Inviting Photographers: Wedding Etiquette For Couples

Sending wedding invitations to vendors such as photographers is not a requirement. They are contracted to work at the event and are not guests. However, some couples choose to send invitations to their photographers for artistic shots or to familiarise themselves with the wedding theme. Others send invitations as a courtesy, or to ensure the photographer has all the details they need. Some photographers ask for an invitation to be set aside for photos.

Inviting your photographer as a guest

It is not customary to invite vendors to your wedding as guests. They are contracted to be there and are working at your event. However, there are exceptions to this. If you have a personal relationship with the vendor outside of the wedding, you may want to invite them. For example, if your photographer is a friend and you would have invited them to your wedding anyway, it would be appropriate to send them an invitation.

Some couples choose to send invitations to all their vendors, including the photographer, as a courtesy and to get them excited about the event. This is not necessary, but it can be a nice gesture, especially if you have extra invitations.

If you do invite your photographer as a guest, be sure to discuss seating and meal preferences with them ahead of time. They may prefer to eat in a separate area with the other vendors or may want to be seated with the guests.

Another reason to send your photographer an invitation is to include it in your wedding photos. Photographers often use the invitation as a prop in detail shots or to complete the story of the wedding. Sending the invitation in advance gives them the opportunity to photograph it before the wedding, and you won't have to remember to bring it on the day.

In conclusion, whether or not to invite your photographer as a guest is ultimately your decision. If you have a good relationship with them and want to include them in your celebration, go for it! If not, that's totally fine too. Just be sure to discuss any expectations around meals and seating ahead of time.

Sending an invite for photography purposes

If you're looking to include your wedding invitation in your wedding photos, it's a good idea to send your photographer an invite. This way, they can photograph the invite ahead of time and have it ready for any detail shots you may want. It's also one less thing for you to remember to bring on your wedding day.

Some photographers may ask for a copy of the invitation to include in their portfolio or to get a better sense of your wedding style and theme. If your photographer is travelling from far, including the guest info card can also be useful for them to have a better understanding of the area.

However, it's important to note that sending an invitation to a hired vendor can be confusing. An invitation implies that they are invited as a guest, which they are not. If you have a good relationship with your photographer and want them to feel involved, you can send them an invite, but it's not necessary.

If you want to ensure your vendors feel appreciated, it's a good idea to provide them with a meal. Discuss their meal preferences and seating arrangements with them ahead of time.

Sending an invite for courtesy/kindness

Sending an invite to your wedding photographer as a courtesy or act of kindness is not necessary, but it is also not uncommon. It is important to note that an invitation implies that the recipient is invited as a guest, which is not the case for hired vendors. However, there are a few reasons why you might want to send an invitation to your photographer:

• It can be a nice gesture to make them feel involved and excited about your wedding.
• You can ask them to include the invitation in their photography, such as in detail shots or artistic ring photos.
• Sending the invitation in advance will ensure that your photographer has the opportunity to capture it before the wedding, and you won't need to remember to bring it on the day.

If you do decide to send an invitation to your photographer, it is a good idea to include a note explaining that they are welcome to use the invitation in their photos and that you do not expect them to attend as a guest. You can also discuss their meal preferences and seating arrangements closer to the wedding date.

Ultimately, the decision to send an invitation to your photographer is a personal choice. Some people choose to send invitations to all their vendors as a kind gesture, while others prefer to keep the invitations exclusively for guests.

Sending an invite to confirm date/time/location

Sending an invite to your wedding photographer is a great way to confirm the date, time, and location of your wedding. While it is not necessary to send an invitation to vendors, there are a few reasons why you might want to.

Firstly, it is a thoughtful gesture that makes your photographer feel involved and excited to be a part of your special day. It is always nice to receive an unexpected piece of pretty snail mail!

Secondly, invitations are an important detail of your wedding, and photographers can use them to create artistic shots, completing the full story of your wedding. Sending an invitation in advance gives your photographer the opportunity to capture these images before the wedding. This also means one less item for you to remember on the day!

If you have a close relationship with your photographer, you may want to send an invitation as a keepsake or to display in their portfolio. It is also a good idea to send an invitation if you would like your photographer to capture images of it, as you may forget to bring it with you on the day.

However, it is important to note that sending an invitation to a vendor may cause confusion, as it could be interpreted as an invitation to attend as a guest. To avoid this, you can include a note with the invitation specifying that it is for their records and any photo opportunities.

Overall, while it is not required, sending an invitation to your wedding photographer is a thoughtful way to confirm the details of your wedding and ensure you have beautiful images of your invitation as a part of your wedding story.

Not sending an invite as they are an employee

The general consensus is that you do not need to send a wedding invitation to your photographer or other vendors as they are not guests, but employees. One source says that sending an invitation to a vendor could be offensive, as it may imply that you think they do not already know the wedding details. Another source compares receiving an invitation to a wedding you are working at to receiving an invitation to go to work from your boss.

If you have a good relationship with your photographer, you may want to send them an invitation to make them feel involved and excited. However, this is not necessary and some photographers may find it confusing.

If you want your photographer to capture some artsy shots of your wedding invitation, you can simply bring it with you on the day or send it to them ahead of time.

Frequently asked questions