Digital Wedding Invites: Tacky Or Trendy?

The use of digital wedding invitations is a topic of debate, with some people considering them tacky and informal, while others view them as a convenient and environmentally-conscious option. The main concerns with digital invitations are the lack of formality and sentimentality, potential issues with email addresses and spam filters, and the preference for traditional paper invitations, especially among older guests. However, digital invitations are often chosen for their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, and can be a good option for casual weddings or tech-savvy couples. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and knowing your guest list.

Digital wedding invitations are more cost-effective and convenient

Digital wedding invitations are a convenient and cost-effective option for couples. They are a popular, affordable alternative to paper wedding invitations, with no printing or postage costs. This option is especially useful for couples on a tight budget or those who have left limited time before their wedding to notify guests.

Digital invitations are also a more sustainable option, reducing paper waste and the need for eco-friendly research. They can be sent instantly and guests can RSVP instantly, too. This is a particularly useful feature for couples with overseas guests, saving the hassle of international postage.

There are, however, some drawbacks. Digital invites can lack the formality of a printed invitation and may not be suitable for more traditional weddings. They may also be inaccessible to less tech-savvy recipients and there is a risk of them going to spam folders. It can also be time-consuming to collect the email addresses of all invitees.

Some couples choose to send digital 'save the date' notifications and follow up with paper invitations, or send digital invites for pre-wedding parties such as wedding showers.

They may be considered less formal and sentimental

Digital wedding invitations are less formal than their paper counterparts. They are often associated with more casual events, such as birthday parties or informal gatherings. This perception may be due to the fact that they are usually less expensive than paper invitations, which some may associate with a more relaxed or informal event.

Digital invitations are also less sentimental. A mailed invitation is often seen as more meaningful, especially for formal events like weddings. Many guests like to keep their wedding invitations as mementos or keepsakes, and a physical invitation allows them to do so. A digital invitation, on the other hand, may not hold the same sentimental value for guests, and it can be more challenging to preserve as a keepsake.

Additionally, digital invitations may not be suitable for all guests, particularly older individuals or those who are less tech-savvy. While many people are comfortable using their smartphones or devices for various tasks, some older guests may prefer a physical invitation that they can easily access and understand.

Furthermore, digital invitations can sometimes be less reliable. They may end up in spam folders or go unnoticed among the many emails and digital communications that people receive daily. This can lead to issues with guests not receiving or missing the invitation, potentially affecting their ability to RSVP and attend the wedding.

Lastly, digital invitations may require more effort in gathering guest email addresses. While a physical invitation only needs a mailing address, a digital invitation requires an individual email address for each guest, which can be time-consuming to collect, especially for larger guest lists.

They are eco-friendly

Digital wedding invitations are eco-friendly because they don't waste any paper. They are also better for the environment and your wallet, as they are usually cheaper than their printed counterparts.

Digital invites are also more convenient, as they can be personalised and incorporate interactive elements. They can be easily shared with guests via email or wedding websites, and they eliminate the need for printing and mailing paper invitations, reducing waste and saving resources.

Some digital invitation services, such as Greenvelope, are members of environmentally-focused organisations, so your purchase can support eco-friendly initiatives.

Additionally, digital invitations can be a good option for couples on a tight budget or those planning a destination wedding, as they allow for easy communication and RSVP tracking.

However, it is important to consider your guest list when deciding on digital invitations. Some people may view them as less formal or may not take them as seriously as paper invitations. Older guests, in particular, may prefer a physical invitation.

To address this, some couples choose to send digital invitations to most guests while also sending paper invitations to family, older guests, or those who prefer a traditional invitation.

They can be difficult for older guests

Digital wedding invitations can be difficult for older guests to navigate. While some older people are tech-savvy, it is not a given, and it is important to consider whether all your guests will be able to receive and respond to a digital invitation without issues.

Some older guests may not be aware of how to access their digital invitation, or even that they have received one. They may be used to receiving physical mail and not be in the habit of checking their emails or texts for invitations. This is particularly true if the wedding is a formal event, as digital invites are often seen as less formal. Lizzie Post, an etiquette author and co-president of The Emily Post Institute, says that "a mailed invitation carries clout and sentimentality" for a formal event, and that "the formality of the invitation reflects the formality of the event."

Even if your older guests are aware of their digital invitation, they may have difficulty with the technology involved in opening and responding to it. They may not be familiar with how to use their device to access the invitation, or they may struggle with any online RSVP process. This could be frustrating for them and might put them off from attending the wedding.

To avoid these issues, it may be necessary to communicate with older guests over the phone to ensure they have received and understood the invitation, or to send them a printed invitation. This could be time-consuming, and there is still a risk that they may not respond or engage with the invitation.

Therefore, while digital wedding invitations can be a good option for some, they can present difficulties for older guests, and it is important to consider your guest list before choosing this option.

They may not be taken seriously

Digital wedding invitations may not be taken seriously for several reasons. Firstly, they are often seen as less formal and traditional than physical invitations. Some guests may perceive digital invites as more suitable for casual parties or birthdays rather than a formal wedding. This perception can influence how seriously they take the invitation, with some guests assuming that a paper invitation will follow or that the digital invite is only a save-the-date.

Secondly, digital invites may not be accessible to all guests, particularly older guests or those who are less tech-savvy. Sending digital invites to this demographic may result in confusion, with some guests expecting a physical invitation and not knowing how to access or respond to the digital version.

Additionally, digital invites may be less sentimental to guests. A mailed invitation is often seen as more meaningful and is often kept as a keepsake or memento, especially by close family members. A digital invitation may not hold the same emotional value and could be easily lost among the many digital invites and emails one receives daily.

Lastly, the success of digital invites depends on your guest list. Some guests may simply prefer traditional paper invites and may not take digital invites seriously as the actual invitation. This preference may result in a lower RSVP rate, as some guests may wait for a physical invitation and not respond to the digital one.

Therefore, while digital wedding invitations offer convenience and cost savings, they may not be taken as seriously as traditional paper invitations due to their perceived informality, accessibility issues, lack of sentimentality, and guest preferences.

Frequently asked questions