Here we explore admission cards, pew cards, within- the-ribbon cards and at-home cards. We define the uses of each type of card, and give scenarios when you might want to use them.
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Stationary supply companies have all kinds of cards that can be included with your wedding invitation. The purpose of these add-ons is in response to the various unique circumstances that sometimes occur when planning a wedding.
Admission Cards are typically used when a wedding is held in a popular ceremony site that attracts sightseers. This could be a location like a gothic cathedral or public garden. Each guest is asked to present their admission card to ensure that the ceremony has only invited guests. The Admission Card usually states: Please present this card at the Leo Mol Garden, Saturday, the twenty-first of April, Two Thousand and Ten.
Pew Cards card are simple small cards that state: Pew Number One (or other pew number) engraved on it. These cards go to family members or special individuals who are to be seated in the reserved pews. Guests show the card to the usher or groomsmen who then ushers them to their seats as required. This is usually used at formal weddings, and can be used in semi-formal weddings. Pew cards are not used at informal weddings.
Some regions use an alternative card that states: Within The Ribbon. This has the same purpose as Pew Cards. The usher or groomsmen, when presented with the card, will escort your guests to the reserved area and then lift the ribbon so the guests can take their seats, replacing the ribbon when they have passed. There are not exact seats assigned, they are just seated in the area ‘within the ribbon’.
Often ‘pew cards’ or ‘within the ribbon cards’ are sent out after your guests have sent their RSVP card back, so the seating can be planned. This really depends upon how many people you are designating for this area, and whether their attendance is questionable. Often it is immediate family and they won’t miss your wedding, so the cards can then be sent with the wedding invitations.
At-Home cards tell your guests your new address. For example: it can be written “At home after April 21st” or “Will be at home after April 21st” followed by your new address and phone number. Also, depending upon whether the bride changes her name, it can say Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, or Susan Jones and John Smith. This lets people know whether you have chosen to take your husbands name, or to keep your own name. At-Home cards are included in wedding invitations or wedding announcements, and is a great way to keep family informed of your new address and phone number.