Secret Wedding, Public Celebration: Our Unique Nuptial Journey

Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be stressful. From guest lists to budgets, there are many factors to consider when planning your big day. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is a secret wedding. This can be a great way to avoid stress and have a more intimate celebration with your closest friends and family. However, if you choose to go down this route, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially when it comes to sending out invitations.

While it is possible to have a secret wedding and send out invitations, it is important to note that keeping your nuptials under wraps becomes more challenging once you start inviting guests. The best way to ensure your wedding remains a secret is to elope or have a very small wedding with only a few close friends or family members present.

If you decide to send invitations, it is crucial to be mindful of your wording. Be explicit about the fact that you are having a small, intimate wedding and that you would like your guests to keep the details confidential. You could also consider sending digital invitations, which are more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Additionally, timing is key. Sending out invitations closer to your wedding date gives you more control over the information that is shared. It is also a good idea to have a wedding website where guests can RSVP and find additional information. This way, you can share details closer to the event and reduce the risk of leaks.

Finally, be prepared for the possibility that some guests may not respect your wishes for privacy. Despite your best efforts, there is always a chance that word may get out. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you are surrounded by the people you love on your special day.

Send digital invites: This saves time and money, is environmentally friendly, and makes RSVPs easier

Digital wedding invites are a great way to save time and money, be environmentally friendly, and make RSVPs easier.

Save Time and Money

Digital wedding invitations are a more affordable option compared to physical invitations, which can cost thousands of dollars. With digital invites, you can avoid the hassle of envelope stuffing, stamp securing, and handwriting addresses. This saves you valuable time and money, especially if you're on a tight budget or prefer to allocate your funds elsewhere, such as towards an open bar at the reception.

Environmentally Friendly

Digital invites are perfect for couples aiming for an eco-friendly wedding. By going paperless, you can rest assured that your invitations haven't contributed to deforestation or harmed any trees. Some platforms, like Greenvelope, even partner with environmental charities to help reduce your wedding's carbon footprint.

Easier RSVPs

Online invitation services simplify the RSVP process for both the couple and their guests. Instead of filling out and mailing back RSVP cards, guests can easily respond through your wedding website. This gives you instant access to their responses, and platforms like WedSites even allow you to send group updates and create custom RSVP forms.

Ask guests to keep it a secret: Explain that you want a small, private wedding and request that they respect your wishes

Keeping your wedding a secret from uninvited guests can be challenging, especially when you start inviting guests. While it may be difficult to expect your guests to keep your wedding a secret, there are some ways to increase your chances of maintaining privacy.

Firstly, consider the size of your guest list. The larger the guest list, the more challenging it will be to keep your wedding a secret. A small, intimate wedding is easier to keep private, as there are fewer people involved. Be mindful that some guests may still talk about the wedding, regardless of your request for privacy.

When inviting guests, communicate your wishes clearly and respectfully. Explain that you are having a small, private wedding and politely request that they respect your decision to keep it a secret. You can include a note with your invitations or save-the-dates, expressing your desire for privacy and explaining that you would like them to refrain from sharing the details with others.

For example, you could say something like: "We are thrilled to celebrate our special day with you and kindly ask that you keep our wedding plans confidential. We hope you understand our desire for a small, intimate ceremony, and we appreciate your support in keeping our secret."

It is also essential to be considerate of your guests' feelings. Some may feel hurt or excluded if they are not invited to your wedding. It is natural for people to want to share exciting news, so be empathetic towards your guests and understand that they may unintentionally disclose information.

To increase your chances of keeping your wedding a secret, you could also consider sending invitations closer to your wedding date, giving guests less time to accidentally share details. Additionally, avoid discussing wedding plans around those who are not invited, as this can help manage expectations and reduce the risk of information being shared unintentionally.

Remember, the most important aspect is ensuring your wedding aligns with your desires. By respectfully communicating your wishes for privacy, you can increase the likelihood of your guests keeping your wedding a secret.

