Invitation kits for a DIYer.

choesli

I'm a DIYer and want to make sure I'm making all the appropriate parts for my wedding stationary.  I've seen kits for sale that includes more than a dozen different parts and I'm a little lost as to the purpose of some of these pieces.  For instance, what is  the purpose of a reception card?  Is that the same thing as a place card or is it a card with reception info?  There is also a wedding menu card.  Is this necessary if we are doing a buffet style reception dinner? 

Can someone please give me some guidance?  I want to save money so any unnecessary pieces should be cut yet at the same time I don't want to miss something important.

danieliza1127

The reception card is only really necessary if your reception isn't right after the ceremony.  Typically, people will put the reception info on the very bottom of the invitation, something like

Reception immediately following
XYZ Reception Hall

Or if there is a gap or something extra that you need to communicate about the reception, or there isn't room on the invitation, then you can do the reception card.

You don't need a menu if you are just doing a buffet.  Either way, the menu doesn't go in the invitation, it would go on the table at the reception.

Usually an invitation has the main invitation and an rsvp card with envelope.  Additional things would be a reception card and an accommodations card where you can tell people about local hotels and your wedding website if you have one.

choesli

Thanks for the info.  Perhaps I'm just a little jaded but I think they have all this "stuff" just to make more money off of excited brides. 

danieliza1127

Oh heck yes!   

That's why it's important to remember what's actually important.  All you really need is the basic invitation with an rsvp card and envelope.  The other stuff is optional.

squirrly

The menu isn't necessary, but I appreciate them as a guest.  Even if you just did two per table of what the choices are. 

The reception card is for if your reception is at a later, specific time or at an alternate location. OR if you're inviting everyone to the reception but only some to the ceremony, then you'd use the reception card as the ceremony card and use the invite for the reception info.

If you buy a kit that has extra stuff in it you may be able to use that for place cards or escort cards, table numbers, etc.