the hotel block on mine as well as buffalo attractions (clicky) and transportation options.

cgielow

I also am planning on putting directions and local attractions on the website as well

[Deleted User]

If you're doing OOT bags, you could put info in them for attractions.  I just got an email from a woman with Visit Buffalo Niagara today.  She said they can provide free maps, restaurant guides, visitor guides and other materials for my guests.

Contact info:

Dionne Williamson
williamson@visitbuffaloniagara.com
716-218-2941