Email Wedding Invites: Are They Acceptable?

Wedding invitations are a special way to let your guests know that you want them to be present at a life-changing event. While printed invitations are traditional and can be stunning, email wedding invitations are becoming an increasingly popular option for couples. This is especially true in the wake of the pandemic, with many couples opting for digital invites due to their convenience, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, some may view email invitations as informal or inappropriate for a formal wedding. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what aligns best with the style of the event.

Pros and cons of email wedding invites

Email wedding invitations are becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples. They can be a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. However, they may not be suitable for every couple or occasion. Here are some pros and cons of email wedding invites to help you decide if they are the right choice for you:

Pros of Email Wedding Invitations:

• Cost-effective: Digital wedding invitations are typically much cheaper than paper invitations. You can save a significant amount of money on printing, paper, and postage costs.
• Eco-friendly: Email invites are environmentally friendly as they reduce unnecessary paper waste. This option is perfect for couples who want to plan a sustainable wedding.
• Convenience: Email invitations are convenient for both the couple and their guests. They eliminate the need for envelope stuffing, stamp sticking, and handwriting cramps. Guests can RSVP with just a click of a button, making it quicker and easier for everyone involved.
• Time-saving: Email invitations are instant, so they are perfect for last-minute or spur-of-the-moment weddings. You won't have to worry about mail delays, and your RSVP deadline can be much shorter.
• No risk of loss or damage: With email invitations, you don't have to worry about invitations getting lost or damaged in the mail. They are emailed directly to your guests, giving you one less thing to worry about.
• Online RSVP tracking: Many digital invitation platforms offer RSVP tracking features. You can easily see who has received, opened, and responded to your invitation. Some platforms even send automatic reminders to guests who haven't responded yet.

Cons of Email Wedding Invitations:

• Less traditional: Email invitations are undoubtedly less traditional and may not be suitable for formal weddings. If you want to set a formal tone or follow traditional wedding etiquette, paper invitations may be a better option.
• Certain guests may be offline: Elderly guests or those who are not tech-savvy may have difficulty with digital invitations and online RSVPs. You may need to consider printing paper invitations for these guests or communicating with them over the phone.
• Lack of physical keepsake: With email invitations, you won't have a physical invitation to keep as a memento. If you want to frame your invitation or include it in a scrapbook, paper invitations may be a better choice.
• Potential inaccessibility: Email invites may end up in spam folders or go unnoticed due to the high volume of emails received daily. You may need to follow up with guests to ensure they received the invitation, which can defeat the purpose of saving time.
• Work of gathering contact info: You'll need to put in extra effort to collect each guest's email address, especially if they are from the same household. This can be more time-consuming than sending a paper invitation to a shared physical address.
• Less bespoke design options: Paper invitations offer a wider range of customisation options, and you can work with a professional wedding stationery designer to create a unique design.

Paper invites vs email invites

The age-old question of paper invites versus email invites has been a topic of debate for many years, with some people believing that paper invitations are the only way to go for a special occasion like a wedding, while others argue that email invitations are a more convenient and environmentally friendly option. So, which is the better choice? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option.

Paper invitations have traditionally been seen as the gold standard for wedding invitations. They convey a sense of formality and respect for the occasion, allowing couples to showcase their chosen theme through the quality of the paper, colours, graphics, and other design elements. Printed invitations can also double as sentimental keepsakes for both the happy couple and their guests, who may frame and display them. Additionally, paper invitations eliminate the worry of technological issues, such as emails landing in spam folders or guests' lack of tech-savviness. However, paper invitations can be costly, time-consuming, and less environmentally friendly, requiring envelopes, stamps, and handwritten addresses.

