Planning Wedding Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and sending out invitations can be one of the more complicated steps in the process. Wedding invitations are often the first contact point with guests and can reflect the style and tone of the wedding. They create excitement and give guests a glimpse of what to expect on the day. The design, wording, and timing of invitations are all important factors to consider. This guide will cover everything from when to send invitations to what information to include, helping you navigate the process with ease.

Timing: Send 'Save the Dates' 6-8 months before, and invites 2-3 months prior

The timing of sending out your save-the-dates and wedding invitations is crucial and will impact not only your schedule but also that of your guests. Sending out these notifications at the right time ensures that your guests can make the necessary arrangements and reflects your consideration and etiquette.

Save-the-dates are preliminary notifications sent out to your guests to inform them about your wedding plans and ensure that they reserve your wedding date on their calendars. They are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding. This timing is considered an ideal buffer, as it gives your guests enough time to mark the date on their calendar and arrange for travel and accommodation. Sending save-the-dates also ensures that your guests get a heads-up about your plans and that you get first dibs on guests who know other couples getting married on the same day.

If you are planning a destination wedding or getting married on a major holiday, it is advisable to give guests extra notice by sending your save-the-dates out nine months to a year in advance. This is because destination weddings require more time for guests to plan their trips and make travel arrangements. Similarly, weddings during busy holiday seasons may require guests to book flights and accommodations earlier to avoid higher costs and unavailability.

Wedding invitations are the official request for guests to attend your wedding and usually include essential details such as the date, time, venue, and sometimes, suggested attire. It is recommended to send out wedding invitations two to three months before the wedding date for a destination wedding or if you have guests travelling from abroad. For local weddings, it is standard to send out invitations two months in advance. This timing allows your guests to receive their invitation, consider any travel plans, and respond accordingly. Sending the invitations too early may cause guests to forget about the invite, while sending them too late may lead to last-minute scrambling.

Design: Choose a style that reflects your wedding theme

When it comes to designing your wedding invitations, it's important to choose a style that reflects your wedding theme. This is your chance to give your guests a sneak peek of what's to come and get them excited about your big day. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect design:

• Consider your wedding theme: If you're having a rustic wedding, you might want to opt for a simple invitation printed on recycled brown paper. For a more elegant or formal affair, you could choose a design with foil-pressed details or elegant calligraphy.
• Colour palette: Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours. This could be as simple as using the same colours for your invitations as you plan to use for your wedding party or venue decorations.
• Personal touches: Add personal touches to your invitations to make them unique. This could include a photo of you and your partner, a romantic quote or even a custom illustration.
• Play with fonts: Different fonts can completely change the look and feel of your invitations. For example, a script font can add a touch of elegance, while a bold, modern font can make a statement.
• Incorporate motifs: If you have a specific motif or pattern in mind for your wedding, such as a floral or geometric design, incorporate it into your invitations to tie the whole theme together.
• Paper and printing options: The type of paper and printing technique you choose can also impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. For a luxurious touch, consider thicker paper or letterpress printing.
• Browse for inspiration: If you're not sure where to start, browse through wedding invitation suites online or on sites like Pinterest. This can help you get a sense of the different styles and designs available and narrow down what you do and don't like.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of your personality and the tone you want to set for your wedding. Take the time to choose a design that truly speaks to you and your partner, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Paper type: Select from card stock, vellum or cotton

When it comes to wedding invitations, the paper type you choose will depend on your personal preference, budget, and the overall tone you want to set for your wedding. Here are some options to consider:

Cardstock

Cardstock is a medium to heavyweight paper made from tree pulp or cotton. It has a smooth, matte finish and comes in a variety of colours and weights, making it perfect for printing at home or with a local printer. Cardstock is also relatively inexpensive, so it can be a good option if you're working with a small budget. The weight of the cardstock can range from 80# to 300# or higher, with 110# to 120# being the most common weight used for wedding invitations. If you're printing at home, it's recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight until you find the best quality for your printer.

