The Knot Guide To Wedding Guest Invitations

Planning a wedding can be a challenging task, and deciding on a guest list is no exception. The Knot offers a free Guest List Manager tool that allows you to seamlessly organize your guest list, gather addresses, collect and track RSVPs, and more. You can add guests one by one or use a spreadsheet to import multiple guests at once. The Guest List Manager simplifies the process, so you can enjoy the rest of your wedding planning journey. Once you've created your guest list, you can send out invitations. While The Knot does not offer an evite option, you can use another provider, such as Paperless Post, and link it to your Knot RSVP page. Alternatively, you can include your Knot website link on paper invitations, allowing guests to RSVP online.

Using The Knot Guest List Manager

The Knot's Guest List Manager is a free tool that simplifies the process of organising your guest list, gathering addresses, collecting and tracking RSVPs, and sharing your list with other VIPs. To get started, you'll need to create an account with The Knot. Once you've logged in, find the Guest List tool under Planning Tools or Wedding Website in the navigation bar.

There are three ways to add guests and their information to the list:

• Add guests one by one by filling in their name, address, phone number, email address, and any notes.
• Use a spreadsheet by downloading The Knot's spreadsheet templates for Excel or Google Sheets. Fill in your guests' information and then copy and paste it into the tool.
• Collect addresses by copying and pasting the provided link into an email to your guests. They will be able to fill in their address and contact information, which will then be automatically added to your guest list.

You can also create events such as a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch and add guests to those lists. The system will show the guests for all of your wedding-related events combined, but you can easily alphabetize guests' names or sort by the number of guests ("Party Size").

As you add guests, you can edit each person's profile to include more information, such as the number of guests in their party, if their gift was received, and if you sent a thank-you note. You can also add any notes about the guest, such as dietary restrictions or seating preferences. Once you've sent your invitations, you can track each guest's RSVP by clicking on their name. If you have a wedding website with The Knot and have set up online RSVPs, your guests' responses will be automatically populated on your guest list.

Your guest list on The Knot is password-protected and will not be visible to your guests. However, you can easily download and share your guest list with others, such as your wedding planner, caterer, or venue.

Sending invites via email

While The Knot does not appear to have an evite option, there are other ways to send wedding invitations via email.

Firstly, you can use another provider, such as Paperless Post or Evite.com, and direct your guests to your The Knot website to RSVP. Paperless Post, for example, allows you to choose the digital card option, which turns off their RSVP function, and then link to your The Knot RSVP page.

Alternatively, you can design your own invitations and send them via email. You can use a service like Canva to create your invitations, save them as PDFs, and then attach them to an email with all your guests BCCed. You can also include your The Knot website link in the email to direct guests to RSVP there.

It is worth noting that some people may prefer physical invitations, especially for a formal event like a wedding. Additionally, not everyone may be tech-savvy enough to use emailed invitations, and there is a chance that your emails could end up in your guests' spam folders.

Creating a wedding website

Timing

There is no rule about when to create and share your wedding website. In fact, the earlier you create and spread the word, the better. This will allow you to keep your guests informed about every detail as you plan your wedding. It is recommended to send out save-the-dates six to eight months before your wedding date, so creating your website before or around this time is ideal.

Details to Include

Your wedding website should include essential information such as the date, time, and location of your wedding. As you finalize other details, be sure to update your website. This includes information about your venue, wedding party members, wedding weekend events, and dress code.

Registry Information

Your wedding website is also the perfect place to share your wedding registry. Since registry information is not typically included on save-the-dates or formal invitations, your website allows guests to easily access this information.

Design and User Experience

The Knot offers wedding website designs that match the style of your save-the-dates. Consider using a custom URL to make it easier for guests to access your site. You can also make your site interactive and engaging by including a personalized welcome message, an interactive map, and your favourite engagement photos.

Sharing Your Website

When sharing your wedding website, avoid printing the URL on your formal invitations. Instead, include it on any pre-wedding event invitations, such as bridal shower or engagement party invites. You can also include an additional insert with your website information within your invitation suite.

While sharing your website on social media may seem convenient, it is not recommended as it may cause non-invited friends to feel left out. If you choose to share on social media, consider doing so in a private message or group.

RSVP Management

The Knot's Guest List Manager allows you to seamlessly organize your guest list, gather addresses, collect and track RSVPs, and share your list with others. You can add guests individually or import them from a spreadsheet. Guests will be marked as ""invited," which means they can RSVP through your wedding website once you've shared the site information with them.

Adding a guest via The Knot app

Firstly, open the app and select "Planning" and then "Guest List". Choose "Guest List" again, and at the bottom of the screen, you will have the option to "Add a Guest +". Here, you can enter the guest's information – only their name is required, but you can also add their address, phone number, email address and any additional notes. Alternatively, you can choose to add the guest from your phone contacts.

Once you have added a guest, they will show as "invited" on your guest list. This does not send them an alert but simply allows them to RSVP when they navigate to your wedding website or you share your site information with them. Be sure to save and close each group.

You can also add a plus one for your guests. After selecting "Add a Guest", type in the name of the guest you are personally inviting. Under "Spouse/Guest", type in "Guest" for their plus one. When they RSVP, they will be able to respond for themselves and their plus one.

Collecting RSVPs

Using The Knot's Guest List Manager:

• Setting up your Guest List: Open The Knot app and navigate to "Planning" and then "Guest List". Choose "Guest List" again and select the option to "Add a Guest +" at the bottom of the screen. Enter the guest's information, including their name, address, phone number, and email address. You can also add guests directly from your phone contacts.
• Inviting Guests to RSVP: Guests will show as "invited" on your Guest List, but this will not send them an alert. To allow guests to RSVP, share your wedding website information with them. They can then navigate to your website and RSVP. Be sure to save and close each guest group as you go.
• Tracking RSVPs: Once you've sent your invitations, you can track each guest's RSVP by clicking on their name and updating their response. If you have a wedding website with The Knot and have set up online RSVPs, guest responses will automatically populate on your guest list.
• Exporting and Printing your Guest List: As your wedding day approaches, you may need to share your guest list with vendors or other VIPs. You can easily download your entire guest list as a table, create address labels, or export a table of guest RSVP responses for an accurate headcount. You can also print your guest list by downloading the .csv file and sharing it with those who prefer a hard copy.

Integrating Digital Invites with The Knot's Website:

If you plan to send digital invitations, you can use a third-party provider like Paperless Post and integrate it with your The Knot website for RSVPs. Here's how:

• Customise your digital invitation: After customising your digital card on Paperless Post, turn off their RSVP function and link to your wedding website.
• Link to The Knot's RSVP page: Upload your guest list to The Knot and link to The Knot's RSVP page. Your guests can then RSVP directly on The Knot's website.
• Matching invitation suites: Paperless Post offers invitation designs that match The Knot's website themes, making it easy to create a cohesive look for your wedding stationery.

Frequently asked questions