What's On The Back Of Wedding Invites?

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They give guests a first impression of the wedding and provide crucial details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony. With the increasing use of technology, some couples choose to include their wedding website on the invitation, where guests can find additional information. However, there is some debate about whether it is acceptable to include details on the back of the invitation. While it can save money and paper, some worry that guests might not think to turn the invitation over and could miss important information. Others argue that it is instinctual to check both sides of a document and that including a note such as see reverse for details can ensure guests don't miss anything. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the couple.

People may not look at the back of wedding invitations

Many people have weighed in on the question of whether or not people look at the back of wedding invitations. The consensus seems to be that it is unlikely that guests will instinctively flip the invitation over to check for additional information. This is especially true if the invitation is a single card, as many people expect all the information to be on the front.

Some people have reported that even when they included a note on the front of the invitation, such as "see reverse" or "see back for additional details", many guests still did not look at the back. In some cases, guests called the couple to ask for information that was included on the back of the invitation.

One person shared that they had to send out e-vites a few months after their wedding because so many people had missed key information that was included on the back of the invitation. Another person shared that they had to text their brother to remind him to RSVP because he had missed the fact that the RSVP portion was on the back of the invitation.

It seems that including information on the back of a wedding invitation can be risky, as there is a good chance that guests will not see it. This could lead to confusion and extra work for the couple as they have to field calls and questions from guests who missed the information.

However, there are also some people who say that they always check the back of documents out of habit, and they assume that others would do the same. Some people shared that they had no issues with guests not seeing the information on the back of their invitations.

Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide how to format their invitations. If they are concerned about guests not seeing information on the back, they could include a note on the front to encourage guests to flip the invitation over. Another option could be to include a separate enclosure card with the additional information, although this may increase the cost and complexity of the invitation suite.

Including reception information on the back

If you're looking to save money and paper, including reception information on the back of your wedding invitation can be a great option. However, it's important to consider all the factors before making a decision. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Cost Considerations

Guest Experience

When it comes to guest experience, some people may not think to turn over the invitation to look for additional information. This could result in confusion or a lack of crucial details about the reception. To avoid this, it's essential to communicate clearly with your guests and ensure they know to check both sides of the invitation. Another option is to include a separate reception card with the invitation, ensuring that all the necessary information is readily available to your guests.

Etiquette

While including reception information on the back of the invitation may not be considered "proper etiquette", it's important to weigh this against your priorities and the overall guest experience. Ultimately, most guests are unlikely to care about minor breaches of etiquette, especially if it results in a more convenient and accessible format.

Design Considerations

If you decide to include reception information on the back of your invitation, carefully consider the design. Ensure that the font is easy to read and that all the necessary details are included. You may also want to add a small image or illustration to complement the text. Additionally, pay attention to the placement of the information. Group relevant details together, such as the date, time, and location of the reception, to make it easier for guests to find the information they need.

Alternative Options

If you're concerned about the potential drawbacks of including reception information on the back, there are alternative options to consider:

• Print two separate invitations: This option can be more expensive, but it ensures that each guest receives clear and personalised information. It also allows for a cohesive design experience, with slight shifts in language for the two separate guest lists.
• Include a separate reception card: This card can be included with the main invitation, providing all the necessary details about the reception. This approach ensures that guests have all the information in one place and avoids the potential issue of guests not turning over the invitation to find the reception details.
• Digital invitations: If you're comfortable with digital formats, consider sending invitations and gathering RSVPs through email or a wedding website. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, especially if you have a tech-savvy guest list.

In conclusion, including reception information on the back of your wedding invitation can be a viable option, especially if you're trying to save money and paper. However, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the possible drawbacks, including cost, guest experience, and etiquette considerations. Alternative options, such as separate invitations or digital formats, can also be explored to find the best solution for your specific needs.

Cost-saving methods

There are several ways to save money when it comes to wedding invitations. Here are some cost-saving methods to consider:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option. It involves setting up a file on a computer and hitting print, without the need for manually mixing ink. This method is ideal for designs with multiple colours and can cost anywhere from $500 to $800 for a set of 100.

DIY/Print at Home

Designing and printing your own wedding invitations can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have the time, patience, and skills. You can use an easy template, a good printer, and a paper cutter to create your own invitations. However, it's important to ensure you have the right equipment and supplies to achieve a professional finish.

