I have designed my own wedding invitations and response cards. I included the three dinner options that the guests have to choose from, but i was not sure if I should include a complete menu with appetizer, salad, descriptions of the three dinner choices, dessert, and cake. also how do i inform out of town guests about hotel arrangements? is this included with the invitation as well, or mailed separately?
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It's only necessary to include the options that they get to choose from. Indicate that they should circle, or put a check beside what they want. It is unusual for the full menu to be included and it may confuse guests and lead them to circle the items they want to eat, thinking they need to choose between these too. If you want to let people know your full menu in advanced, perhaps put it up on your wedding website if you have one? If you don't you can make one for free at most of the major bridal sites.
I don't think it's necessary!
Actually, I think it's a great idea so u would know what kind of food to purchase more or less of without wasting your money… and It's totally up to you about including the hotel info. At least your guest would know what they need 2 budget for before they come 2 town. I say the less surprises the better. Besides save a stamp u could use your money on more important things:)
I have usually only seen the entree choices, like chicken, beef or fish, so you don't really need to put the entire menu on.
No. If you're giving them a choice of the main course, only send that information. It's wholly and totally unnecessary to send information about accompaniments.
Too much on your invitaion. How about sending it out as an E-mail to everyone invited.
If your guests are picking their entree for a plated meal, then you include those choices on the reply card. Be as descriptive as possible in case anyone has food allergies. Also, some people who might otherwise choose your beef option may not like how it is prepared and if they know ahead of time exactly how it will be fixed, they can opt for your other choice instead. However most people aren't that courteous to their guests. If I were to receive a card that just said "Beef, chicken or vegetarian" I would be trying to get ahold of the bride to ask how they were prepared because I wouldn't know what to pick since there is no indication how they are fixed otherwise.
They don't need to know at that point what the rest of menu is but make sure that there is a place on the reply card for anyone to let you know if they are vegetarian or have any food allergies.
Hotel info is usually included in the save the dates if you are sending them out. But most adults are able to figure out accommodations on their own with Google, etc. But you can add them in the invitation if you wish. There isn't any need to send them separately.
Don't bother sending the whole menu with the invitations. Most people will lose it anyhow before the date of the wedding. On the response cards, have them indicate their entree choice.
As for hotels, include a separate photocopied sheet with the hotel information. If you've booked a bank of rooms at a certain hotel and are getting a discount because of it, make sure to say that.
If the caterer requires that you let them know ahead of time then the three choices would go on a separate little card where they can check of their choices. On the back of the RSVP is customary. The hotel arrangements go on a separate card as well that might have directions on the back.
Dinner menus: no need to mail this information unless you are requesting the guests to choose between one or more entree items.
Out of town accommodations: many brides are opting to design a wedding website with information about local hotels, attractions, etc, so guests can have the information they need (without bombarding the bride with questions!) You can tell your out of town guests about your website – via email or postal mail. Also, feel free to have your Maid of Honor to help you with this!
no need to describe the food just the main dish so they can choose…if you have a web site it is a good idea to include it in the invitation put in a separate sheet with information about the hotel and directions