Wedding Invitations: Necessary Or Not?

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. They set the tone for the event and give guests essential information such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony. While it is possible to send out digital invitations or save-the-dates, there are several reasons why physical wedding invitations are still valuable. Firstly, they are often cherished as keepsakes by family and friends, becoming a part of family history. Secondly, they offer a delightful surprise in mailboxes, creating excitement for the wedding day. Thirdly, they reflect the couple's style and personality, providing an opportunity for personalization and sharing their love story. Finally, they ensure that all guests, especially the older generation, receive the necessary information, as not everyone is computer-savvy or regularly checks wedding websites.

Wedding invitations as keepsakes

Wedding invitations are often kept and cherished as mementos by the couple, their family, and close friends. They are a work of art, a physical reminder of a couple's special day, and a piece of family history.

Framing

Framing the invitation is the most straightforward option. You can choose a frame that matches your wedding colours or the invitation's design. You may also include a pressed petal from your bouquet as a special touch.

Memory Box

Create a memory box filled with mementos from your wedding day, such as a swatch of your gown or veil, a copy of your vows, the cork from your first sip of champagne, or a dried flower from your bouquet. Include your full stationery suite, such as RSVP and detail cards, as well as the envelope, in the box.

Holiday Ornament

Turn your invitation into a Christmas ornament. Cut the invitation into strips, curl them around a pen, and place them inside a clear glass or plastic ornament. You can also mix in glitter and accent paper in your wedding colours for a festive touch.

Plates and Dishes

Display your invitation on a plate, dish, or custom pottery. Choose a style that fits your taste and decorating aesthetic. For a timeless option, consider a sterling silver or pewter invitation tray or serving plate, which can be passed down through generations as an heirloom.

Eco-Friendly Display

Consider an eco-friendly option by mounting your invitation on a piece of sustainably produced, eco-friendly wood.

Other Ideas

Other unique ways to display your invitation include turning it into a cutting or charcuterie board, printing it on pillows, or creating a custom tray. You can also add personal touches, such as floral stamping, quilling, or watercolours.

Family history on invitations

Wedding invitations have a long and fascinating history, evolving from ancient scrolls to modern digital invites. While the specific traditions and customs vary across cultures, invitations are often a crucial element of a wedding, setting the tone and giving guests a glimpse of what to expect. Here, we will focus on the family history and traditions associated with wedding invitations.

Ancient Wedding Invitations

In ancient civilizations, wedding invitations were not printed or handwritten notes. Instead, they were often scrolls made from materials like papyrus or parchment, hand-delivered by messengers. This method was common in ancient Egypt and Greece, where literacy rates were low, and oral traditions prevailed.

Medieval Era Invitations

During the Middle Ages, wedding invitations reflected societal structures. As most people were illiterate, heralds and town criers announced weddings publicly. For the nobility, however, handwritten invitations on parchment became customary. These invitations displayed family crests and wax seals, indicating the event's importance and the couple's social status.

Renaissance Period

The Renaissance brought artistic and cultural advancements, influencing wedding invitation designs. Calligraphy became a popular art form, and beautifully handwritten invitations became the norm among the upper classes. Intricate designs, elegant fonts, gold illumination, and vibrant colours enhanced the invitations' aesthetic appeal.

17th and 18th Centuries

The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed the rise of engraved invitations. Engraving allowed for more intricate and sophisticated designs, transforming wedding invitations into true works of art. This period also marked the establishment of the modern postal system, facilitating the sending of invitations to distant guests. Engraved invitations became a status symbol, reflecting social standing and wealth.

Evolution of Printing Techniques

The printing press, introduced in Europe in the mid-13th century, had a significant impact on invitations. However, due to the poor quality of early printing techniques, handwritten invitations remained the norm for the aristocracy, who associated mass-produced invitations with bad taste. It wasn't until the start of the 20th century that the printing of wedding invitations became more common.

Post-World War II

The real beginning of commercially printed wedding invitations can be traced to the period after World War II in the United States. The combination of democracy and industrialization allowed the general public to emulate the lifestyles and materialism of the elite. Social figures like Amy Vanderbilt and Emily Post emerged to guide people on proper etiquette, including wedding invitation protocols.

Family Crests and Seals

In the past, particularly during the Medieval Era, wedding invitations often featured family crests or personal seals. Wax seals, often bearing the family crest, were used to secure the inner envelope containing the invitee's names. This tradition symbolised the importance of family heritage and served as a mark of prestige.

Etiquette and Formality

Wedding invitation etiquette has evolved over the centuries, with varying levels of formality. In Western countries, formal invitations are typically written in the third person, indicating the hosts' wish for the recipient to attend. The text commonly begins with the names of the bride's parents, followed by the wedding details. In some cases, the groom's parents' names may also be included if they are co-hosts.

The history of wedding invitations is deeply rooted in family traditions and societal norms. From the Medieval Era's handwritten invitations adorned with family crests to the emergence of printing techniques and the evolution of etiquette, wedding invitations have reflected the values and aesthetics of their time. Today, with the digital era, invitations have undergone a remarkable transformation, offering convenience and customisation to couples worldwide.

The first glimpse of your wedding

The wedding invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day. It is the first thing they will touch and see, and it sets the tone for the entire event.

