Lyla Dejesus
Wedding invites are a tricky business. From the guest list to the RSVP deadline, there's a lot to consider. And, of course, you want to avoid any potential faux pas. So, how bad can a wedding invite be? Well, it's not just about the invite itself, but also the guest list and the timing. Not including all the necessary information, like the date, time, and location, or sending out invites too late, can cause confusion and inconvenience for guests. Plus, it's important to be mindful of people's feelings when crafting the guest list. Even the smallest details, like the wording of the invite or the envelope addressing, can have an impact. So, while a wedding is a chance to celebrate, it's also a delicate balancing act when it comes to invitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Start Time | Putting an incorrect start time is a common mistake. It may be tempting to indicate an earlier ceremony start time than planned, but guests will arrive early and expect the ceremony to start on time. |
| Necessary Information | A well-informed guest is a happy guest. It is important to specify the date, time, location of the ceremony, and reception information. Other details include pre- and post-wedding events, hotel information, dress code, and a link to your wedding website. |
| Timing | Invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding date for non-destination weddings and 12 weeks in advance for destination weddings. |
| RSVP Instructions | Include an "RSVP by" date, giving guests 3-4 weeks to respond, and at least 2 weeks before the wedding to give caterers an accurate headcount. Also, let guests know how to RSVP, and include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. |
| Registry Information | Including registry information on the invitation is considered a faux pas. Instead, include a link to your wedding website, which can then link to the registry. |
| Guest Clarity | It is important to clarify who is invited. Addressing the envelope to "The Smith Family" implies that children are also invited. Instead, use "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" to specify that only the couple is invited. |
What You'll Learn
Not including all the necessary information
Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the planning process, and it's essential to ensure that they include all the necessary information. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes and create invitations that are both informative and stylish:
Specify the Date, Time, and Location:
On your wedding invitation, be sure to include the date, time, and location of the ceremony. This is the essential information your guests need to know. If the reception will be held at the same venue, indicate "reception to follow" so guests know they don't need to go elsewhere.
Include Other Important Details:
In addition to the ceremony details, there are other key pieces of information to include. Provide any pre- and post-wedding event details, hotel information, and a link to your wedding website. Don't forget to mention the dress code, so guests can plan their attire accordingly.
Send Invitations with Plenty of Time:
It's important to give your guests enough time to respond to your invitation. For a non-destination wedding, send invitations at least eight weeks in advance. For a destination wedding, allow even more time – 12 weeks is recommended – so guests can make travel arrangements without feeling rushed.
Provide RSVP Instructions:
Don't forget to include an RSVP date and give your guests about three to four weeks to respond. This date should be at least two weeks before the wedding, to provide an accurate headcount for catering purposes. Let guests know how to RSVP, whether it's by mail, email, phone, or through your wedding website.
Order Extra Invitations:
It's a good idea to order about 10 extra invitations to account for any last-minute guest additions or mistakes. Things like address changes, name misspellings, or damage to invitations can happen, and having extras will save you time and money in the long run.
Proofread and Double-Check:
Before sending your invitations to print, take the time to proofread them carefully. Check for typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting issues. Confirm that all names, dates, times, and locations are correct. It's also a good idea to have a few other people review the invitation to catch any errors you might have missed.
By following these tips, you can create wedding invitations that are informative, clear, and well-organized. This will ensure your guests have all the details they need to celebrate your special day with you.
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Sending invites too late
Firstly, your guests may already have plans. It's inconsiderate to expect them to drop everything and attend your wedding at short notice. You also run the risk of guests not being able to take the time off work, especially if they have limited holiday days. Sending a last-minute invite can give the impression that you don't value their time or presence at your wedding. It may also cause issues with your vendors and suppliers. They need ample time to prepare for your big day, and a late invitation can result in rushed decisions and last-minute changes.
Additionally, sending invites too late can cause issues with your RSVP timeline. It's recommended to set an RSVP deadline of one month before the wedding, giving you a window to chase up any stragglers. Late invites can result in a lower response rate, as guests may feel they don't need to respond promptly, or they may forget to reply at all. This will make it difficult for you to finalise numbers for catering, seating, and other logistics.
Finally, sending invites too late can cause hurt feelings and awkwardness among your guests. They may feel like an afterthought or a second choice, especially if they know they are on your 'B list'. It's important to remember that your guests have lives and commitments, and they may not appreciate a last-minute invitation, especially if they need to juggle their schedule to attend.
To avoid these issues, it's best to send your invites on time and be considerate of your guests' time and planning needs. If you find yourself in the position of needing to send late invites, be honest and communicate the situation to your guests. Explain that you would love for them to attend, but understand if they are unable to at such short notice.
