Designing Your Own E-Wedding Invitation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating an e-wedding invitation is a great way to save money and time, as well as being environmentally friendly. There are many online platforms and apps that offer customizable e-wedding invitation templates, such as Canva, Evite, Paperless Post, and Greetings Island. These platforms and apps allow users to personalize their invitations with photos, colors, fonts, and text. Users can also add practical information such as RSVP deadlines, travel and accommodation details, and schedule blocks. Once the design is finalized, the invitations can be shared via email, social media, or text.

Choosing a digital platform

When it comes to choosing a digital platform for your e-wedding invitations, there are several options available. Here are some factors to consider and some popular platforms to help you make your decision:

Budget

One of the most important considerations is your budget. Digital invitations can range from free to a few hundred dollars, depending on the platform and features you choose. If you're on a tight budget, consider using a platform that offers free templates, such as Canva, Greetings Island, or Evite. Canva and Greetings Island offer free templates with the option to upgrade to a premium membership for more features. Evite also offers free standard email invitations, but their premium invitations come with a cost.

Customization Options

Think about how much customization you want for your invitations. Some platforms offer a wide range of templates to choose from, while others allow you to create your own design from scratch. If you want to upload your own photos, add custom colours, or use specific fonts, ensure the platform you choose offers these features. Canva, for example, gives you access to over 1 million premium images, graphics, and illustrations, with the option to upload your own photos.

RSVP Management

Another important feature to consider is RSVP management. Many digital platforms offer easy RSVP tracking, allowing guests to respond with just a few clicks. Some platforms, such as Paperless Post, even allow you to add Guest Tags to organize your list and follow up with anyone who hasn't responded. This can be incredibly helpful when managing a large guest list.

Design Options

Consider the design options offered by each platform. Do you want a classic, modern, rustic, or floral invitation? Many platforms offer a variety of design styles to choose from. Paperless Post, for example, offers designs from renowned brands like Kate Spade New York, Rifle Paper Co., and Oscar de la Renta. Greetings Island also offers a wide range of graphic designs with custom fonts and colour schemes to choose from.

Additional Features

Finally, think about any additional features you may want. Some platforms offer the ability to create a personalized URL, add photo galleries, or include registry and travel information. Paperless Post, for instance, allows you to add a photo gallery, registry blocks, and travel or accommodations blocks with venue locations and directions. These extra features can enhance your invitation and provide guests with more information about your wedding.

Popular Platforms

• Canva: Offers a wide range of free templates and customization options. You can upload your own photos, choose from various design elements, and share your invitations via social media, email, or print.
• Paperless Post: Features designs from well-known brands, customization options, RSVP tracking, and the ability to add additional blocks for travel and accommodation information.
• Evite: Provides endless wedding invitation templates and a user-friendly interface. Evite offers both free standard email invitations and premium invitations for a cost.
• Greetings Island: Offers free online invitation templates, customizable options, and the ability to download, print, or share your invitations via social media or email.
• Etsy: Vendors on Etsy offer downloadable templates for digital invitations, often for a low cost. You can then upload your design to a digital wedding invitation platform of your choice.

Adding personal touches

• Include personal details Add in some personal touches that reflect you and your partner. This could be anything from your travels, to where you live, or even something as simple as an olive branch (like Betsy and Jeb's invitation). Include little bits of information that are special to you, and don't be afraid to get creative!
• Address guests personally Instead of a generic greeting, address each guest by name. For example, "Hi Paul" adds a personal touch and makes the guest feel valued. This simple trick will make your invitation feel more intimate and special.
• Use custom art If your budget allows, consider including custom art or illustrations on your invitation. This could be a couple portrait, a meaningful symbol, or even a fun rubber stamp that you can use on everything from invites to seating cards.
• Incorporate colours and themes Choose colours and themes that reflect your personality and style. If you're having a vintage-themed wedding, for example, use vintage-style fonts and colours on your invitation. You could even include a vintage postcard reply with a rubber stamp.
• Add photos Feature uploaded photos of you and your partner on the invitation. This could be a fun way to showcase your relationship, from childhood photos to more recent pictures. It's a great way to involve your guests in your love story.
• Get creative with envelopes Add a pop of colour with coloured envelopes, or get creative with patterned wrapping paper or scrapbooking paper for envelope liners. This is an easy way to customise your invitation suite and make it feel more luxurious.

Remember, your e-wedding invitation is a chance to showcase your personality and style. By adding personal touches, you'll create a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Including all the necessary information

When creating an e-wedding invitation, it's important to include all the necessary information so that your guests have a seamless experience and you don't spend extra time answering the same questions over and again. Here's a detailed and direct guide on what to include:

The Invitation Itself

The invitation should include the full names of the couple, with the host's name (usually the person/people paying for the event) listed first. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name typically comes first, but for LGBTQIA+ couples, you can order the names alphabetically, by age, or however you prefer. You can include first and middle names, first and last names, or full legal names.

