Etiquette Guide: Inviting Vendors To Your Wedding

Sending wedding invitations to vendors is a topic that has been widely discussed. Some people believe that it is unnecessary to send wedding invitations to vendors as they are hired to work at the wedding and already have a contract with the couple. However, others suggest that sending invitations to certain vendors, such as the officiant, is a nice gesture, especially if they have a personal connection with the couple. Some couples also send invitations to vendors if they have extras, or if they want them to stay for the whole event. Ultimately, the decision to send wedding invitations to vendors is a personal choice and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

It is not necessary to send wedding invitations to vendors

However, there are a few exceptions to this. If you have a personal connection with a vendor, such as a friend or family member, you may want to send them an invitation to stay for the reception after their wedding-related tasks are complete. In this case, it is important to clearly communicate your intentions and expectations to avoid any confusion.

Another exception is the officiant. If the officiant is a religious leader or someone you have a personal connection with, it is customary to invite them to the reception as a guest. In this case, it is polite to include their significant other on the invitation as well.

If you have extra invitations and want to send them to your vendors as a kind gesture, you may do so. Some vendors may appreciate receiving a thank-you card or a save-the-date magnet as a token of your appreciation.

Finally, you may want to consider providing your photographer with an invitation for detail shots or artsy shots of the invitation with other wedding rings or decor. This can be done by handing them the invitation on the morning of the wedding to ensure it is in pristine condition.

Invitations are for guests, vendors are hired and have a contract

Wedding invitations are reserved for guests only. Vendors are hired to work at your wedding and are not guests. They have a contract with you, outlining the date and location of the event, so there is no need to send them an invitation.

The only exception to this is the officiant. If they are a friend or family member, it is a nice gesture to invite them to the reception as a guest. If the officiant is a stranger to you, it is not necessary to send them an invitation, but it can be a kind gesture, especially if they are a religious officiant. In this case, it is customary to invite them to the reception, and their significant other should also be included on the invitation.

Some couples choose to send Save the Dates to their photographer if they are using a photo from an engagement session. You may also want to give your photographer an invitation on the morning of the wedding so they can take pictures of it.

If you have extra invitations, it is not necessary to send them to your vendors. However, if you have a good relationship with a vendor, you may want to invite them to stay and celebrate after their work is done.

Finally, while it is not expected, some couples choose to send thank-you cards to their vendors after the wedding as a show of appreciation.

Sending a 'Save the Date' to your photographer is okay if you want to use a photo they took

Sending a Save the Date card to your photographer is a great idea, especially if you want to use a photo they took. It's a nice gesture and can help get them excited about the wedding. It can also be a way to give them a sneak peek of your wedding style and colours.

While it's not necessary to send Save the Dates to your vendors, it can be a thoughtful touch, especially if you have extras. It's a way to show your vendors that you appreciate their work and want to include them in the celebration. However, it's important to note that vendors are not guests and are contracted to be there, so it's not expected that you send them invitations.

If you want to use a photo taken by your photographer for your Save the Dates, it's a good idea to give them a heads-up. That way, they can keep an eye out for any special moments or details that would be perfect for your Save the Date photo. You can also ask them to send you a few options to choose from, or even include some photos from your engagement shoot if you had one.

When creating your Save the Date cards, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's best to send them out 6-8 months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're having a destination wedding. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. Secondly, keep the design simple and fun. You can play around with colours, fonts, and motifs to create a design that reflects your style as a couple. Lastly, don't include your registry information, as it's still considered bad taste. Instead, include your wedding website, where guests can find your registry and other event details.

It is a nice gesture to send an invite to the officiant, especially if they are a friend

It is generally not expected to send wedding invitations to vendors as they are hired to work at the wedding and are not guests. However, it is a nice gesture to send an invite to the officiant, especially if they are a friend.

The officiant is often only \"working\" during the ceremony and may not be contracted to work at the reception. Sending them an invitation can be a way to include them in the celebration and show that you value their presence. If the officiant is a friend, they may appreciate the gesture of being invited and may feel more connected to the wedding celebration.

Additionally, sending an invitation to the officiant can be a way to confirm their attendance and ensure they feel welcome at the event. It is also common to include the officiant's significant other or spouse on the invitation as a courtesy.

Some couples choose to send invitations to other vendors, such as photographers or DJs, especially if they have extra invitations or if the vendors are acquaintances. However, this is not necessary, and it may be preferable to provide them with a copy of the invitation for their records or for use in photos.

In conclusion, while it is not required to send wedding invitations to vendors, it can be a thoughtful gesture to send one to the officiant, particularly if they are a friend or have a close relationship with the couple. This can make them feel valued and included in the celebration.

You can send an invite to a vendor if you want them to stay after their work is done

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, and sending out invitations is one of the most important steps. It's natural to want to ensure that you're following the correct etiquette and not forgetting anyone.

When it comes to vendors, the general consensus is that you don't need to send them a wedding invitation, as they are hired to work at your wedding and are not guests. Sending an invitation could potentially confuse some vendors and make them feel like they are expected to attend as guests. However, if you have extra invitations and want certain vendors to stay and celebrate after their work is done, you can certainly extend this invitation as a kind gesture. This might include vendors who are also your friends and would have been invited regardless of their professional role in your wedding.

It is worth noting that some couples do choose to send invitations to their officiant, especially if they have a personal connection with them, such as a family friend or a priest from their church. In such cases, it is considerate to include their significant other on the invitation as well.

If you want your photographer to capture some artistic shots of your invitation, you can give them an extra invitation on the day of the wedding. This way, you ensure that the invitation remains in pristine condition and doesn't get damaged in the mail.

While you are not obligated to send invitations to vendors, it is customary to provide them with a meal. Consult with your vendors about their meal preferences, allergies, and any special dietary requirements they may have.

Frequently asked questions