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Not providing RSVP instructions
Provide an RSVP deadline:
Give your guests a clear deadline for responding, typically two to four weeks before the wedding. This will allow you enough time to finalise details such as catering and seating arrangements. Make sure the deadline stands out on the invitation or RSVP card.
Include contact information:
Provide specific details on how guests should RSVP. This could be a pre-addressed envelope for postal responses, an email address, a phone number, or a URL to your wedding website. If you are using a wedding website, include clear instructions on how to navigate to the RSVP page.
Prompt responses:
Encourage your guests to respond promptly by setting an early deadline and sending reminders as the date approaches. It is important to have a good idea of final guest numbers well before the wedding to finalise arrangements.
Make it easy for your guests:
Provide pre-stamped envelopes for postal responses, and ensure your wedding website and email address are easy to use and navigate. Double-check all contact information for accuracy.
Be clear about who is invited:
Clearly indicate on the invitation who is invited. If children are not included, specify the names of the invited guests. If you are offering a plus-one, include "+1" or "and Guest" after the primary guest's name.
Request necessary information:
In addition to attendance confirmation, you may want to request information such as dietary restrictions, meal choices, and any other details that will help with your planning. Keep the questions concise and clear.
Remember that the RSVP process is an essential part of wedding planning, allowing you to finalise guest numbers and make the necessary arrangements. By providing clear instructions and deadlines, you can make the process smoother for both yourself and your guests.
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Not including a stamp on the RSVP envelope
Including a stamp makes it easier for your guests to RSVP, as they won't have to go out of their way to buy a stamp or go to the post office. It is also more likely that you will receive more RSVPs if you include a stamp, as some people may not be able to be bothered to go and buy one.
If you don't include a stamp, you may have to resort to calling your guests to get their RSVPs, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Alternatively, you could set up an online RSVP system, but this may not be as effective as some older guests may prefer to use the mail.
Some people may not care about the lack of a stamp, but others may see it as a sign of poor planning or even a slight against them. It is definitely something that guests will notice, and it could leave a bad impression.
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to include a stamp on the RSVP envelope and budget this cost into your wedding planning. This will ensure that your guests have a convenient way to respond and that you get an accurate headcount for your big day.
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Including registry information
Don't Include Registry Information on Wedding Invites:
It is generally considered impolite to include registry details directly on your wedding invitations. Doing so may give the impression that receiving gifts is more important to you than sharing your special day with loved ones. Remember, your wedding invites are meant to build excitement for your celebration, and you want your guests to feel delighted to be a part of it without worrying about gifts.
Include an Informational Insert:
Instead of putting registry information on the invite itself, include a separate informational insert in the envelope. This can be a subtle way to guide guests to your registry. Include a link to your wedding website, where they can easily access all the necessary information. It is common to include RSVP cards and reception cards in the same envelope, so an additional stationery card won't seem out of place.
Bridal Shower Invitations:
If you are having a bridal shower, it is perfectly acceptable to include registry information on those invitations. Bridal showers are primarily about gift-giving, so guests will expect and appreciate knowing your preferences. You can also ask the host of the bridal shower to spread the word about your registry.
Word of Mouth:
Before the advent of wedding websites, guests typically learned about registries by asking the couple's family, close friends, or attendants. This tradition still holds, and it is perfectly fine to share registry details with your inner circle and let them know they can pass the information along to interested guests.
Wedding Website:
Your wedding website is an excellent place to include registry information. Include links to online stores to make it convenient for guests to choose gifts. When introducing this page, use language that indicates gift-giving is optional, such as, "If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom..." You can also include your wedding website on your save-the-date cards, allowing all invited guests to access this information.
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Frequently asked questions
For a non-destination wedding, send your invites eight weeks in advance. For a destination wedding, send them out 12 weeks in advance.
Specify the date, time, and location of the ceremony. If the reception is at the same location, indicate "reception to follow". If it's elsewhere, include the time and location on a separate card. Also include any pre- and post-wedding events, hotel information, and a link to your wedding website. Don't forget to mention the dress code!
Not necessarily. It depends on your relationship with them. If you're not close and are having a small, intimate wedding, you don't need to invite them. Be honest and graceful, and decide if this is a friendship destroyer or something you can let go.
Avoid addressing envelopes to "The Smith Family". Instead, use the parents' full names on the envelope. You can also write out the names of the invited guests on the response card. It's not considered tactful to put "Adults Only" or "No Children" on the invitations.
Including your registry information is generally considered a faux pas. Instead, include your wedding website URL, which can link to your registry.