Vellum

Vellum is a translucent paper that looks gorgeous on its own or layered over an illustration, artwork, or photo. It has a beautiful matte finish and can be printed on directly, or used as an unprinted overlay to add depth to your invitations. Vellum is also heat-stabilised to avoid curling during the foiling process. It is typically available in weights of 180 gsm and 200 GSM.

Cotton

Cotton paper is relatively smooth, highly absorbent, and suitable for both laser and inkjet printing. It gives wedding invitations a clean, modern look and is considered "photo safe", making it ideal for scrapbooks and wedding albums. Cotton paper is also available in a variety of weights and colours, making it a versatile option for wedding invitations. It is often used by popular wedding invitation companies such as Minted, Wedding Paper Divas, and Invitations by Dawn.

When choosing the paper type for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing method you will use, as well as the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Be sure to review the weight and thickness recommendations for your printer, and don't be afraid to experiment with different paper types to find the perfect one for your invitations.

Wording: Include key details and be specific about who's invited

Wedding invitation wording can be tricky, but the most important rule is to create a beautiful invitation that represents you, your love, and the day to come, while also communicating the vital details. Here are some tips to help you with the wording of your wedding invitations:

Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and their names are listed at the top of the invitation. However, including the names of both sets of parents is a gracious option, and more and more couples are now hosting and paying for their weddings themselves or with their parents. Here are some examples of wording for the host line:

• "Together with their families"
• "Together with our families"
• "Together with their parents"
• "Together with full hearts"
• "With hearts full of love and joy"

Request Line

This is where you extend the invitation to your wedding. Here are some examples:

• "Request the honour of your presence" (traditionally used to denote a religious service)
• "Request the pleasure of your company" (used to denote a non-religious ceremony)
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Couple's Names

If the bride's parents' names are listed at the top, the bride's name can just be her first and middle name, with the groom's name written in full. For same-sex couples, the names can be listed alphabetically or based on what looks best with the invitation design. Here are some examples:

• "Emma and Jax request the pleasure of your company..."
• "Julia French, daughter of Mr. Adam French and the late Iris French, and Austin Mahoney, son of Mr. Camden and Elizabeth Mahoney, request the honour of your presence..."
• "Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory and Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children Amy Abner and Charles Hyland"

Date and Time

Traditionally, the date and time should be spelled out in full. For example: "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon." The time of day should be spelled out as "four o'clock" or "half after four o'clock". Evening begins at five o'clock, and from noon until four o'clock is considered afternoon.

Venue

List the venue name and city, state. The street address is not usually included unless it is a private residence or omitting it would lead to confusion. Zip codes are not usually included. Here is an example: "Venue Name, City, State".

Reception Information

If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply say "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, include the venue on a separate line or on a separate insert card. Include the time if the reception is not immediately following the ceremony.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, you must include this information. If no dress code is included, guests will infer the attire based on the formality of the invitation.

RSVP

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return. You can also give guests the option to RSVP via your wedding website. The RSVP deadline should be set for 3-4 weeks before the wedding date.

Be Specific About Who's Invited

To avoid awkward conversations later, be specific about who is invited. For example, "John and Sally + family", "Elise + partner".

Extras: Add RSVP cards, maps, accommodation info and fun questions

There are a few extra additions you can include with your wedding invitations to make your guests' experience even more seamless and enjoyable.

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are a great way to prompt guests to respond to your invite in a timely manner. They also help you to organise the seating chart, menu, and music playlist. You can include a blank line for guests to write their names, a line to indicate whether they are accepting or declining, and a line for the number of guests attending. You can also ask about dietary requirements, meal selections, and any special requests, like song choices.

Maps

Including a map of your venue and the surrounding area is a thoughtful touch, especially if your wedding is in an unfamiliar location. You can also include accommodation recommendations and a list of local attractions.

Accommodation Information

If you're planning a destination wedding or have guests travelling from out of town, include accommodation suggestions or details of a group hotel booking. You can also ask your guests if they need accommodation suggestions.

Fun Questions

Adding a fun question to your RSVP cards is a great way to get your guests involved in the festivities. Ask about their favourite songs, drinks, or holiday destinations. You could also ask for marriage advice or a favourite memory of the couple.

Frequently asked questions