The invitation is a chance to delight your guests and get them excited about the wedding. It is also a widely appreciated source of information. The invitation should communicate the essential details: the who, what, where, and when. It should also include the dress code and any other relevant information, like travel and accommodation suggestions, and a link to your wedding website.

The design of the invitation is important. The colours, patterns, messaging, and materials all give your guests an idea of what to expect on the day. It is an opportunity to include personal touches and details of your love story. It can reflect your personality and style as a couple. For example, you could include an illustrated timeline of your relationship inside the invitation or pay homage to your favourite TV show with your table numbers. These sweet touches will help your guests feel more connected to you on your wedding day.

The invitation is also a chance to be creative and have fun. You could include a dedicated 'things to do' card or a keepsake postcard for your wedding destination. You could even include a dinner menu so your guests can choose their meal in advance.

Finally, the invitation is a keepsake, not just for you and your partner but also for your family and friends. It is a memento of your wedding day and will be cherished for years to come.

Reflecting the couple's personality

Wedding invitations are an opportunity to showcase the couple's personality and style. Here are some ways to reflect the couple's personality in their wedding invitations:

• Blend personality with classic details: While bold colours and illustrations can showcase the couple's fun side, it's essential to balance it with classic and delicate designs to appeal to all generations of guests. For instance, using the same flowers in the invitation design that the bride will carry down the aisle or flowers that the couple grew up with.
• Use a meaningful colour palette: Instead of trendy colours, use colours that the couple truly loves and identifies with. These could be colours that appear in their home decor and wardrobe or colours that have stuck with them since childhood, such as a school colour or the colour of their front door.
• Add personal touches: Include details such as the couple's favourite date night spots, relationship history, or even their pet in the invitation design. A custom illustration or a wedding crest that symbolises the couple's relationship can be a unique and artistic way to incorporate these personal elements.
• Incorporate family history: Wedding invitations can carry a piece of family history by including the parents' names, a custom illustration of the wedding venue, or even a watercolour illustration of the family pet.
• Consider long-lasting details: Investing in wedding artwork, such as custom pillows or art prints featuring the wedding crest or venue illustrations, can be a great way to showcase the couple's personality and create lasting memories. These details can also be transitioned into the couple's home decor after the wedding.
• Choose the right wording: The wording of the invitation can reflect the couple's style and the level of formality of the wedding. For a fun and casual vibe, use conversational language and numbers to convey the date and time. For a more formal affair, spell out everything in full and consider using traditional wording.
• Design with guests in mind: Creating invitations that guests will want to keep and cherish is another way to reflect the couple's personality. Adding a beautiful art print or a custom map on the back of the invitation can make it more meaningful and increase the likelihood of guests framing the piece.

Remember, the wedding invitations are the first glimpse of the wedding that guests will receive, so it's essential to make them unique and memorable while showcasing the couple's personality and style.

RSVP deadlines

Wedding invitations are important for several reasons. They set the tone for the event, communicate essential information, and give guests a glimpse into the couple's style and personality. They are also cherished keepsakes for family members and can carry a piece of family history.

Now, let's discuss RSVP deadlines. When setting an RSVP deadline, it's essential to consider the logistics of your wedding. Here are some tips and factors to consider:

• Catering and Vendor Requirements: Many vendors, including caterers, require final guest counts several days or weeks before the wedding. Check with your caterer and other vendors to find out when they need the final headcount. This will help you determine your RSVP deadline.
• Seating Arrangements: If you plan to have assigned seating with place cards, you'll need to know the number of guests and their names well in advance. This may influence you to set an earlier RSVP deadline to ensure you have enough time to finalise the seating arrangements.
• Follow-up Time: It's common for some guests to miss the RSVP deadline or forget to respond altogether. Allow yourself enough time to follow up with those who haven't responded. You may need to make phone calls or send emails to chase down delinquent responses.
• Destination Weddings: If you're having a destination wedding, it's customary to set an earlier RSVP deadline. Aim for RSVPs to be due about two months before the wedding, and send out invitations approximately four months in advance. This gives guests ample time to make travel arrangements.
• Standard Timeline for Non-Destination Weddings: For a typical wedding, it's recommended to mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding and set an RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the event. This gives guests about a month to respond, which is not too early and not too late.
• Holiday Seasons: If your wedding date is close to a major holiday, such as Christmas, consider sending out invitations and setting the RSVP deadline earlier than usual. This will avoid your invitations getting lost in the holiday mail rush.
• Guest Demographics: Consider the demographics of your guest list. If you have many older guests who may not be computer-savvy, opt for traditional paper invitations and RSVP cards. On the other hand, if your guest list primarily comprises younger, tech-savvy individuals, you can consider online RSVPs through your wedding website.
• Include Pre-Addressed Envelopes: Make it easy for your guests to respond by including pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelopes with your invitations. This simple step can significantly increase the likelihood of timely responses.
• Provide Multiple RSVP Options: Offer your guests multiple ways to RSVP, such as by mail, email, or through your wedding website. This ensures that everyone can respond in a way that is convenient for them, increasing the chances of timely responses.
• Clear and Specific Wording: Ensure your RSVP instructions are clear and easy to understand. Some guests may not be familiar with the term "RSVP," so consider using explicit wording such as, "The favor of your reply is requested by [date]."

Frequently asked questions