This week, I was chatting with a new client about her semi-custom wedding invitations when the topic of maps came up. When is it appropriate to include a map in your wedding invitations, and is there ever a time when a map is the wrong call?
As a seasoned wedding stationer with 8 years of experience, here's what I always tell my clients.
There are two reasons you might include map in your wedding invitations: for looks and for function. If you simply love the look and added detail of a colorful map card, you can stop reading here. That's a perfectly good reason all on its own! But if you're on the fence, there are a few things to consider about whether a map might be actually be a helpful addition to your wedding invitation suite.
As someone who loves being prepared for any situation (anyone else an Enneagram 6?), I’m all about helping your wedding day run as smoothly as possible—and sometimes that means including a map with your invitations.
So, when is it necessary to go that extra mile with your wedding invites?
I suggest including a map in your wedding invitations if you have...
1. Multiple Venues
If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, especially if it's a walkable distance, a 4x6 map card can be a lifesaver. GPS is great, but phone batteries die and sometimes the connection can be spotty—especially if you're in downtown OKC and the Thunder are playing next door. A 4x6 map easily fits into most men's suit pockets and women's clutch bags, offering a failproof safeguard against those dreaded Irish exits.
2. A Destination Wedding
If your guests are traveling to a new city or country, especially one they’ve never been to, a map can highlight key wedding locations and local must-see spots. Also, it's just a great way to get your guests hyped about the upcoming adventure you're going to share!
This is an example of a watercolor map I created for an Ireland destination wedding a few years ago. It's still one of my favorite designs to this day!
Photo Credit: DVandCo
3. A Rural Venue (AKA Barn Weddings)
Finding the lost city of Atlantis is undeniably easier than finding your way to a rural Oklahoma barn wedding venue. Internet is hit or miss, the backroads aren't on Apple Maps, and depending on the time of year it may already be dark when your guests are arriving. A map will save your guests from driving around in circles and screaming at each other from the front seat when the Internet cuts out. Save a marriage—print a map.
This is a map I created and illustrated for a bride getting married in rural Oklahoma at Eleven Oaks Ranch back when the venue had first opened. I also got to highlight a few of the couple's favorite places!
Photo Credit: Baleigh Creed Photo
4. Complicated Directions
Follow County Line Road until you reach the lake. Head west on the gravel road for 0.5 miles, then hook a right at the old oak tree. Drive over the hill and park your car, then walk along the trail until you reach the barn.
These types of directions are not at all uncommon for rural Oklahoma wedding venues, so if your venue has hidden parking or confusing turns, adding a map can prevent delays and ensure everyone's there for the bride's grand entrance—because no one wants to walk in with the bride (I should know. I did it once in my early 20s because I missed my exit 🫣)
5. Guests Without Smartphones
Some of your guests, particularly the grandparents, might prefer to go the old-school route (pun intended). Providing a printed map is a thoughtful touch for anyone who may struggle with technology, and the gesture can go a long way in making older guests feel included and considered in your big day.
This is an example of a minimalist, icon map I created for a bride out of Tulsa! She wanted to invite guests to share some of the locations that were special to her and her fiance. It was such a thoughtful way to include friends and family in their love story!
Photo Credit: Andi Bravo Photography
Other Considerations
Once you've decide to include a map in your wedding invitations, there are still many more questions to be answered:
Which map style best matches your invitation suite: watercolor, icon, or illustrated?
How many destinations do you want to highlight?
What scope and area size should the map include?
What sizes should your map be?
Should your map be printed on the details card or as a standalone?
Hiring a professional stationer who can walk you through each step is the best way to make sure your wedding invitations are stylistically cohesive, functional, and inclusive. If you're interested in working together, reach out! If you're feeling lost about your wedding invitations, I can help you find the perfect invitation suite—no map required.
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