Choose a strategic time to send invites: Avoid lunchtime rush at the post office and opt for early weekday mornings instead

Planning a secret wedding is no easy feat, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. If you're hoping to keep your nuptials under wraps, choosing a strategic time to send out your invites is key. Here are some tips to avoid the lunchtime rush at the post office and increase your chances of keeping your secret wedding, well, a secret:

First, find out the opening times of your local post office. Typically, post offices open between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The best time to arrive is about 30 minutes after opening. This way, you'll miss the early morning rush and catch a mid-morning lull. If you time it right, you can avoid the busy lunch period, which tends to attract a crowd.

Opt for early weekday mornings to send your invites. Mondays and Tuesdays are usually quieter, as people are still settling into the workweek. Wednesdays tend to be busier, with people often choosing this day to run errands before the weekend.

If you can't make it to the post office in the mornings, there is another option. According to a USPS spokesperson, there's often a "short-line sweet spot" in the late morning, around 10:30 a.m. This is just before people start heading out for their lunch breaks.

Additionally, consider the location of the post office. While the one in your residential area might be the most convenient, it's likely to be busier. Instead, try a post office in a very commercial area, like one with many stores, warehouses, or transport facilities. These locations usually have shorter lines because businesses tend to use different shipping methods rather than relying solely on the USPS.

Remember, even with strategic timing and location choices, there's always a chance you'll encounter a crowd. It might take a bit of experimentation to find the perfect time and place for your needs.

By choosing the right time and location, you'll not only increase your chances of keeping your wedding a secret but also make your trip to the post office a smoother and less stressful experience.

Weigh your invites: Take one fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required

If you're planning a secret wedding, one of the challenges you'll face is how to invite your guests without giving the game away. One couple chose to send out "Save the Date" cards, asking guests to keep the date free for a "garden party", with a special guest to be revealed. This strategy can work, but it's important to be aware that some guests may arrive late, or not at all, if they don't realise it's a wedding.

Another option is to send out "Save the Date" cards with a playful message like "Shhhh! Save the date for [name] and [name]'s secret wedding". However, this approach may confuse guests, and it's difficult to keep the secret once you start inviting people.

Whatever approach you choose, it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls. For example, if you're asking guests to keep your wedding a secret, there's a risk that they may not respect your wishes. Additionally, if you're planning a surprise wedding, you'll need to be prepared for guests to arrive late or not at all.

Now, onto the matter of postage. It's important to weigh your fully assembled invitations before heading to the post office. This will ensure you have the correct postage for each invitation. The weight of your invitations will depend on several factors, including the type of paper used, the size and weight of the envelope, and any additional inserts or enclosures. It's always better to slightly overestimate the weight to avoid any potential issues with delivery.

• Assemble a complete invitation suite: This includes the invitation itself, any enclosure cards (such as RSVP cards, reception cards, or accommodation cards), as well as the envelope and any other embellishments or inserts.
• Use a precise scale: A small postal scale can be purchased online or at your local office supply store. This will ensure an accurate reading.
• Weigh a single invitation: Take one fully assembled invitation and weigh it on the scale. This will give you the weight per invitation.
• Consider the weight limits: Standard postage rates typically apply to letters up to 1 ounce (28 grams). Anything heavier may require additional postage.
• Visit the post office: Once you know the weight of your invitation, head to the post office to purchase the correct postage. You may also want to ask about any available wedding-themed stamps to add a special touch to your invitations.
• Mail a test invitation: Before sending out all your invitations, mail one to yourself or a friend to ensure it arrives safely and on time. This will give you peace of mind that your invitations are on their way to your guests without any issues.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your secret wedding invitations are properly weighed and posted, ready to surprise and delight your guests!

Seal envelopes securely: Use a cotton swab or paintbrush to moisten the envelope adhesive, then place invitations under a heavy book to reinforce closure

If you're looking to seal your wedding invitations securely, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to use a cotton swab or a paintbrush to moisten the envelope adhesive. First, prepare a small bowl of warm water. Then, lightly dampen your cotton swab or paintbrush with the water and carefully swipe it across the glue on the envelope flap. After applying the water, fold the flap down and press down on it to seal the envelope. Be careful not to use too much water, as this could cause the envelope to become soggy or puckered.

Once you've sealed your envelopes, you can further reinforce the closure by placing a heavy book on top of them while they dry. This will ensure that the flaps stay flat and securely closed. This method is a great alternative to licking the envelopes, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out.

Frequently asked questions