Py-on-i Designs Online Catalogue

Glossary of Wedding Stationery Terms

At any given time you will encounter certain terms in the descriptions of wedding invitations and other stationery items that are completely unfamiliar. The following list will give you an idea of the meaning of each term, and in some instances the purpose of the item.

Term	Description / Purpose
Engagement Announcement	Let your friends and family know your special news.
Wedding Announcements	Used to share the news of your special day with those you were not able to invite to the wedding. These should be mailed on your wedding day, or as soon as possible after your wedding.
Wedding Invitations	Provides the general information about your wedding to your guests: Day and Date, Time and Location. It is also the first impression to your guests of the type of wedding you will have.
Accessory Cards	These are smaller note cards which match your invitations, and according to the wording printed can be used for Respond Cards, Reception Cards, Thank You Cards and other Personal Notes.
Reception Cards	This card in included with the invitation to guests who are invited to the reception, it indicates the time and place of the reception.
Response Cards	These enclosures allow your guests to accept or decline your invitation, they include envelopes with your return address printed. As a courtesy to your guests, you can also place the required postage stamp on the envelope.
Choosing a RSVP date	This date can be up to two weeks before the event, but it is always best to confirm with your caterer or reception site when the final head count is needed, and allow guests to reply at least one week before that date. This give you time to contact guests who have not yet responded.
At Home Cards	This is a card stating your new address. You may mail these with your invitations, however, if you have them printed as Mr. & Mrs., they should be sent separately after the wedding.
Informals	Coordinating accessory cards imprinted with the names of the bride and groom on the front, and a blank inside for brief correspondence of thank you note.
Thank You Cards	This can be a coordinating accessory card or other style, imprinted with Thank You on the front with a blank inside, or Thank You on the front and thank you verse and your names on the inside.
Inner Envelopes	Inner envelopes are included in the price of most invitations. The invitation assemble in placed in this envelope which is addressed with only the guest's name(s), then inserted into the outer envelope which is addressed to your guest.
Envelope Liners	These are coloured, patterned or textured papers which are preglued into the inner envelope for decorative purposes. The liner can coordinate with the tint of the invitation or with the ink colour.
Outer Envelopes	This is the envelope which is addressed with your guest's mailing address.
Corner Copy	A line set in a smaller print on the bottom of the invitation which usually states the RSVP, reception or special instruction you wish to convey to your guests. It can be set right, left, centre or both right and left. Corner copy on imported invitations is an additional charge.
Unassembled	Some invitations come "customer assembly required". Pearl embossed folded invitations, accessory cards and some invitations with overlays and wraps where a bow or ribbon is added.
Tissues	These are included free with formal wedding invitation orders. Traditionally, tissues were used to cover the invitation text when printing inks were not fully dried before assembly.
Bright White	Invitation paper colour, very white or pure white.
Wedding White / Soft White	Invitation paper colour, slightly off-white, also called eggshell.
Ecru / Ivory	Invitation paper colour, very cream.
Floral Embossed Papers	This type of paper is created with flowers embossed over the entire surface.
Translucent Papers	Sheer paper sheets used to create invitations, wraps or overlays.
Combination Lettering	Two lettering styles used to create a different look. Available at no additional charge with most invitations.
Names on Front	On certain folded invitations, your first names can be imprinted on the front. Please indicate how you would like your names to appear on the front of the invitation or if you would like the names omitted.