Amending Wedding Invites: A Guide To Making Changes

Wedding invitation wording can be tricky, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, mistakes happen. When it comes to amending wedding invitations, there are a few different scenarios to consider. For instance, what if there's a typo or error on the invitation? Or what if there's a change in venue or other details after the invitations have been printed? In this paragraph, we'll explore some tips and suggestions for handling these situations and ensuring that your wedding invitations are accurate and up-to-date.

How to change the date, time or location

Changing the date, time, or location of your wedding after sending out invitations can be tricky, but it's definitely doable! Here are some tips to help you amend your wedding invitations:

• Act Quickly: As soon as you know that a change is needed, start the process of informing your guests. The sooner they know about the new details, the more likely they will be able to accommodate the changes.
• Contact Your Guests Directly: Rather than relying solely on mailed amendments, pick up the phone or send an email or text message to each guest. This ensures that everyone receives the new information promptly and can start making any necessary adjustments to their plans.
• Be Clear and Concise: When communicating the changes, be clear and concise. Simply state that there has been a change of plans and provide the new date, time, or location information. For example, you could say, "We are writing to let you know that our wedding date has changed. The new date is Saturday, June 10th, 2024. We hope you can still join us for our special day."
• Offer an Explanation (Optional): If you feel comfortable, you can provide a brief explanation for the change. This can be as simple as stating that the original venue was double-booked or that you've chosen a date that better accommodates your family's schedule. Most guests will understand, especially if you give them ample notice.
• Update Your Wedding Website: If you have a wedding website, ensure that it reflects the new details. This can be a helpful central source of information for your guests and can reduce confusion.
• Consider Sending New Invitations: If the changes are significant, such as a complete change of venue or a new date, you may opt to send new invitations. This can be costly and time-consuming, but it ensures that all guests have clear and accurate information.
• Offer Accommodation Assistance: If your changes impact your guests' travel plans, offer to help. Provide a list of nearby hotels or accommodation options, and if possible, try to negotiate a group rate for your guests.
• Be Understanding: Finally, remember that your guests may have already made travel plans or taken time off work. Be understanding and flexible, and try to accommodate their needs as well.

Remember, while it may be a challenge to amend your wedding invitations, your guests will appreciate your efforts to keep them informed and included in your special day.

What to do if there's a typo

It's natural to panic when you spot a typo on your wedding invitations, but there are several things you can do to fix the mistake or minimise the impact. Here are some instructive tips on what to do if there's a typo on your wedding invitations:

Proofreading and Prevention

• While it may be too late to prevent a typo on your current batch of invitations, it's important for future reference. Always have two or more people proofread your invitations before printing. Ask trusted friends or family members to help, ideally those with grammar or editing experience.
• Triple-check critical information such as names, dates, addresses, phone numbers, and URLs. A small misspelling may be inconsequential, but errors in vital details can cause problems.
• Order a proof or mock-up of your invitation to spot any errors before the final print. Reading the invitation out loud from right to left can help focus on each individual word.

Correcting the Typo

• Contact your retailer or stationer and request a fix. They may be willing to offer a discount on reprints, especially if the error was their mistake. Ask for a quote on reprints, as you may only need to correct one piece of the invitation suite.
• Check your contract with the stationer. Many include a clause stating they aren't liable for reprints due to mistakes, even if they made the error. Knowing this beforehand can help you create a backup plan.
• Consider using online retailers for your second round of invitations. They often have lower costs and faster turnaround times, providing a good backup option.

Other Options

• If correcting the typo isn't feasible, you can send out the invitations as they are. Small typos are usually passable as long as the critical information is correct. Most guests might not even notice the mistake.
• Avoid trying to correct the typo by hand or making alterations to the invitations. This will only draw more attention to the error. It's best to leave it as is.
• If you feel the need to address the typo, incorporate a lighthearted joke about spelling or proofreading into your reception speech. This can help you move on from the mistake and add a touch of humour to your celebration.

Remember, mistakes happen, and it's important not to panic. Focus on finding a solution or accepting the minor imperfection. Don't let a typo overshadow the joy of your wedding planning and celebration!

How to address the envelopes

The way you address your wedding invitation envelopes is important. It sets the tone for the entire guest experience and is the first impression your guests will have of your celebration.

