Virtual Wedding Etiquette: Inviting Guests To Your Digital Ceremony

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and with the rise of virtual weddings, the traditional wedding invitation is evolving. There are many options for how to invite guests to a virtual wedding, from printed invitations to digital e-vites, each with its own pros and cons. This article will explore the different ways to invite guests to a virtual wedding, offering a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Wording your invite

There are a few key things to remember when it comes to the wording of your virtual wedding invitations. Firstly, make it clear to your guests that they are not being asked to attend the wedding in person. It's important to avoid any confusion and manage expectations.

Secondly, be sure to specify the time zone of the wedding. If your wedding is taking place in New York at 5 pm, for example, your guests on the West Coast will need to tune in at 2 pm. Including clear time zone information will help ensure your guests don't miss the event.

It's also crucial to provide clear instructions on how and where your guests can watch the wedding. If you don't have the link to the livestream or video call yet, let your guests know that you'll be sending it to them via email before the wedding.

"We're Going Virtual! Please join us as [name] and [name] exchange vows virtually [day of the week], the [date] of [month] [year] [time] via [livestream platform] at [link]."

"New plan! We invite you to join us virtually as we exchange our vows."

"Change of plans! Due to the circumstances, we have taken our wedding virtual."

"We're social distancing! And we invite you to attend our virtual wedding."

"We still do! Just virtually. You're invited to our virtual wedding."

"We can't say 'I do' without all of you! Please join us virtually as we exchange our vows."

"Marry now, party later! Join us for our virtual wedding ceremony now and celebrate with us in person at a later date."

"Love isn't cancelled! And neither is our wedding. We've gone virtual."

Feel free to get creative with the wording and express your personality. You can also include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more information about the event, such as the livestream link, dress code, and any other details you'd like to share.

Printed vs digital invites

The decision to send printed or digital invites for your virtual wedding depends on several factors, including personal preference, budget, convenience, and the desired level of formality. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each option:

Printed Invites

Advantages:

• Formality: Printed invitations denote a sense of formality and elegance, setting the tone for your wedding.
• Clarity of Guest List: Addressing each envelope individually makes it clear who is invited, avoiding confusion.
• Accessibility: While most people have email addresses, older guests may not. Printed invites ensure everyone receives the invitation.
• Tangibility: Physical invitations are harder to ignore or overlook, as they can be placed on refrigerators or desks as reminders. They also create a tangible connection between the invitees and the happy couple.
• Personal Touch: The texture of the paper, intricate designs, and attention to detail showcase the thought and care put into the wedding planning, making guests feel valued.
• Customisability: Printed invitations offer countless design options to match your unique style and wedding theme, from luxurious letterpress to intricate laser-cut details.
• Keepsakes: Printed invitations made from high-quality paper can be framed, stored in memory boxes, or tucked into photo albums, becoming cherished mementos for you and your guests.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Printing and postage fees can be more expensive than digital invites.
• Production and Delivery Time: Creating and delivering printed invitations takes longer, requiring more planning and lead time.

Digital Invites

Advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Digital invites are budget-friendly, eliminating paper, printing, and postage costs.
• Eco-Friendly: Reducing paper waste minimises your environmental footprint.
• Faster Delivery and Updates: Digital invites can be sent and received quickly, allowing for last-minute changes if needed.
• Convenient RSVP Tracking: Built-in RSVP tracking makes it easy to manage your guest list and follow up with non-respondents.
• Immediate RSVP: Guests can respond immediately, providing quicker confirmation of attendance.
• Alignment with Virtual Wedding: Digital invites align with the nature of a virtual wedding, making it easy for guests to access and understand.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of Personal Touch: Digital invites may not evoke the same sense of excitement or anticipation as printed invitations.
• Technical Issues: Invitations may get lost in inboxes or experience technical glitches.
• Guest Comfort: Not all guests may be comfortable with digital invites, especially older or less tech-savvy individuals.

Ultimately, the choice between printed and digital invites depends on your priorities and preferences. Printed invites offer formality, tangibility, and a personal touch, while digital invites provide cost savings, convenience, and eco-friendliness. You may even decide to combine both approaches, catering to the preferences of your diverse guest list.

