Inviting The Wedding Party: Who, When, And How?

Sending invitations to your wedding party is a formal requirement and a lovely gesture. While your wedding party obviously knows when the wedding is, they will still want an invite to remember the day. It's also a good idea to send invitations to your wedding party if you need to collect information on their guests, food choices, or allergies. Sending invitations to your wedding party also ensures that they have a stamped, addressed memento for their scrapbooks.

It's not redundant to send invites to those helping with planning

It's understandable to think that sending invitations to those who are already involved in the planning of your wedding is redundant. After all, they already know the details of the wedding and are actively helping you plan it. However, it's important to remember that receiving an invitation is more than just about being informed of the date and time. It's a gesture that shows you want them to be a part of your special day and creates a tangible memory for them to remember it by.

While your parents and attendants are working closely with you on the planning, an invitation is a way to include them in the celebration and make them feel valued. It's a chance to show your appreciation for their support and involvement. They will likely appreciate having a physical invitation as a keepsake and a way to remember your wedding fondly.

Additionally, sending invitations to those helping with the planning ensures that they have all the necessary details in one place. While they may know the date and location, there are other important pieces of information that an invitation can provide, such as the dress code, accommodation options, and any wedding-related activities. It also allows them to formally RSVP, which is essential for managing your guest list and ensuring everyone's needs are accommodated.

Lastly, sending invitations to your parents and attendants sets a precedent for proper wedding etiquette. It demonstrates your attention to detail and ensures that no one feels left out. It's a thoughtful gesture that shows you value their participation in your wedding and want them to be included in every aspect of the celebration.

So, while it may seem redundant, sending invitations to those helping with planning is a meaningful way to include them in your special day, create lasting memories, and ensure they have all the necessary information. It's a small gesture that can go a long way in making your wedding planning process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Include full names of the couple and hosts

It is important to include the full names of the couple and hosts on the wedding invitations. This is true especially if you are using formal phrasing, which is appropriate for a traditional wedding ceremony followed by a formal reception. It is also a good idea if you want to give your guests a heads-up that your wedding will be upscale and elegant.

The full names of the couple and hosts are also essential if you are using formal phrasing to request an RSVP, which should be written in the lower left corner of the invitation. This is an important detail, as it lets your guests know that their response is needed and appreciated.

Including the full names of the couple and hosts is also a way to make the invitation more personal and meaningful, especially for those who are closely involved in the planning process, such as parents and attendants. Sending invitations to these individuals is a lovely gesture, even if they are already aware of the wedding details, as it gives them something tangible to remember the day by.

In addition to the names of the couple and hosts, the wedding invitations should include the time, date, month, and year of the wedding, as well as the full address of the venue. This information ensures that your guests have all the necessary details to attend your special day.

List the time, date, month, and year

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are some key details that you'll want to include. While it may seem obvious, it is important to list the time, date, month, and year of the wedding clearly on the invitation. This is especially important if you are requesting an RSVP, as guests will need to know the exact date and time to plan their attendance.

• Provide clear and accurate information: Ensure that the time, date, month, and year are listed correctly to avoid any confusion. Double-check the details before sending out the invitations.
• Consider including the day of the week: While it is not necessary, you may want to include the day of the week (e.g., Saturday, 15th of July, 2024) to make it easier for guests to plan and ensure they arrive on the correct date.
• Be consistent in your formatting: Use a consistent format throughout your invitation suite. For example, you could write the date as "Saturday, the Fifteenth of July, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four" or "Saturday, July 15, 2024". Choose a format that aligns with the formality and style of your wedding.
• Allow for RSVP management: Request that RSVPs be submitted by a specific date, usually about four weeks before the wedding. This will help you stay organised and make it easier to finalise details with your caterers and venue.
• Think about time zones: If you have guests travelling from different time zones, consider including both the local time and their respective time zones to avoid any confusion.
• Provide additional context: If you are having a wedding with multiple events, such as a ceremony followed by a reception, you may want to include the timing for each. Simply stating "reception to follow" is usually sufficient if all events are on the same day and location.
• Be mindful of cultural or religious traditions: Depending on your cultural or religious background, there may be specific formats or traditions to follow when listing the date and time. Ensure you are respectful and accurate in your representation.
• Proofread and double-check: Before finalising your invitations, proofread the details and have someone else review them as well. This will help catch any errors or inconsistencies in the timing details.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your special day, so take the time to ensure that all the information, especially the time, date, month, and year, is presented clearly and accurately. This will help your guests plan accordingly and ensure their attendance at your celebration.

Add a map, accommodation details, and info about wedding-related activities

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to provide your guests with all the information they need to plan their attendance. This includes details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as any other wedding-related activities. If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the URL on your invitations or on a separate insert card.

Map

Including a map with your wedding invitation is a great way to provide clear directions to your wedding venue(s). You can create a custom map using tools like Google Maps, which allow you to add multiple locations (such as the ceremony and reception venues, hotels, and restaurants) and even customize the colours and symbols. You can then print this map or provide a link or QR code on your invitation for guests to access the map on their smartphones.

Accommodation Details

If you have guests travelling from out of town, it is helpful to include accommodation details with your invitation. You can list recommended hotels or provide a room block at a specific hotel for your guests. Be sure to include any relevant information such as reservation deadlines, shuttle services, and transportation options. You can also direct guests to your wedding website for more information on accommodations.

Wedding-Related Activities

If your wedding includes multiple events such as a welcome drinks reception, after-party, or day-after brunch, it's a good idea to include this information with your invitation. This allows guests to plan their attendance and packing accordingly. Include the dates, times, and locations of each event, as well as any relevant dress codes or other important details. You can also use your wedding website to provide more detailed information and updates.

Remember, the key to successful wedding invitations is to provide clear and concise information while also reflecting your personal style as a couple. By including maps, accommodation details, and info about wedding-related activities, you can ensure that your guests have all the details they need to celebrate with you on your special day.

Send invites 6-8 weeks in advance

Sending out wedding invitations to your wedding party is not redundant, and it is a good idea to send them out 6-8 weeks in advance. While your wedding party obviously knows about the wedding, they will still want a formal invitation to remember the day. It is also a good way to collect information about their guests, food choices, and other requirements.

If you are sending out physical invitations, it is a nice touch to hand-address the envelopes for a personal touch. Write out your guests' names in full, preceded by their social titles, such as Mr. or Ms. Write out all the words in the address in full, and spell out house numbers under twenty. The return address should go on the back flap. You could also choose an envelope colour that complements your wedding theme.

If you are sending out digital invitations, make sure to offer a paper RSVP option as well for less tech-savvy guests.

If you are inviting international guests, it is a good idea to give them a heads-up by calling them or sending them an email with the details. It is also a good idea to send out invitations 12 weeks in advance to allow them more time to make travel arrangements.

Frequently asked questions