The wedding invitations and seating cards can be a little complicated. What information do you disclose? How should you structure the details on the actual card? When should you send them out? These are important things that you should know before you start picking out patterns and font types. There should be some kind of order between the written instructions and note cards you distribute at the reception, and what you mail to all of the guests prior to the wedding.

1. The Wedding Invitation
First things first: the wedding invitation. A typical wedding invite is about 8 inches in length and 6 inches in width. This doesn't mean that your has to be – wedding invitations comes in all shapes and sizes. Instead of selecting a standard rectangular shape, you could send out cards shaped like cakes, seashells, or animals. You could even mail out wedding scrolls in boxes. There is no limitation on wedding invitation creativity! When buying the invitations, don't forget that you still need to pay to have them mailed. Choose something relatively light as price of postage is determined by weight.

2. Separate Ceremony and Reception
If your ceremony venue and reception are not in the same place, it's recommended that you have a separate card for the reception details. This will prevent guests from assuming that they are the same. Include the address of the reception venue, dress attire, and the time – if the reception does not immediately follow the wedding ceremony.

3. Travel Guide
Inside the wedding invitation you will probably need to disclose a few essential facts. Info that is extremely important is a travel guide. Out of town guests will need to know about the local airport codes, incoming airlines, airfare, public transportation, and possibly the price and location of good car rentals. Put these details on a card that is separate from the wedding invitation – but make sure that it still looks nice. Organize it in such a way that is unmistakably apparent. This way there's no confusion.

4. Directions
Directions are cardinal, so make sure that they are included somewhere in the envelope. You can print a detailed map of the area with the fundamental points highlighted, or you could just write out directions from the airport and freeway. And don't just give directions to the wedding venue and hotel. Impart directions on how to get to shopping centers, movie theaters, and local hot spots. This is extremely helpful for guests who don't know the area but want to explore.

5. Hotel Details
Hotel accommodations are another key ingredient. Block off some rooms at all of the local hotels and then list them on a separate piece of paper in order according to cost. Include hotel websites, phone numbers, addresses, and the rate for the rooms you were able to acquire. This way your guests will know what their options are and won't have to call you to figure it out!

6. Itinerary
Weddings aren't just one day, they're typically an entire weekend of back-to-back events. Make sure that include info specifying the daily happenings. For example you could give directions and instructions that pertains to the rehearsal dinner the night before, any lunch or parties going on prior to the wedding, and details on the farewell brunch the following morning (if relevant).

7. Rehearsal Dinner Invitation
This should only go to the people who are invited to the rehearsal dinner. You can send this along with the wedding invitation, or send it separately – just whatever you do, make sure that the right people receive it! There is no good way to get out of accidentally inviting guests to the rehearsal dinner, so be cautious and conscientious!

8. Reply Card
In the end, don't forget the reply card. This is what the guests will use to RSVP to the party. Don't have them do this by phone – this is messy and can be a pain to keep track of. Having a pile of replies that you can physically count is always nice. Leave room on the card for notes, questions, or concerns that a guest may have. Also: ask them to list any food allergies that they or anyone else in their family has. Put a “reply by” date on the card.