Buy a Total Wedding Invitation Package

Purchasing all your wedding invitations from one place can save you money and give your invitation suite a cohesive look. By ordering everything from one supplier, you can save on shipping and processing fees, as well as benefit from potential bulk discounts.

Order Extra at the Outset

Ordering extra invitations upfront can help you avoid the hassle and additional costs of placing a new order for a small number of additional invitations. Guest lists often grow, and reordering can incur extra processing and shipping fees. It's better to have a few extra invitations than to fall short.

Lower Postage Costs

Reducing the weight of your invitations and sticking to standard letter sizes can help lower postage costs. Opt for lighter-weight paper stock and minimise the number of enclosure cards and embellishments. Standard letter sizes, such as 5x7 cards, can be mailed with a single stamp, whereas irregular shapes and larger envelopes will require extra postage.

Online Retailers

Online retailers often offer affordable wedding invitation options in various styles, from rustic to modern and vintage. They provide customisation options and additional services, such as free recipient and return addressing, matching RSVP cards, and wedding websites.

Simplify Your Design

If you have your heart set on a particular design element, consider splurging on that while keeping the rest of the invitation simple. This way, you can incorporate special touches without breaking the bank.

Provide Digital RSVP Options

Instead of including RSVP cards and pre-addressed envelopes, consider directing guests to a wedding website or providing an email or phone number for responses. This can reduce the amount of paper and printing needed, as well as eliminate the need for extra postage stamps.

Compare Prices and Shop Around

Compare prices from different suppliers and consider shopping online, where you can often find high-end designs at more affordable prices. Websites like Etsy offer a range of options, and you may be able to find a designer who can create a custom suite within your budget.

Limit Enclosures and Embellishments

The more intricate and complex your invitation design, the higher the cost. Consider limiting the number of enclosure cards and embellishments, such as heavy cardstock backing or foil stamping. These additional elements can increase the weight of your invitations, leading to higher postage costs.

By combining these strategies and prioritising your must-have elements, you can create beautiful and affordable wedding invitations that fit within your budget.

Etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to include all the necessary information on the invitation, such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply indicate "reception to follow". However, if the reception is at a different location, it is more formal to print a separate reception card with the time and location.

Another important consideration is the timing of sending out the invitations. It is recommended to mail them six to eight weeks before the wedding for a non-destination wedding, and 12 weeks in advance for a destination wedding. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements.

In terms of the design of the invitations, it is generally considered a faux pas to put information on the back of the invitation. While it may save money and paper, there is a risk that guests will not think to turn the card over and will miss important details. However, some people have successfully included details on the back of the invitation by adding a small note on the front such as "see reverse for details" or "see back for additional information". Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide what works best for them, taking into account their budget and the likelihood of their guests checking the back of the invitation.

It is also important to include an RSVP card with a clear deadline for guests to respond, typically about a month before the wedding. The RSVP card should include the guests' names, the number of people attending, and any meal selections if applicable. To make it easier for guests to respond, it is considered good etiquette to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope with the RSVP card.

Finally, when addressing the invitations, it is best to avoid using labels and opt for calligraphy or computer calligraphy instead. This adds a touch of elegance to the invitations and can help to ensure correct etiquette in terms of addressing specific guests.

Alternative ways to share information

There are differing opinions on whether people look at the back of wedding invitations. Some people say that they instinctively check the back of any document, while others say that they wouldn't think to do so. Some people have reported that their guests called them for information that was on the back of the invitation, while others say that they didn't receive any comments about the information being on the back.

• Include a separate enclosure card with the invitation.
• Put a full-size picture of the couple on the back, with a note that includes the wedding website and RSVP information.
• Create a wedding website and include the link on the invitation.
• Use instant messaging platforms, such as Slack or Connecteam, for immediate communication with guests.
• Make short online videos (2-3 minutes) to share wedding details or offer training on how to RSVP.
• Utilize email for formal notices and announcements, such as a change in location or the addition of a wedding website.
• Create a company newsfeed to share updates and announcements with specific teams or the entire organization.
• Use collaboration tools like Google Docs or Connecteam to share project files or gather ideas for the wedding.
• Host daily stand-ups, weekly team meetings, monthly all-company meetings, and quarterly all-hands meetings to share progress, address challenges, and discuss upcoming goals.
• Create an online platform or employee newsletter to share meeting notes and other important information for guests who may have missed previous communications.

Frequently asked questions