There are a lot of components that can be added to your wedding invitation depending on the type of wedding, guests, budget, and style of your wedding celebration. We have broken down some of the essential elements components to give an idea of what may be included with your invitation and/or follow your invitation style.

1. The Outer Envelope
   
   
   • Anchors your ‘invitation package’.  This is your guest’s first impression of your wedding once they pick up their mail!
   • It is a good idea to have your return address printed on the back flap of the envelope in the same lettering as your invitation.
   • Your guest’s address may be handwritten neatly or written using the services of a calligrapher.
2. The Inner Envelope
   
   
   • Historically, inner envelopes were created to provide added protection to the contents of letters or invitations.  That is, the outer envelope often suffered quite a bit of wear and tear between destinations, so the inner envelope would preserve the contents while identifying the recipient in case the original address information wore away.
   • The need for an inner envelope no longer exists, but the romantic tradition remains.  Nowadays, the inner envelope identifies only the invitees within the household (For example: Mr. & Mrs. Wilhelm Schneider).  No address is written on the inner envelope.  All contents of your invitation package are placed inside the inner envelope.  Usually the inner envelope back flap is left folded, but unsealed.
3. The Invitation
   
   
   • The most essential component of your invitation package.  If your invitation is a folded card, all other components should be placed inside the invitation.  If this is not possible, or your invitation consist of a one sided card, place all other components on top of the invitation.  The goal here is to make the invitation package as neat and tidy as possible.
4. The RSVP, Response, or Reply Card
   
   
   • Just as important as the invitation, the size and expense of your wedding is largely determined by RSVP cards.
   • RSVP cards usually contain a blank line where the guest fills in his/her name and indicates the number of persons attending from his/her party.  Usually an addressed and pre-stamped envelope is included to encourage your guest to respond as soon as possible.
   • RSVP cards can contain other information such as multiple dining options which must be chosen, or spaces for comments, requests, feedback etc.  A common tip is to lightly number each RSVP card with a corresponding guest/invitation list.  That way, if any RSVP card is returned blank without the sender’s information, you’ll know exactly which guest it is.
   • RSVP sizes are usually much smaller than invitations and contain an appropriately-sized return envelope.