Wedding Invites: Email Efficiency Vs. Traditional Letters

Wedding invitations are traditionally sent by mail, with 62% of soonlyweds sharing the initial specifics of their wedding via post. However, digital wedding invitations are becoming more common, especially for eco-conscious couples or those planning last-minute weddings. There are pros and cons to both methods. Mailing wedding invitations can be more expensive and time-consuming, while digital invitations may be less accessible for older guests or those who are less tech-savvy. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what aligns best with the couple's values and wedding planning timeline.

Digital invites are less formal but are more sustainable and cost-effective

Digital invites are a more informal option for your wedding day, but they are a great way to save money and the environment.

Digital wedding invitations are a cost-effective way to invite your guests to your wedding. They typically cost less than paper invitations, with prices ranging from free to under $2 per invite. Some sites charge a flat fee for a digital download, while others use a subscription model or a coin system. Sending digital invites can also save you money on mailing costs, and there's no need to worry about the cost of extra postage for international guests.

Digital invites are also a more sustainable option. By going paperless, you can reduce paper waste and avoid the environmental impact of producing and transporting paper goods. This is especially important if you're aiming for an eco-friendly wedding.

Additionally, digital invites are a time-saver. They can be sent and RSVP'd to instantly, which is perfect for last-minute weddings or when you need to notify guests ASAP. You also won't need to spend time assembling and addressing paper invites, and there's no need to worry about the time and hassle of dealing with international postage.

While digital invites may be less formal, they can still be personalised and thoughtful. You can choose from a variety of designs, add virtual envelopes and wax seals, and even include a wedding QR code.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Digital invites may not be accessible to less tech-savvy guests, and there's always the risk of them ending up in the junk mail folder. You'll also need to put in the extra effort to collect each guest's email address, and some couples have found that guests assume a paper invitation will follow.

Overall, digital invites are a less formal but more sustainable and cost-effective option for your wedding. They can save you time, money, and effort, while still allowing you to send personalised and thoughtful invitations to your guests.

Paper invites are traditional and can be personalised, but are less eco-friendly and pricier

Sending wedding invitations by post is a long-standing tradition. Paper invites are a classic and elegant way to inform your guests about your special day. They can also be personalised to reflect your style as a couple and include subtle details about the formality of the celebration.

However, paper invites are less environmentally friendly than digital alternatives. The production of paper invites consumes resources and generates waste, and this process has a carbon footprint associated with it. Additionally, paper invites can be more expensive. The cost of paper invitations includes not only the invites themselves but also mailing costs, such as postage stamps.

If you opt for paper invites, you should be mindful of the potential environmental impact and consider ways to make your wedding stationery more sustainable. For example, you can choose recycled paper or work with vendors that offer eco-friendly materials.

On the other hand, digital invitations are a more modern and sustainable option. They eliminate the need for paper and postage, reducing waste and carbon emissions. Digital invites are also typically less expensive, with some sites offering them for under $2 per invite.

Ultimately, the decision to send wedding invitations by letter or email depends on your personal preferences, budget, and environmental considerations. Paper invites uphold tradition and offer personalisation, while digital invites are more eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Digital invites are instant, but you may need to follow up with paper invites for older guests

Digital wedding invitations are a quick and cost-effective way to notify your guests about your wedding. They are also a more sustainable option, as you don't need to worry about paper waste or research eco-friendly materials. However, digital invites may not be suitable for older guests or those who are less tech-savvy.

If you choose to send digital invitations, you will need to put in the extra effort to collect each guest's email address. This can be more time-consuming than traditional paper invites, as members of the same household may not share an email inbox. Additionally, choosing who to send the invite to in a single household can be tricky, especially if you are equally close to both members of a couple.

To avoid these issues, you may want to follow up with paper invites for older guests or those who prefer a more traditional approach. While this may require more effort and cost, it can ensure that all your guests receive and understand their invitation.

When sending digital invitations, it is also important to consider the potential for your email to end up in the recipient's junk mail folder. To avoid this, you can use a catchy subject line such as "You're invited to our wedding". Additionally, you may want to consider sending a paper invitation as a follow-up to ensure that your guests receive the invitation.

In conclusion, while digital wedding invitations offer convenience and sustainability, they may not be suitable for all guests. To ensure that your older guests or those less familiar with technology don't miss out, it may be necessary to follow up with traditional paper invites.

Paper invites are posted 6-8 weeks before the wedding, with save-the-dates sent 6-8 months prior

Wedding invitations are traditionally sent by post, and there are several steps to take to ensure they are prepared, addressed, stamped, and mailed correctly.

The first step is to organise your stationery so that it is properly stowed inside each envelope. The next step is to figure out the postage. Before buying a lot of wedding stamps, it's worth taking one fully assembled invitation to the post office to be weighed by a postal clerk. This will determine the exact amount of postage required, which could be more than a basic Forever stamp.

The timeline for sending out wedding invitations is an important consideration. Traditionally, invitations are mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It's also common to send out save-the-date cards in advance of the formal invitation. These are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, but can be mailed up to a year in advance if the details are finalised.

Finally, it's crucial to double-check all the details before taking your invitations to the post office. Proofreading addresses might not be the most exciting task, but it's an essential part of preparing your wedding invitations for mailing.

Digital invites are good for last-minute weddings, but you'll need to gather guests' email addresses

Digital wedding invites are a great option if you're planning your wedding at the last minute. They can be a more efficient and eco-friendly choice, and you can even include a QR code that guests can scan to access your wedding website and RSVP digitally.

However, one of the challenges of digital invites is that you'll need to gather your guests' email addresses. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

• Create a spreadsheet or use an online address book to gather everyone's email addresses in one place.
• Use an online tool such as Minted's Digital Address Collection Cards or Google Forms to send a mass email to your guests. This will prompt them to provide their postal address, which you can then use for your wedding invitations and any other wedding stationery.
• If you're using Minted, they will address your save-the-date, invitation, and thank-you card envelopes for free once they have the addresses.
• If you have older guests or those who are less tech-savvy, it's best to call them directly and ask for their address.
• Give yourself plenty of time to reach out to your guests and for them to respond. Start this process at least a month before your save-the-dates go out.
• Only ask guests for their addresses if you are definitely going to invite them. This request often serves as an informal save-the-date.
• If your parents and in-laws are helping to create the guest list, ask them to provide the addresses for their invitees.

Frequently asked questions