You've heard the term 'wedding invitation set'- but what does that really mean? 

Here are some of the most common parts of a wedding invitation- including a few you may never have considered- and how to determine what you need.

• Wedding Invitation Card: The only must-have part of a wedding invitation, this card tells your guests who is getting married, where and when the wedding ceremony will take place and who is hosting the event.
   

• RSVP or Response Card: Did you know that traditionally, wedding invitations did not include RSVP cards- each guest was supposed to handwrite a response on their own stationery and mail back to the host? Nowadays, many people just don't have the time (or even personalized stationery!) to do this, so it is convenient to include an RSVP card with a stamped, addressed envelope.  The RSVP card indicates who and how many will be attending, when you need a reply back from the guest, and for those serving plated dinners, can also be used to indicate a guest's meal choice. 

• Reception Card: Useful when you are having the wedding ceremony at one location and the reception at another, a reception card indicates to the guests that they are invited to join you for the celebration, and gives them the time and location of the reception.

• Details Card: An alternative to a Reception card, this card is useful when the ceremony and reception are at the same venue but different locations. It tells the guests where each portion will take place, for example: 'The wedding ceremony will be held  by the lake, followed by cocktail hour on the terrace and dinner and dancing in the ballroom'. This card is also a great place to list your wedding website address where guests can go to get more information.

• Directions Card: Directions are not just for out of town guests- even locals may need help getting to the wedding, especially if the ceremony and reception locations are far apart.  This is also a great place to list any parking restrictions, cost of nearby garages or let the guests know ahead of time that there will be valet parking provided.

• Map Card: A custom map is a nice addition to a wedding invitation. It can be included on a separate card or as part of the Directions card. In addition to giving the guests a visual representation of your wedding location, you can also mark other points of interest for those from out of town. If your guests are mostly locals you may want to save the map just for your out of town guests and include it in a welcome bag waiting for them at their hotel.
   

• Accommodations Card: If you did not provide hotel information for out of town guests along with your save the dates, an accommodations card is the place to do it. It lists hotels (usually in a variety of price ranges) and any information about booking they may need if you've reserved a block of rooms at a special rate for your guests. This is also a good place to list any important travel information and your wedding website address for more information.

• Events Card: With many people traveling to attend weddings, many couples plan other activities for the weekend so they can spend more time with their guests. From a welcome BBQ to a post-wedding send off brunch, this is where you would let the guests know what other events they are invited to. In some cases only the out of town guests and immediate family may be invited - this card can be customized and only included in the invitations given to specific guests. 

• At-Home Card: Haven't heard of these? These cards give your guests the address where you'll be 'at home' following the wedding. If you will be moving prior to the wedding you may want to include them in the invitation, but they can also be sent separately or included with your thank you cards after the wedding. It also indicates to the guests how to address the couple- will the bride be taking her husband's last name, keeping her own or hypenating it? With so many options it is nice to be able to clearly let your friends and family know and this is one way to accomplish it.

You are welcome to include this article on your blog, website or newsletter as long as you include this complete credit line:  © 2010 Brenna Catalano Rhoades. Brenna creates boutique invitation designs for clients across the country. To receive planning articles delivered straight to your inbox, visit  www.bcdesignstudio.com