Email Wedding Invites: Crafting The Perfect Message

Wedding invitations are traditionally sent by mail, but it has become more common to send them by email, especially amid the pandemic. Sending email invitations is a convenient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective option. When sending wedding invitations by email, it is important to consider the level of formality of the event and the tone of the written text. The invitation should include the date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony, as well as the dress code and reception details if they differ from the ceremony location. It is recommended to attach the invitation as an image or paste it into the body of the email, with a short message explaining the attachment. The subject line should be short and include the couple's names and the event. When addressing the email, it is best to use the BCC feature to protect the privacy of the guests and create a more personal touch.

Use a personal tone to make the invite seem warmer and more intimate

When writing a wedding invitation email, it's important to strike a warm and friendly tone to make your invite seem intimate. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Greeting

Begin your email with a warm and personalised greeting. Use the recipient's name, and consider adding a phrase like "We hope you are having a wonderful day!" to add a friendly touch.

Introduce yourself and your partner by name. If your parents are hosting, you may want to include their names as well. You can also mention how you know the recipient to add a personal touch. For example, "It's been a while since we caught up, but we'd love for you to join us on our special day."

Details

Provide the details of your wedding, including the date, time, and location. You may also want to mention the dress code and any other relevant information, such as accommodation or travel recommendations.

Confirmation

Clearly state how you would like the recipient to confirm their attendance. Provide your contact details, such as an email address or phone number, and ask them to respond by a specific date.

Expression of Excitement

End your invitation on a positive note by expressing your excitement about the wedding and the recipient's potential attendance. For example, "We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you!"

Sample Invitation

Here's an example of how you could structure your wedding invitation email:

> "Dear [Recipient's Name],

>

> We hope this invitation finds you well. We are thrilled to invite you to our wedding! It would mean so much to have you there to celebrate with us.

>

> The wedding will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. The dress code is [Dress Code], and we will be having a reception with dinner and dancing afterward.

>

> Please RSVP by [Date] by emailing us back or giving us a call. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you can make it!

>

> Best wishes,

> [Your Names]"

Include all the essential details such as the couple's full names, hosts, date, time, location, and reception venue

When sending wedding invitations via email, it's important to include all the essential details so that your guests have all the information they need to attend the celebration. Here are some tips and suggestions for including the necessary information in your email invitations:

Host Line:

The host line typically mentions the names of those hosting the wedding, usually the couple's parents. If both sets of parents are contributing, you can mention them all or use a phrase like "Together with their families". If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you may choose to omit the host line or start with a warm introduction such as "Together with full hearts" or "With hearts full of love and joy".

Request Line:

This is where you extend the invitation to your guests and set the tone for the celebration. Some examples of request lines include:

• "Request the honour of your presence" (traditionally used for religious ceremonies)
• "Request the pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Couple's Names:

The names of the couple should be included, usually in larger text or a fancy typeface. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex 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, depending on the formality of your wedding.

Date and Time:

Provide the wedding date and time to ensure your guests arrive at the right moment. For formal invitations, write out the time rather than using numerals (e.g., "four o'clock in the afternoon"). Include both the hour and time of day (a.m. or p.m.) to avoid confusion.

Ceremony and Reception Location:

Include the name and full address of the ceremony and reception venues, so your guests know exactly where to go. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, provide the full address on a separate line or on a separate reception card included with the invitation.

Dress Code:

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional, but it can be helpful for your guests. If you're having a black-tie event, it's important to include this information. Otherwise, your guests will infer the dress code based on the formality of the invitation.

Use a clear subject line with the couple's names and the event to ensure guests don't skim past the email

The subject line of your wedding invitation email is crucial as it is the first thing your recipients will notice about your email. It should be catchy and succinct, ensuring that your invitees immediately understand who the message is from and what it is about.

• "Suzy & Shane are Tying the Knot - 02.10.2021"
• "Suzy & Shane are getting married!"
• "Suzy & Shane’s Wedding | 02.10.21"
• "Mark Your Calendar for Suzy & Shane’s Wedding | 02.10.21"
• "Rose & Jack are getting married!"
• "You are invited to Rose & Jack’s wedding | July 22, 2023"
• "Join us as we say 'I do': Rose and Jack's wedding invitation | 7.22.2023"
• "Our love story: Rose and Jack's wedding celebration"

These subject lines effectively communicate the key details of the event, reducing the likelihood of your email being skimmed past or forgotten.

Address each guest by name and send invites individually to make clear who is invited

When sending wedding invitations via email, it's important to address each guest by name and send individual emails to make clear who is invited. This ensures that your guests feel personally valued and that there is no confusion about who is invited. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft your email invitations:

Tips for Addressing Guests by Name

• Use the guest's full name, including their title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., Dr., etc.).
• If you have a close relationship with the guest and they prefer a nickname, you can use that instead, but be consistent with the name you choose.
• For married couples, use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name or the couple's full names (e.g., "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" or "John and Jane Smith").
• If the couple has a different last name, use "Mr." and "Mrs." followed by their respective last names (e.g., "Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jones").
• For same-sex couples, list the names in alphabetical order by last name or based on your preference and the design of the invitation.

Examples of Individual Emails

• "Dear [Guest Name], We are thrilled to invite you to our wedding celebration. Your presence would mean a lot to us as we cherish the bond we share. The ceremony will take place on [date] at [time] at [venue address]. We hope you can join us for this special occasion. Kindly RSVP by [date]. Best regards, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest Name], We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to you and your partner to our wedding. It would be an honour to have you share in our joy as we exchange vows. The ceremony will take place on [date] at [time] at [venue address], followed by a reception at the same location. We hope you can make it! Please RSVP by [date]. Looking forward to your response. Sincerely, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest Name], We are happy to announce our wedding and would be honoured if you could join us for the celebration. The ceremony will take place on [date] at [time] at [venue address]. Your presence will make this day even more special. We hope you can attend and look forward to your company. Kindly RSVP by [date]. Warm regards, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest Name], We hope this email finds you well. We are pleased to invite you to our wedding, which will be held on [date] at [time] at [venue address]. Your presence will add to the joy of our special day. We kindly request the pleasure of your company and look forward to celebrating with you. Please RSVP by [date]. Best wishes, [Your Names]"

Attach the invitation as an image or paste it in the email text itself for guests to view and save

There are a few ways to go about attaching your wedding invitation to your email. Firstly, you can attach the invitation as an image file. This way, guests can click on it to view and save it to their photo gallery. Alternatively, you can paste the invitation image directly into the body of the email. If you're tech-savvy, you can even embed the invitation details in the email as clickable buttons that direct guests to your wedding website or RSVP form.

• Ensure the image is clear and easy to read, especially if you have included important details such as the date, time, and location of the wedding.
• If you're attaching the invitation as an image file, consider including a short message in the body of the email to introduce the invitation and provide any additional information.
• If you're embedding clickable buttons, make sure they are clearly labelled and easy to find within the email.
• Test the attachment or embedded buttons before sending to ensure they are functioning properly.

By attaching or pasting the invitation in the email, you provide guests with a convenient way to view and save the invitation. They can easily refer back to the invitation for any necessary details, such as dress code or RSVP information. This method also allows for a more seamless management of RSVPs, especially if you are directing guests to an online RSVP form or your wedding website.

Remember to keep the email message itself short and concise, as all the necessary details will be included in the invitation image. Here is an example of what the email message could look like:

"Dear [Guest Name],

We are delighted to invite you to our wedding celebration. Please find attached the details of our special day, including the date, time, and location. We hope you will be able to join us as we embark on this journey together.

Warm regards,

[Your Names]"

Frequently asked questions