Crafting Wedding Invites: Who To Specify And How

Wedding invitations are a crucial logistical element of wedding planning and it is important to get them right. One of the most common questions asked by couples is how many invitations they need to order. The answer is not as simple as it seems and depends on a few factors. Firstly, it is important to remember that the number of invitations does not equal the number of guests. For example, if you are expecting 200 guests, you will only need around 100-120 invitations. This is because invitations are usually sent to couples or families, rather than individuals. It is also a good idea to order a few extra invitations in case of last-minute changes or lost invitations.

Another important consideration when it comes to wedding invitations is the timing. It is recommended to send invitations out six to eight weeks before the wedding for a non-destination wedding, and twelve weeks in advance for a destination wedding. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements if necessary.

The information included on the invitations is also key. The date, time, and location of the ceremony should be specified, as well as any other important details such as dress code, hotel information, and a link to the wedding website. It is also important to include an RSVP date, usually two to three weeks before the wedding, to give the couple enough time to finalize the details with the caterer and create a seating chart.

Overall, wedding invitations are a crucial aspect of wedding planning and require careful consideration to ensure that all the necessary information is conveyed to the guests in a timely manner.

How many invitations to order

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to order the right amount. Ordering too many can be a waste of money, but too few can lead to costly reprints. So, how many wedding invitations should you order?

Firstly, it's important to note that you do not need one invitation for each guest. Instead, count by the number of households on your guest list. For example, if you have 200 guests, you will likely only need around 100 invitations. This is because couples and families living together will only need one invitation. However, unmarried couples living together should each receive their own invitation. Also, guests over the age of 18 who live with their parents should receive their own invitation.

Once you have the number of households counted, it is recommended to add at least 10 extra invitations to your total. Some sources suggest adding 20 extras to be safe. These extras will come in handy if you need to add additional guests, if some invitations get lost in the mail, or if you want to keep some as keepsakes. It is also more expensive to print small quantities of stationery, so ordering extras can help save money.

In addition to invitations, it is a good idea to order extra envelopes, especially if you are addressing them by hand or using a calligrapher. Ordering 10-20% extra envelopes will ensure you have enough in case of mistakes.

To summarise, to determine the number of wedding invitations to order, count the number of households on your guest list, add 10-20 extras, and don't forget to order extra envelopes! This will ensure you have enough invitations and avoid the costly and stressful situation of having to reorder.

Who to invite

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to be clear about who is invited. This is typically indicated on the front of the envelope. If you're inviting a couple but not their children, address the envelope to "Mr. and Mrs." and their names. If you're inviting someone with a plus-one, write "and Guest" or include the name of their significant other if you know it. For families with children, write "The [Last Name] Family" or list each family member's name separately, with children's names on the line beneath their parents'.

It's worth noting that you don't need to send an invitation to every guest. If you have 120 guests, you'll only need around 70 invitations. This is because your guest list will likely include couples and families who can share an invitation. However, it's a good idea to order spares for unexpected situations, such as lost invitations or last-minute additions to your guest list.

When addressing your invitations, be sure to use correct titles and spell names correctly. It's also important to include all the necessary information, such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If the reception is at a different venue, you can include it on the invitation or print a separate reception card. Don't forget to specify the dress code and include any pre- or post-wedding events, hotel information, and a link to your wedding website.

Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your big day, so take the time to choose a design that reflects your style and be mindful of the wording and etiquette.

When to send invitations

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial, as it impacts not just the couple's schedule but also that of their guests. Sending out invitations too early might mean that the wedding isn't at the top of guests' minds as the day draws closer. On the other hand, sending them out too late may not give guests enough time to make travel arrangements or take time off work.

For weddings with a standard engagement length, it is recommended to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This is considered the "sweet spot", giving guests enough time to clear their schedules and RSVP while also allowing the couple to receive RSVPs sooner and get a final headcount. Sending out invitations any earlier than three months before the wedding may cause guests to forget the information or the date altogether.

However, there are certain circumstances in which it may be appropriate to send out invitations earlier than six to eight weeks in advance. For instance, if the wedding is around a major holiday, it is suggested to send out invitations earlier to allow guests to plan in advance. If the wedding is a destination wedding or is held during a busy holiday season, it is considered courteous to send out invitations 10 to 12 weeks in advance. Similarly, if there are many out-of-town guests, it is recommended to send out invitations eight to twelve weeks before the wedding. This allows guests enough time to request time off work, secure accommodation, and make travel arrangements.

If the couple chooses to skip sending out save-the-date cards, the timeline for sending out invitations changes slightly. In this case, invitations should be sent out six months in advance for couples with a standard engagement length and two to three months in advance for couples with a shorter engagement.

RSVP instructions

Please respond by [insert date]

Kindly let us know by [insert date] if you will be joining us for our special day. We have provided a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope for your convenience. Alternatively, you can respond via our wedding website [insert URL], via email ([insert email address]), or by phone ([insert phone number]).

Please include the following information:

• Names of guests attending:
• [Insert space for names]
• Number of guests attending:
• [Insert space for number]
• Any dietary requirements:
• [Insert space for response]

We kindly request that you respond by the specified date to help us finalise the details of our wedding and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Additional Instructions

To make it easier for your guests to respond, you can include tick boxes or circles for them to indicate their attendance and the number of guests. For example:

• ▢ Accepts with pleasure
• ▢ Declines with regret
• ▢ Number of guests: ___

You may also wish to include a line that starts with the letter "M" to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss). This will help you correctly spell their names on the seating chart.

If you are having a formal wedding, you can use more traditional phrasing such as "The favour of a response is requested by [date]." For informal weddings, you can use simpler language such as "Kindly reply" or "Please respond by [date]."

It is also a good idea to give your guests a clear deadline for responding, usually about one month before the wedding date. This will allow you enough time to finalise the details with your vendors and ensure an accurate headcount for catering and other arrangements.

Invitation wording

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to get all the details right, including the wording. Here are some tips and guidelines for wedding invitation wording:

Providing Necessary Information

Ensure that all relevant details are included on the invitation. This includes the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If the reception will be held at the same venue, indicate "reception to follow" so that guests know they don't need to travel elsewhere. For a separate reception venue, include its details on the invitation or, more formally, on a separate reception card.

Timing of Invitations

Send out invitations with enough time to allow guests to make arrangements. For non-destination weddings, mailing invitations eight weeks in advance is recommended. For destination weddings, count back 12 weeks to give guests ample time to plan their travel.

RSVP Instructions

Don't forget to include an "RSVP by" date, giving guests around three to four weeks to respond. This will allow you to finalize numbers for the caterer and seating arrangements. Include pre-addressed and stamped RSVP envelopes to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

Specifying Guests

Be clear about who is invited to avoid any confusion. If inviting a couple with no children, address the invitation to "Mr. and Mrs." followed by their surname. If children are also invited, list their names on the inner envelope. For unmarried couples living together, include both names on separate lines. When inviting single guests, use "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their name. If they are offered a plus-one, mention "and Guest" on the inner envelope.

Dress Code

While it's not necessary to include a dress code, it is helpful for guests, especially if you have a preference. You can indicate the dress code on the invitation or a separate details card, or even on your wedding website.

Return Address

Don't forget to include a return address on the wedding invitations. This ensures that if an invitation is undelivered, you can reach out to the guest and obtain an alternative address.

Frequently asked questions