Wedding
Related Notices and Correspondence
By Tracy Bloom
Schwartz, CSEP
Gift
Received Cards
In
the case that a bride will not be able to send thank you notes promptly,
cards acknowledging receipt of gifts should be sent. They are personalized
so that the bride has to only address the envelope and write the
proper thank you note at a later date. We find these are used when
there are a large number of guests invited, or that an extended
honeymoon is planned.
Pew
Cards
The
purpose of a pew card is to indicate to honored guests that they
are to be seated in a special section near the front of the church.
To assist the ushers in seating these guests, pew cards are presented
containing the pew number. Pew cards are included with the invitations
or sent to the guest after they have responded with an acceptance
to the wedding.
Within
the Ribbon Cards
The
purpose of a within the ribbon card is to inform ushers about guests
that should be seated in a special section identified with a ribbon.
Within the ribbon cards are included with the invitations or sent
to the guest after they have responded with an acceptance to the
wedding.
Wedding
Announcements
Those
not invited to the wedding ceremony still represent an important
place in your lives and can be sent a wedding announcement. Wedding
announcements merely announce the wedding - they do not invite,
nor do they require the recipient to send a gift. They are often
postmarked and sent on the wedding day, never before. An announcement
can be combined with other personal correspondence, including a
holiday card.
Table
Cards
Table
cards, are placed outside the reception space and direct guests
to their respective tables. The guests' names are handwritten or
printed on the envelope and the appropriate table number is written
on the enclosed card. It is acceptable to use a tent card to direct
guests to their tables with the name on the front and the table
number inside. Each couple should receive one, as well as individuals
without an escort or guest should receive one.
Place
Cards
Placed
at each seat of the table, place cards identify the guests' specific
seating arrangements. Tent folded place cards stand on their own,
while flat place cards may be put in holders or simply placed on
the plate or set against the water glass. Place cards should match
your menu cards. In very formal and traditional affairs, guests
should be directed to a specific seat. The host then ensures guests
are seated next to individuals they know or feel would enjoy one
another's company. Many still follow the tradition of seating everyone
with alternating the men and women, and not seating husband and
wife, or couples next to each other, they are less likely to join
in the table conversation that way.
Menu
Cards
Especially
in these times of great awareness and issues with food choices,
a menu is almost a necessity to inform your guests of the meal and
choices you are offering. The menu card is placed on each table,
with a minimum of one, often three, or more likely, one for every
person seated at the table. As the two cards now on the table are
the menu card and place card, these should match or blend together.
Another option is to personalize each menu with the guests name.
This will then serve the dual function of the menu card and place
card.
At
Home Cards
In
the tradition of bride and groom returning from their honeymoon
to their first home together, at home cards contain the newly married
couple's address. When receiving an at home card, guests should
know to wait to send gifts after the date given on the card. At
home cards may be sent with the invitations, with the announcements,
or on their own.
Gift
Received Cards
In
the case that a bride will not be able to send thank you notes promptly,
cards acknowledging receipt of gifts should be sent. They are personalized
so that the bride has to only address the envelope and write the
proper thank you note at a later date. We find these are used when
there are a large number of guests invited, or that an extended
honeymoon is planned.
Author's
Information:
Tracy Bloom Schwartz, CSEP 301-654-9292
Creative Parties, Ltd. tracybloom@cparties.com
8011 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
www.cparties.com
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