It seems like there is a whole new vocabulary you need to learn when planning a wedding! Last month we defined a variety of printing terms for you so this month we thought why not explain some of the other stationery terms that you will, or have, come across in your planning process.
Accommodation Card* - Gives guests information about lodging near the wedding site. If you have arranged for a group rate, let your guests know the name it’s under and the date the rate is good through. It’s also nice to let them know what the rates are and any special amenities that might make their stay more enjoyable.
Announcement- Mailed right after the wedding ceremony (or the next day) to “announce” that your marriage has taken place. These are sent to to anyone that did not get invited to the wedding. Include the date, year and city in which the wedding took place. As a general rule, if you receive an announcement, you are not obliged to buy a gift, but sending a card is a nice acknowledgement.
Calligraphy - Artistic hand-inked lettering that adds an elegant touch to envelopes, escort cards, place cards, table numbers and more.
Deckled-Edged - Ragged borders with a torn look that give paper a handmade appearance.
Direction Card* - Provides directions to the ceremony and reception locations.
Escort Card - Directs guests to their assigned tables and is usually positioned in alphabetical order near the entrance to the reception.
Font - A typeface or lettering style.
Informal - Flat or folded card that is typically used as a thank you note. It comes with an unprinted envelope.
Invitation - We know you all know what this is but remember it should never have your gift registry information on it or in the same envelope!
Menu Card - Gives a course-by-course listing of the food to be served.
Overlay - Paper layered atop another piece of paper that you can see through. Usually vellum or tissue is used as the overlay, over a heavier type of paper.
Pew Card - Designates special seating for honored guests at the ceremony. The card includes the guest’s name and pew number, and can be sent either with their invitation or after you receive their reply card. You do not see these used as often today. Most times your ushers can have a listing of special guests and which pews to seat them in or you can have a number of the front pews “ribbon-ed off” for family and special guests.
Place Card - Directs guests to a specific seat at their assigned table at a very formal wedding.
Rain Card - Tells guests where the alternate (indoor) location is in the event of inclement weather. Not used often unless the new location is in a completely different location from the original site.
Reception Card* - Tells guests where the reception will take place if different from the ceremony location. You can also put this information at the bottom of our invitation if you would prefer.
RSVP/Reply/Response Card - Sent with your invitation, this card is filled out by your guests and mailed back to you, so you know if they will or will not be attending. It is accompanied by an addressed and stamped envelope and is the most common piece to accompany your wedding invitation.
Table Number - Distinguishes tables from one another. Can be numerals or words.
Transportation Card* - Lets guests know that you’re providing some type of transportation (bus, trolley, etc) from Point A to Point B on the wedding day. If you need to know how many guests will be taking advantage of the provided transportation, just add a line to your RSVP card so you can get a head count.
Vellum - Translucent decorative paper, often used as an overlay.
Wedding Program - Outlines the ceremony proceedings. May include songs, readings, special acknowledgements, and list the wedding party.
Within-the-Ribbon Card- Indicates to guests that they are to be seated in this “ribbon-ed off” section during the ceremony. You do not see these used very often today as your ushers can be given a list of the special guests you would like to be seated in this area at the rehearsal.
*These cards can be combined on one larger card if you are looking to cut down on your carbon footprint and/or costs. Try calling it Wedding Details or Wedding Weekend Information.
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