Choosing a website

• Features and Functionality: Different websites offer varying features and functionality. Consider what you want your virtual wedding website to do. Do you want to embed a live stream directly on the site, or will you provide a separate link? Do you want to include a digital guestbook, FAQ page, or gift registry details? Choose a website that offers the features you need to create a seamless and engaging experience for your guests.
• Design and Customization: The design and customization options available on a website are crucial. Opt for a platform that allows you to personalize your virtual wedding space, whether it's by adding your engagement photos, choosing a theme that matches your wedding colours, or customizing the URL to create a unique link. Select a website that enables you to showcase your style and tell your love story.
• User Experience: Ensure the website you choose provides a user-friendly experience for both you and your guests. Consider factors such as ease of navigation, mobile responsiveness, and the ability to send quick reminders and updates to your guest list. Select a platform with robust guest management tools, such as RSVP tracking, to make organizing your virtual wedding more manageable.
• Integration Options: Look for websites that offer integration with other tools and services you may be using for your wedding. For example, some websites integrate with mobile apps, guest list managers, or free planning tools, making it easier to stay organized and connected with your guests.
• Cost: The cost of creating a wedding website can vary. While many platforms offer free options, others may charge for specific features or add-ons. Consider your budget and choose a website that fits within your financial constraints. Some websites may also offer packages or subscriptions with additional benefits.
• Joy: Joy offers a free and user-friendly platform for creating online invitations and eCards. You can select a theme that matches your wedding website and easily send updates to your guests. Joy also allows you to livestream your wedding directly through its platform using YouTube or Vimeo integrations.
• LoveStream: LoveStream specializes in virtual weddings and offers a seamless platform for streaming your ceremony. They provide unlimited guests, a copy of your stream to share or keep, and personalized support from a LoveStream specialist.
• Zola: Zola provides hundreds of themes to choose from, allowing you to match your save-the-dates, thank-you cards, and wedding website. They also offer a guest list manager that tracks RSVPs and regrets.
• Minted: Minted offers a range of beautiful designs, including foil-press, gloss-press, and letter-press options. They also provide "Day of" stationery, such as place cards, escort cards, and thank-you cards. Additionally, Minted offers free guest addressing.
• Zazzle: Zazzle offers various categories, such as "floral," "rustic," and "modern," to find the perfect design for your invitations. They also create other matching products like mugs, t-shirts, and koozies as party favours.
• Green Envelope: Green Envelope is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious couples. They donate to nonprofits with every purchase and partner with independent artists to create eco-friendly wedding invitations.
• The Knot: The Knot provides free wedding websites with over 100 designs to choose from. You can create a custom domain, match your invitations, and easily update your guests with the latest details. They also offer tools like a guest list manager and helpful message templates.

What to include

When it comes to virtual wedding invitations, there are many options to choose from, ranging from formal printed invitations to casual digital invites. Here are some key things to include when creating your virtual wedding invitations:

Date, Time, and Location

It is important to include the date and time of your virtual wedding, making sure to specify the time zone to avoid any confusion. If you are having a virtual ceremony followed by an in-person reception, be sure to include this information as well.

Virtual Platform Information

Provide clear instructions on how guests can access your virtual wedding. Include the link or URL to your livestream or video conferencing platform, as well as any necessary login information or passwords. You may also want to include etiquette instructions, such as whether guests should mute themselves or if they are allowed to comment during the feed.

Dress Code

Let your guests know if there is a specific dress code for the virtual wedding. You can encourage them to dress up or suggest something more casual. You can also suggest that guests wear bright colors or specific colors to symbolize the celebration.

RSVP Information

Make it clear to your guests how you would like them to RSVP. Provide a link to your wedding website where they can RSVP, or include a separate paper mail-in RSVP card. You can also offer both options to allow guests to choose whatever is most comfortable for them.

Wedding Website

Include a link to your wedding website on your virtual invitation. This will allow guests to find more detailed information about your virtual wedding, such as the livestream link, etiquette instructions, and any other important updates.

Tone and Wording

The tone and wording of your invitation can be formal or casual, reflecting your personality and the style of your wedding. You can use traditional wedding invitation wording or get creative with something more unique. Be sure to clearly state that the wedding will be virtual, and consider including a phrase like "Join us virtually as we exchange our vows."

Extras

You can also include some fun extras to make your virtual wedding invitation stand out. Consider adding a photo of the happy couple, suggesting a Zoom background for guests, or even recommending that guests bring their own bottle of champagne for a virtual toast.

Pros and cons

Pros of Virtual Invites

Virtual invitations are a more affordable option than traditional paper invitations. They are also more eco-friendly, reducing unnecessary paper waste. Digital invites are also less likely to get lost or damaged as they are sent directly to guests' inboxes.

Additionally, virtual invites are more convenient for guests to respond to, and some platforms allow hosts to track RSVPs, send automatic reminders to overdue guests, and collect guest information.

Cons of Virtual Invites

Virtual invitations are less traditional and may not be suitable for formal weddings. Some guests, particularly older guests, may not be comfortable with digital invites and may need assistance. There is also a risk of virtual invites getting lost in guests' inboxes or ending up in spam folders.

Furthermore, some couples may prefer the keepsake value of a physical invitation, which can be used for photos or as a memento.

Frequently asked questions