Inviting Out-Of-State Relatives To Your Wedding: A Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to creating the guest list. One of the most common dilemmas is whether to invite out-of-state relatives. While it is ultimately your decision, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, assess the closeness of your relationship with these relatives. If they are important to you, it is generally recommended to extend an invitation, even if you expect them to decline due to distance or financial constraints. This shows that you value their presence and want to include them in your celebration. However, if your relationship is strained or non-existent, you may decide not to invite them, especially if your budget or venue capacity is limited. Remember to be mindful of their feelings and consider alternative ways to include them, such as through a live stream or a separate, more intimate gathering.

Whether to invite out-of-state relatives

Whether or not to invite out-of-state relatives to your wedding is a tricky question, and there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that you are not obligated to invite anyone, including family members, especially if there is a good reason for leaving them off the list. If you have a rocky relationship with certain relatives that cannot be repaired before the wedding, it may be best to leave them off the guest list. This is your special day, and you should be surrounded by people who love and support you, not those who create tension or drama.

Another factor to consider is your budget. Weddings can be expensive, and the number of people you invite will impact the overall cost. If you're on a tight budget, you may need to limit your guest list to immediate family and very close relatives and friends.

If you're unsure about inviting out-of-state relatives, it's worth thinking about the nature of your relationship with them. Are they close family members or friends that you regularly speak with and feel a strong connection to? If so, then they may appreciate being invited, even if they are unable to attend due to distance or financial constraints. You could even follow up with a message explaining that you understand if they can't make it, so they don't feel pressured.

On the other hand, if you barely speak to these relatives and don't feel a close bond, it may be best to leave them off the list. This is especially true if you think they would feel burdened by the invitation, having to consider travel costs, time off work, and other logistics.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can invite whoever you want. If you decide not to invite certain out-of-state relatives, be compassionate and considerate of their feelings. You don't have to justify your decisions, but be prepared to gracefully handle any questions or hurt feelings that may arise.

Ultimately, the decision to invite out-of-state relatives depends on your relationship with them, your budget, and the overall vibe you want to create for your wedding. Trust your instincts, and don't feel pressured to invite anyone out of obligation.

How to invite them

When it comes to inviting out-of-state relatives to your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide whether you want them there or not. If they are important to you, then you should definitely send them an invitation. It's your wedding, so you can invite whoever you want, and it's a nice gesture to include them even if you know they may not be able to make it.

If you're unsure, consider the nature of your relationship. If you are close, then an invitation is a good idea, but if you barely know them, then it may be better to leave them off the guest list. You could also think about the financial implications for them and you. Will they be able to afford to travel? If you're on a tight budget, you may not be able to afford to invite everyone.

If you do decide to invite them, be sure to give them plenty of notice. Send out invitations early—at least two months in advance—so that they have enough time to organize travel and accommodations. It's also a good idea to follow up with a text, email, or phone call explaining that you understand if they can't attend, so they don't feel pressured.

If you're not inviting out-of-state relatives, be mindful of their feelings. You could consider other ways to include them, such as setting up a webcam or video streaming the wedding so they can still be part of your special day.

When to send invites

There are a few things to consider when deciding on the best time to send out your wedding invitations. The general rule of thumb is to send out invites six to eight weeks in advance. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements, especially if they are coming from out of town. It also means that you can request RSVPs sooner and have a final headcount before the week of your wedding.

However, if you have a lot of out-of-town guests or your wedding is during a major holiday, it is recommended to send out invites eight to twelve weeks in advance. This will give your guests more time to plan their travel and accommodations. If you have any international guests, it is best to send their invites even earlier, around nine to ten weeks in advance, to account for extended shipping times.

On the other hand, you don't want to send out your invites too early. If you send them more than four months in advance, you risk them getting lost or your guests forgetting about the date. A good solution is to send out Save the Dates four to six months before the wedding, so your guests can start making plans, and then follow up with the formal invitation closer to the date.

It's also important to consider the timing of your RSVP deadline. You should request responses by one month before the wedding at the latest, to give yourself enough time to finalise details with your vendors. However, some people recommend setting the RSVP deadline at four weeks before the wedding, to reduce the chances of unexpected changes.

What to include in the invite

When it comes to inviting out-of-state relatives to a wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your invitations are thoughtful and informative. Here's what to include in the invite to make it as easy as possible for your guests:

Clear and Concise Information:

Start by including all the essential details about the wedding. Clearly state the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, including the exact address. This information will help your out-of-state relatives plan their travel accordingly.

Theme, Dress Code, and Special Instructions:

If your wedding has a specific theme or dress code, be sure to mention it in the invitation. This will help your guests feel included and prepared. For example, if it's a black-tie event or a beach wedding with a tropical theme, they'll need to know in advance. You can also include any special instructions, such as a request for recipe cards or other contributions.

Travel and Accommodation Suggestions:

Consider providing a list of recommended hotels or accommodation options near the wedding venue. This will be especially helpful for out-of-state relatives who may not be familiar with the area. You can also suggest transportation options or provide maps and directions to make their travel planning easier.

RSVP Details:

Include clear instructions on how and when to RSVP, along with the host's contact information. This will make it convenient for your guests to respond, and they will appreciate having a direct point of contact for any questions or concerns.

Registry Information:

It is also considered good etiquette to include registry information or a link to the couple's wedding website if they have one. This will guide your guests if they wish to purchase a gift.

A Personal Touch:

Lastly, don't forget to add a personal note or message to your out-of-state relatives. Let them know how much it would mean to you for them to be a part of your special day, and that you understand if they are unable to attend due to the distance. This will make them feel valued and appreciated.

How to handle RSVPs

Handling RSVPs is a crucial part of wedding planning, and there are several steps you can take to make the process smooth and efficient. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding preparations:

Provide Clear RSVP Details:

Include your contact information, such as a phone number or email address, on the wedding invitations. Instruct guests to use this information to RSVP for the wedding. You can also include a deadline for responses, usually set at least two weeks before the event, to ensure you have ample time for final preparations.

Utilize a Guest List Manager:

Use a guest list manager tool to keep track of RSVPs. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to plan for the appropriate number of attendees. There are various online tools and apps available to assist with this task.

Offer Multiple RSVP Options:

Some guests may prefer to respond by phone, while others might opt for email. Providing multiple RSVP options ensures that all your guests can respond in a way that is convenient for them. You can also offer a digital RSVP option through your wedding website if you have one.

Manage Out-of-State Relative Invitations:

When inviting out-of-state relatives, give them plenty of notice. Sending invitations at least two months in advance is recommended to allow them enough time to organize travel and accommodations. You can also follow up with a text, email, or phone call to let them know that you understand if they can't make a long journey, relieving any pressure they might feel to attend.

Be Mindful of Guest Accommodations:

Consider the needs of your out-of-state guests when planning. Provide maps, special accommodation information, and other relevant details to make their travel and stay more comfortable. This can include recommending nearby hotels or transportation options.

Explore Virtual Attendance Options:

If your out-of-state relatives are unable to attend in person, you can offer a virtual attendance option. Video conferencing or live streaming can be a great way to include them in the celebration, allowing them to feel part of your special day even from a distance.

Remember, the key to handling RSVPs is clear communication and organization. Keep track of responses, provide multiple response options, and be mindful of the unique needs of your out-of-state relatives. By following these steps, you can effectively manage your guest list and ensure that your wedding plans run smoothly.

Frequently asked questions