Who Gets Wedding Invites? Etiquette For Wedding Parties

Wedding planning involves taking care of a lot of details, and one of the most important is the wedding invitation. It not only announces the upcoming nuptials but also sets the tone for the entire event. The wedding invitation should include basic information such as the full names of the couple, the hosts (if different), the time, date, month, year, and address of the wedding. It is recommended to send out invitations six to eight weeks in advance, and earlier for destination weddings. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed.

Timing: Send invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding, 9-10 weeks for international guests

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial. It is recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also allows the couple to receive RSVPs sooner and stay within proper wedding invitation etiquette. Sending invitations within this time frame is especially important if there is a major holiday approaching, as people tend to plan their holidays in advance.

For international guests, it is advisable to send invitations nine to ten weeks in advance to account for extended shipping and delivery times. Sending invitations early ensures that international guests have ample time to plan their travel and accommodation arrangements. It is also a good idea to give them a heads-up by calling or emailing them with the wedding details. This ensures they have enough time to start making travel plans.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is recommended to send invitations to all guests, including domestic ones, three months in advance. This gives everyone enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to request time off work or make travel plans.

It is worth noting that sending out invitations too early may cause the wedding to slip your guests' minds as the day approaches. On the other hand, sending them out too late may not give your loved ones enough notice to make the necessary arrangements to attend your special day. Therefore, striking a balance and adhering to the recommended timeline is essential.

Format: Formal or casual, but include who, when, and where

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many options to choose from, ranging from classic to modern, and from traditional to minimalist. The format you choose should reflect the tone and style of your wedding, and include key details such as who, when, and where. Here are some tips to help you create a well-formatted wedding invitation:

Formal or Casual

The format of your wedding invitation should reflect the overall tone and style of your wedding. If you're having a formal or traditional wedding, consider using titles and full names on the invitation, e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams." For a less formal wedding, you may use first names only or a combination of first and last names. The design and wording of your invitation will also set the tone. A traditional invitation with letterpress and calligraphy hints at a formal event, while an invitation with a playful font and bright colors suggests a more casual affair.

Who

The wedding invitation should include the full names of the couple getting married. For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically by last name or based on what looks best with the invitation design. It's also customary to include the names of the parents, especially if they are hosting or contributing to the wedding financially. If both sets of parents are involved, list the bride's parents' names first, followed by the groom's parents. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you may choose to skip the host line or start with a warm introduction, such as "Together with full hearts."

When

The date and time of the wedding ceremony should be clearly stated on the invitation. Traditionally, the date is spelled out in full, e.g., "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon." The time of day can be indicated as "four o'clock" or "half after four o'clock." If your event has multiple timings, such as a cocktail hour or reception at a different location, include separate cards with the respective dates, times, and locations.

Where

Provide clear information about the wedding venue, including the venue name and city, state, or address if necessary. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply state, "Reception to follow" or provide additional details such as "Dinner and dancing to follow." For a different reception venue, include the location on a separate line or a reception card.

In addition to these key elements, you may also include other details such as dress code, wedding website, and RSVP information. Remember to proofread your invitations carefully and consider having a professional review them to ensure all essential information is included and accurately presented.

RSVP: Include an RSVP card with a deadline of around 4 weeks before the event

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that you give your guests enough time to respond and that you have everything organized for your big day. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs on the topic of RSVP cards and deadlines for wedding invitations:

When to Send Wedding Invitations:

It is recommended that wedding invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. Sending invitations within this timeframe also helps ensure that your guests don't put off responding and forget to RSVP. For destination weddings, it is advisable to send invitations even earlier, around 10 to 12 weeks in advance, to allow guests ample time to plan their travels.

Setting an RSVP Deadline:

The ideal deadline for RSVPs is around three to four weeks before the wedding. This timing ensures that you have enough time to finalize your guest list, create a seating chart, and provide a final headcount to your caterer and other vendors. Setting the RSVP deadline at least four weeks in advance helps you stay organized and ensures that you're not left waiting on responses at the last minute. It's beneficial to clearly state this deadline on your invitations and wedding website so that your guests don't overlook it.

Making it Easy for Guests to Respond:

To increase the likelihood of timely RSVPs, it's a good idea to include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped return envelope within your invitation suite. This simple step removes any barriers your guests may have in responding by mail. Additionally, offering multiple response options is recommended. While traditional mail-in cards are still popular, providing an alternative, such as an online RSVP form on your wedding website, can be more convenient for some guests.

Following Up on Delinquent RSVPs:

Despite your best efforts, there may be a need to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline. It is suggested that you wait about a week after the deadline before reaching out with a friendly phone call or text message. It's important to start following up as early as possible, ideally about two weeks before the wedding, to give yourself enough time to finalize arrangements.

The Importance of Setting the Right RSVP Date:

Setting the right RSVP date is crucial to staying on track with your wedding planning. There are several last-minute details that depend on knowing your final guest count, such as the number of rentals, alcohol quantities, and finalizing your seating chart. By setting an appropriate RSVP deadline and following up promptly, you can ensure that you have all the information you need to make these arrangements without added stress.

Envelope: Hand-addressed, with guests' full names and titles

Wedding invitation etiquette is an important aspect of wedding planning. The envelope is one of the most important details of the invitation, and it is recommended that it be hand-addressed for a personal touch. Here are some tips and guidelines for addressing your wedding invitation envelopes:

Full Names and Titles

It is recommended that guests' names be written out in full, preceded by social titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. This adds a formal and respectful tone to the invitation. Using full names also reduces ambiguity and ensures that the recipient knows exactly who is invited.

Address Format

When addressing the envelope, write out all the words in the address in full. For house numbers under twenty, spell them out instead of using numerals. For example, write "15 Main Street" as "Fifteen Main Street". This attention to detail adds to the elegance of the invitation.

Return Address

The return address should be written on the back flap of the envelope. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that any undelivered invitations are returned to the sender, allowing them to update their guest's address and ensure they receive the invitation. Secondly, it provides the address for guests to send their RSVP cards to, making it easier for them to respond.

Timing

It is recommended to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks in advance of the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. Sending the invitations in this timeframe also allows the couple to receive RSVPs sooner, helping them finalise the headcount, seating charts, and other details before the wedding crunch.

Destination Weddings

For destination weddings or weddings with many out-of-town guests, it is advisable to send out invitations earlier, around three months in advance. This gives guests more time to plan their travel and accommodations. Sending invitations early also allows the couple to include important details and information for their guests, such as accommodation options and travel tips.

Save-the-Dates

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. These cards give guests a timely heads-up, making it easier for them to plan their attendance and make the necessary arrangements.

Destination weddings: Send invites 3 months in advance

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to send out invitations to everyone on your guest list. This includes the wedding party, as it is a nice keepsake for them. Secondly, the timing of sending out invitations differs depending on whether you are having a traditional wedding or a destination wedding. For traditional weddings, invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed.

Now, for destination weddings, it is recommended to send out invitations three to four months in advance. This is because destination weddings usually require guests to travel and make accommodation arrangements, so they will need more time to plan. It is also a good idea to include additional information with the invitation, such as tips for places to visit and eat in the area, as well as expected weather conditions. This can be included on a separate information card.

To ensure your guests have even more time to plan, it is a good idea to send out save-the-dates for destination weddings nine to twelve months in advance. This will allow your guests to book their travel and accommodation early and at better rates. You can also include travel and accommodation details with your save-the-dates, rather than waiting until the invitations.

Lastly, don't forget about your RSVP date. For destination weddings, it is recommended to set the RSVP date at least one month before the wedding, to allow enough time to finalise the details with your vendors.

Frequently asked questions