On the other hand, email invitations offer a seamless and modern approach to wedding invites. They are a cost-effective, time-saving, and environmentally friendly alternative to paper invitations. With digital invites, it's easy to manage RSVPs by directing guests to a wedding website, and you can ensure a cohesive design package by incorporating the same digital elements across save-the-dates, invitations, the wedding website, and even thank-you cards. However, email invitations may not be well-suited for less tech-savvy guests, such as older relatives, and they may get lost in crowded inboxes, requiring additional follow-up calls or emails.

Ultimately, the decision between paper and email invitations depends on the couple's preferences, the level of formality of the wedding, and the guests' expectations. Paper invitations are ideal for formal weddings and those who want to uphold tradition, while email invitations are a convenient, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly option for couples seeking a more modern approach.

How to send wedding invites via email

Sending wedding invitations via email is becoming an increasingly popular option, especially for couples who are conscious of the environment, are working with a tight budget, or are short on time.

Setting up

Firstly, set up a joint email account for any wedding correspondence. Be sure to personalize it with a wedding monogram.

Designing the invite

You can design your own invitation or use a template from an online service. When designing, consider including your wedding colors and the overall theme of your event. You can also incorporate a color palette, signature pattern, or font that will carry over to physical décor on the day.

Sending the invite

When sending the email, address each guest by name and send the invites individually. This makes it clear who is invited and makes RSVP management easier. You can attach the invitation as an image, paste the invitation image into the email text, or embed the invitation details in the email as 'click here' buttons.

Subject line

Keep the subject line short and to the point, including the couple's names and the event. This will give guests a reference so they know who the email is from and what it's about immediately.

Email text

The email message itself will be quite short as all the wedding details will be in the invitation image. You could include a simple message such as:

> "Dear [Guest name],

> We are making things official and would love to invite you to our wedding celebration. It will be held in [Month], in [Location] [Year].

> Attached you can find our wedding invitation card for details and RSVP. We cannot wait to celebrate with you as we embark on our journey of friendship and love."

Following up

Be prepared to follow up—some guests will forget to respond, just as they might with a paper invitation. You could also follow up with a personal text or call to check that each guest received the email and that it didn't end up in their spam box.

What to write in the subject line

The subject line of an email wedding invitation should be short and to the point, providing guests with a clear reference so they know who the email is from and what it is about. Here are some suggestions for the subject line:

• Use the couple's names and mention the event: "[Couple's names] are Tying the Knot - [date]" or " [Couple's names] are getting married!"
• Include the couple's names, the event, and the date: " [Couple's names] Wedding | [date]" or "Mark Your Calendar for [Couple's names] Wedding | [date]"
• A simple and direct statement: "You are invited to [Couple's names] wedding in [month and year]"

It is important to avoid using unique characters such as exclamation marks or "at" symbols in the subject line, as this may cause your email to be marked as spam by certain email providers.

How to write the wedding invitation email

Email wedding invitations are a great way to save time and money, as well as being more environmentally friendly. They can also be a more convenient option for your guests, who can save the details on their phones or computers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a wedding invitation email:

• Set up a joint email account: Create a dedicated email address for your wedding correspondence. Be sure to add a personalised signature with a wedding monogram.
• Categorise your recipients: Depending on the relationship, you may want to tailor the tone of your message. For example, keep it formal for bosses and colleagues, and warm and friendly for friends.
• Choose a subject line: Keep it short, memorable, and exciting. Include the couple's names and the event.
• Write the email: The email message itself will be relatively short, as all the details will be in the attached invitation or included in the email text. Address each guest by name and send the emails individually. Make it clear who is invited and provide all the essential details such as the date, time, and venue.
• Attach the invitation: You can attach the invitation as an image or paste it into the email text. If you're tech-savvy, you can embed the invitation details as clickable buttons.
• Include additional information: Consider adding a personal note to your email. You can also include other details such as dress code instructions, accommodation options, or a link to your wedding website.
• Follow up: Don't forget to follow up with your guests. Some may forget to respond, and it's a good opportunity to ensure they have received the email and have all the necessary information.

Frequently asked questions