The date and time of the ceremony are also crucial. Be sure to include the hour and specify a.m. or p.m. to avoid confusion. If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can add "Reception to Follow" or similar. If they are at different locations, include the name and address of the reception venue, as well as the start time.

RSVP Details

It's important to include an RSVP deadline date, typically set three to four weeks before the wedding date. You can include this on the invitation itself or on a separate reply card. If you're offering a plated dinner, you can also include a place for guests to indicate their entrée preference.

Additional Details Card

If you have a lot of information to convey, consider adding a separate details card. This can include your wedding website address, which is a great place to provide important details like accommodation options, directions, and registry info. You can also include extra information about the venue, such as parking instructions or a custom map.

Envelope and Stamp

Don't forget to include your return address on the back flap of the envelope. Also, ensure you have the correct postage for the weight of your invitation suite.

Optional Extras

There are several other optional elements you can include with your e-wedding invitation to make it even more informative and personalised:

• Reception card (if the reception is at a different location)
• Accommodations card (especially helpful for destination weddings or if you have many out-of-town guests)
• Directions card (including a custom map or weekend itinerary)
• Inner envelope (to indicate who is specifically invited, especially useful for clarifying if children are invited)
• Envelope liners or belly bands to add aesthetic interest and hold everything together

Sending out the invitations

Now that you've designed your e-wedding invitation, it's time to send them out! Here are some tips to ensure a smooth process:

• Timing is key: Send your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, if your wedding is a destination celebration or requires significant travel, send them out four to six months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to plan their attendance.
• RSVP management: Include clear RSVP instructions and a deadline date. You can use a QR code to make responding easier for your guests and manage responses digitally. Set the RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the wedding, giving you time to follow up on any missing responses.
• Contact information: Ensure you have up-to-date contact information for your guests, including email addresses and phone numbers. This will ensure your invitations reach the right people.
• Test before sending: Before sending out your invitations, test them on different devices and email providers to ensure they display correctly and that all links are functional. This will help you identify and fix any potential issues.
• Personalization: If you're using an app or online platform, take advantage of their customization features. Add personal touches such as photos, signatures, or even personalized messages for each guest. This will make your invitations more engaging and special.
• Consider your guests' preferences: While digital invitations are convenient, some guests may prefer printed versions. Offer an alternative option, such as providing a printable PDF version or a link to download the invitation. This ensures that everyone can access and view the invitation easily.

RSVP tracking

When it comes to RSVP tracking for e-wedding invitations, there are several options to consider. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you effectively track RSVPs for your digital wedding invitations:

Choose an Online Platform:

Select an online platform or service that specializes in digital wedding invitations and RSVP management. Examples include Paperless Post, Evite, Greenvelope, and Greetings Island. These platforms offer various features, including RSVP tracking, customizable designs, and guest management tools.

Utilize RSVP Tracking Features:

Most digital invitation platforms provide built-in RSVP tracking tools. This allows you to monitor responses in real time and see an overview of guest attendance. You can also set up reminders and notifications to keep track of incoming RSVPs and follow up on missing responses.

Include a Link to Your Wedding Website:

Create a wedding website where guests can RSVP and find additional information about the wedding, such as accommodation options, schedules, and wedding party details. By including a link to your wedding website on your digital invitations, you streamline the RSVP process and provide guests with a central hub for all wedding-related details.

Set Up Custom RSVP Questions:

Take advantage of custom RSVP questions to gather specific information from your guests. This could include meal preferences, song requests, travel plans, or any other details that will help you plan the wedding. Custom questions enhance the accuracy of your RSVP tracking and improve the overall guest experience.

Consider Using a QR Code:

Instead of a traditional RSVP card, opt for a QR code that guests can scan to respond to the invitation. This digital approach simplifies the response process and eliminates the need for physical mail. It also ensures that responses are instantly recorded and easily manageable.

Track RSVPs in Real Time:

Most digital invitation platforms offer real-time tracking, allowing you to see responses as they come in. This helps you stay organized and make informed decisions about venue capacity, catering, and other arrangements. You can also use this information to follow up with guests who have not yet responded.

Set a Clear RSVP Deadline:

Communicate a clear RSVP deadline to your guests, typically three to four weeks before the wedding. This deadline helps you finalize numbers for vendors and makes it easier to manage your guest list. It also encourages guests to respond promptly and reduces the chances of last-minute changes.

By following these instructions and utilizing the features provided by digital invitation platforms, you can effectively track RSVPs for your e-wedding invitations, ensuring a well-organized and smoothly planned wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions