Wedding Etiquette: Sending Invites To Vendors

Wedding planning can be a stressful affair, and one of the many questions that may arise is whether to send wedding invitations to vendors. The consensus is that it is not necessary to send wedding invitations to vendors, as they are hired to work at the event and are already contractually obligated to be there. However, there are exceptions, and some people choose to send invitations to certain vendors, especially if they are close friends or family.

Wedding invites are for guests only

However, if you have some leftover invites, you may want to send one to your photographer so they can take photos of it. It is also a nice gesture to send one to your officiant, especially if they are a friend or a member of the clergy at your church. If you do not know your officiant well, it is not necessary to send them an invitation.

If you want to show your appreciation to your vendors, you can always send them a thank-you card after your wedding.

Vendors have a contract with the date and location

Vendors are typically not sent wedding invitations as they are hired to work at the event, not attend as guests. However, there may be some exceptions, and it is ultimately up to the couple's discretion.

If you have a close personal relationship with any of your vendors, you may choose to send them an invitation. For example, if your photographer is a close friend, you might want to send them an invitation, even though you know they will already be there. In this case, it is a nice gesture to acknowledge their dual role as a friend and a professional.

Another exception could be the officiant, especially if they are a religious leader or someone you have a prior relationship with. Sending an invitation to the officiant and their significant other can be a considerate way to show your appreciation and include them in the celebration.

However, it is important to note that sending an invitation to a vendor could potentially create confusion about their role and expectations. Some vendors may interpret the invitation as an invitation to attend as a guest, rather than work at the event. To avoid any misunderstandings, it may be a good idea to clarify your intentions and expectations with the vendor directly.

Additionally, while invitations are not necessary for vendors, it is standard practice to provide them with meal choices and accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies they may have. This can be done through a separate card or email, ensuring they have the same courtesy and consideration as your guests without blurring the lines between their professional and guest roles.

In conclusion, while it is not standard practice to send wedding invitations to vendors, there may be exceptions for those with whom you have a close personal relationship or those who play a significant role in your wedding, like the officiant. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can use your best judgment based on your relationship with each vendor and the dynamics of your wedding.

Sending a 'thank you' card to vendors is common

Sending a thank-you card to vendors is a common practice among couples. While it is not necessary to send wedding invitations to vendors, as they are hired to work at the event and already have the details of the wedding, many couples choose to send thank-you cards after the wedding as a token of appreciation. This is especially common for vendors who went above and beyond or those with whom the couple has a close personal relationship.

Some couples also choose to send leftover save-the-date cards or wedding invitations to certain vendors as a thoughtful gesture. This is more common when the vendors are also friends or acquaintances of the couple. Sending an invitation can be a way to show that they are valued and welcomed to stay and celebrate after their work is done. However, it is important to note that sending an invitation to a vendor may be confusing and could imply that they are expected to attend as guests.

When deciding whether to send an invitation to a vendor, it is essential to consider the nature of the relationship. If the vendor is a close friend or someone with whom the couple has a personal connection, sending an invitation may be appropriate. This could include photographers, DJs, or officiants who are friends or family members. However, if the vendor is purely a hired professional, an invitation is typically not necessary.

Additionally, some couples may choose to provide meals for their vendors during the wedding. This is a courteous gesture, especially for those who will be working throughout the reception, such as photographers and DJs. It is common to consult vendors about their meal preferences and any dietary restrictions they may have.

In conclusion, while sending wedding invitations to vendors is not expected, many couples choose to express their gratitude through thank-you cards or other thoughtful gestures. The decision to send an invitation depends on the nature of the relationship and should be handled with clear communication to avoid any confusion.

Invitations can be given to vendors who are also close friends

Wedding invitations are usually sent to guests, and vendors are not guests—they are hired to work at the event. However, if you have vendors who are also close friends, you may want to send them a wedding invitation as a nice gesture. This is entirely optional and depends on your relationship with the vendor.

If you do decide to send invitations to your vendor-friends, it is a good idea to make sure they know whether they are invited as guests or as vendors. You can do this by including a separate card with details about their role and any specific instructions for the day. This will help to avoid any confusion or crossed wires.

Additionally, some couples choose to send their vendors "Save the Date" cards, especially if they want to give their vendors a heads-up about the wedding details and theme. This can be helpful for vendors like photographers, who may want to get a sense of the couple's style and personality before the big day.

Finally, it is worth noting that while invitations are not necessary for vendors, it is standard to provide meals for them. It is a good idea to consult with your vendors about their meal choices and any dietary restrictions or allergies they may have.

Invitations are not required for hired vendors

There is no requirement to send wedding invitations to vendors. They are contracted to be there and are being paid to provide a service, so it is not necessary to send them an invitation. One source says:

> Invitations are for your guests. Your vendors have a contract with your date and location on it! It’s a kind thought, but save yourself the postage!

However, if you have a personal connection with a vendor, you may want to send them an invitation. For example, if your photographer is a close friend, it might be nice to send them an invitation, even if you know they will be there. Similarly, if your florist is an old school friend, you may want to invite them, even if you are not particularly close.

If you are sending invitations to vendors who are also friends, it is a good idea to specify whether you are inviting them as a guest or as a vendor. One source suggests that:

> If you're inviting them to stick around and celebrate after their wedding-related tasks are complete, I would hold off. You may want to pass your photographer a copy of the invitation to photograph for your details shots, but don't mail it to him or her.

If you want your photographer to have an invitation for detail shots, it is a good idea to give it to them on the day, so that it is pristine for the photographs.

Some couples send invitations to vendors as a thank you for their work, or because they have extras and it is a nice gesture. However, this is not expected. One photographer says:

> I don't expect one (an invitation) but I do enjoy getting them! I have a little book of them, they're really nice to look through and reflect on.

If you want to show your appreciation, a thank you card after the wedding is a good option.

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