• Married Couple: The outer envelope can be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the last name. The inner envelope can include their first names or initials. If the couple has different last names, you can choose to put either name first and address them as "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their last name.
• Unmarried Couple: The outer envelope should include both names, with the primary guest or the person you are closest with listed first. The inner envelope can include their first names.
• Single Person: The outer envelope should include the person's title, first name, and last name. If they are invited with a plus one, the outer envelope can be addressed to the guest and "and guest". If you know the name of the plus one, include their name instead of 'and guest'.
• Family with Children: The outer envelope should only be addressed to the parents, even if the children are invited. The inner envelope should include the children's names, with the oldest listed first, followed by their siblings in descending order of age. If the children are over 18, they should receive their own invitation.
• Guests with Distinguished Titles: Always address guests using their professional titles, such as "Doctor", "Judge", or "Professor". For example, "Dr. John and Mrs. Susan Smith" or "Professor Andrew Jackson and Mrs. Angela Johnson".
• Abbreviations: The only acceptable abbreviations are for titles such as "Dr.", "Mrs.", "Mr.", and "Jr.". Do not abbreviate street names, state names, or zip codes.
• Address Format: The outer envelope typically includes the guest's title, name, and address. The inner envelope includes the guest's name and can be more informal, such as including nicknames or initials.
• Casual Weddings: If your wedding is very relaxed and casual, you may use only first names on the envelopes. However, this should only be done if the guests are in your general age range or younger, and you know them well. For older or less familiar guests, use first and last names.

Who to invite

Deciding who to invite to your wedding is a big task, as the number of guests will impact your venue, wedding style, and budget. The more guests you invite, the more you will likely spend, so it's not a decision to be taken lightly. Here are some tips to help you decide who to invite:

Consider your budget and venue:

Keep in mind that the cost per person for an average wedding can be $300 or more. So, if you wouldn't treat someone to a $300-plus meal, they probably don't need to be on your guest list. Susan Norcross of The Styled Bride recommends setting aside about half of your budget for the venue and catering, and then creating a guest list that fits within that budget.

Invite the people you love:

Wedding planner Jove Meyer suggests each partner creates a document titled "I Am So Excited to Have These People at Our Wedding." Start writing down names in the order they come to you without overthinking it. Include those who bring you joy, those you love, and those who will be excited to celebrate with you. Once you have your lists, compare notes and talk about it together, ensuring you both feel good about the final list.

Divide your list into categories:

Wedding planner Laetitia "LT" Townson recommends writing down a list of family, friends, and colleagues, and then dividing it into three categories: most important, so-so, and not important. You can use these groupings to trim down your list as needed.

Account for plus-ones:

Guests living with a significant other, even if they aren't married or engaged, should be invited with a plus-one. If you have no idea who someone is dating, you don't have to invite a guest. Plus-ones for single guests are more discretionary and can be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Don't feel obligated to invite children:

Decide if you want children at your wedding and, if so, in what capacity. At many venues, young children can be a liability, so it's essential to consider the type of venue you have chosen. Children can also be invited on a case-by-case basis by including specific names on each invitation.

Don't invite people you've lost touch with:

If you haven't spoken to someone in years and have grown apart, you don't need to invite them, even if you were invited to their wedding. Your wedding is an intimate celebration, and it's not a BYOB party!

Cut anyone who doesn't support you and your partner:

If you have relatives or friends who don't support your relationship, you may decide not to invite them. Your wedding should be a celebration of your love, without any drama, negative feelings, or family drama.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you should only invite people who will bring you happiness and who have seen your journey as a couple. Don't feel obligated to invite someone just because of family pressure or what others might think.

What to include in the invitation suite

A wedding invitation suite is a set of matching cards with all the necessary information that guests need to know about the wedding. It should always include a response card as well as important information like directions and accommodations.

The Main Invitation

The invitation is the main component of your stationery suite. It contains the who, what, where, and when of the wedding. It is generally the largest piece.

Response Card and Envelope

The wedding invitation suite should include a way for guests to respond, whether it's an RSVP card or a way to respond online. If you include an RSVP card, don't forget to include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope for your guests' convenience.

Reception Card (Optional)

If your wedding reception is at a different location or you have more details to share, use a separate card. This card should include the date, time, and location of the reception.

Directions (Optional)

Include a directions card or insert, especially if your wedding is in a rural location or there are multiple routes or traffic considerations. A custom weekend map is also a fun addition.

Weekend Events Card (Optional)

If your wedding will span a weekend and include multiple events such as welcome drinks or a day-after brunch, include a full itinerary for guests so they know what to expect and pack for.

Accommodations Card (Optional)

If you have guests coming in from out of town, include a card with hotel recommendations and room blocks, transportation locations and times, and any information regarding transportation to and from hotels.

Frequently asked questions