The Perfect Way To Send Out Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a special way to let your guests know about your big day. While there are many ways to send invitations, printed invites are a more formal and traditional option. They can be customized to highlight your personal style and showcase your wedding theme and colours. They also serve as a lasting keepsake for your guests. When sending out wedding invitations, it is important to consider the timing, content, and presentation. This includes sending them out early enough, including all the necessary information, and choosing the right look and feel for your invitations.

Budgeting for postage and printing costs

When budgeting for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider not only the invitations themselves but also the printing and postage costs. Here are some tips to help you plan and budget effectively:

• Allocate a portion of your total wedding budget: It is recommended that you allocate 2-5% of your total wedding budget for wedding invitations, printing, and postage. Stationery expert Kristen Bozzone Armstrong suggests setting aside 4 to 6% of your overall budget for this. This will ensure you have a realistic idea of how much you can spend on these items.
• Consider the number of invitations: The number of invitations you need will depend on your guest list size. Remember that the cost of printing and postage per invitation will add up quickly, so trimming down your guest list can help reduce costs.
• Factor in printing costs: The printing method you choose will significantly impact the cost. Digital printing tends to be the most budget-friendly option, while letterpress, engraving, and foil stamping can be much more expensive. Ask your printer for a quote and be sure to factor in any additional costs for custom designs, proofreading, and cutting.
• Don't forget postage: The cost of postage is often overlooked but can add up quickly, especially if your invitations are heavy or oversized. Calculate the weight and size of your complete invitation suite (including RSVP cards and envelopes) to determine the correct postage. Get your invitations weighed at the post office to ensure accuracy.
• Budget for any additional costs: In addition to the invitations, printing, and postage, there may be other costs to consider. For example, you may want to include a belly band or ribbon to keep the invitation suite together. You may also need to purchase envelopes, especially if you're DIYing your invitations. Don't forget to include postage for the RSVP cards as well!
• Plan and order in advance: Give yourself plenty of time to research and compare prices from different vendors. Ordering in advance can also help you avoid rush fees and gives you a buffer in case of any unexpected costs.

By following these steps, you can effectively budget for the printing and postage costs of your wedding invitations, ensuring that you stay within your allocated budget.

Choosing the right size and weight

Wedding invitations come in a variety of sizes and weights, and choosing the right one is an important part of the planning process. The size and weight of your invitations will depend on several factors, including the number of enclosures, the thickness of the card, and your desired design aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you choose the right size and weight for your wedding invitations:

• Consider the number of enclosures: If you plan to include an RSVP card, gift list details, accommodation information, or other inserts, your invitation package will be thicker and heavier. Ensure that your envelopes are large enough to accommodate all the enclosures without bending or folding.
• Weigh and measure your invitations: Take a complete invitation, including all enclosures, to your local post office to get it weighed and sized. This will help you determine the correct postage amount and ensure that your invitations meet the size and weight requirements for mailing.
• Choose the right envelope size: The size of your envelopes should match the largest element within your invitation bundle. As a general rule, add 1/4 inch to both the height and width of the largest piece to determine the appropriate envelope size. For example, a standard 5" x 7" invitation would typically come with a 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" envelope.
• Budget and postage considerations: The larger and heavier your invitations are, the more costly they will be to mail. If you're working with a tight budget, consider opting for smaller or simpler designs that can be sent as standard letters. You may also want to explore digital RSVP options or include FAQs on your wedding website instead of including additional information cards.
• Design and aesthetic: The size and shape of your invitations should align with your desired design aesthetic. For a formal or traditional wedding, the classic 5" x 7" invitation size is a popular choice. For a more modern or laid-back feel, you might choose a petite or square invitation style.

Remember to factor in the cost of postage when budgeting for your wedding invitations. Weighing and measuring your invitations beforehand will help you avoid any unexpected costs or delays in delivery. By considering these factors, you can choose the right size and weight for your wedding invitations, ensuring they arrive safely and on time to your guests.

Sending invites early

Sending out your wedding invitations early is a great way to ensure your guests have enough time to plan their attendance. While the general consensus is that invitations should be sent out eight weeks before the wedding, there are several reasons why sending them out earlier can be beneficial.

Firstly, if your wedding is during a holiday season, it's a good idea to give your guests more notice. This is especially important if your wedding is around a major holiday, like Christmas, as people may need to plan their time off in advance. Sending out invitations early can also be helpful if you haven't sent out save-the-date cards, as it gives your guests more time to prepare and make any necessary arrangements.

Another reason to send out invitations early is if you have a large number of guests who are travelling from out of town or from abroad. These guests will likely need to book accommodation and travel, and possibly take time off work, so giving them extra time to plan can be considerate. In this case, sending out invitations three months or even earlier is recommended.

Additionally, sending out invitations early can help you get a more accurate headcount for your wedding. With more time, your guests are more likely to send their RSVPs back sooner, allowing you to finalise your seating chart and make any necessary adjustments.

Finally, sending out invitations early can be a good idea if you're having a destination wedding. In this case, it's advisable to send out invitations as soon as you have a confirmed date, to give guests ample time to plan their trip and make the necessary arrangements.

While sending out invitations early has several benefits, it's important not to send them out too early, as your wedding might not be at the top of your guests' minds as the day draws closer. Aim for the sweet spot of giving your guests enough time to plan, without sending them so early that they lose track of the date.

Including a return address

The return address typically goes on the back flap of the envelope, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front of the envelope, where the recipient's address is written. If your invitation has an inner envelope, you can also write the return address on the back of this. Formally, the return address should be handwritten, but it is also acceptable to have it printed, use a mailing label, or a return address stamp.

The return address should include the names of the hosts or the individuals sending the invitations. Traditionally, the bride's parents host the wedding, so their names and address are used. However, nowadays, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to host the wedding themselves, in which case their names and address can be used.

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson, 12 Park Lane, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Ms. Kari Johnson, Mr. Bradley Shaw, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• The Johnson-Shaw Wedding, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695
• Kari and Bradley, 23848 Dunmore Loop, Mobile, Alabama 36695

RSVP instructions

The RSVP is a critical part of your wedding stationery suite. It is the first glimpse your guests will have into your wedding style and formality, and it will help you finalise your numbers, create a seating plan, and confirm your budget before the big day. Here are some instructions to help you with your RSVP cards.

What to Include on the RSVP Card

• A blank line for guests to write their names. On a formal RSVP card, write an "M" at the start of the line to indicate that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss).
• An attendance line for guests to accept or decline their invite. This could be formatted as checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines.
• A place for guests to choose their meal option, if you are serving a plated dinner.
• A place for guests to provide the total number of attendees.
• A place for guests to detail any dietary restrictions.
• A special request line, such as song requests or drink preferences.

Wording and Formatting

• Use both your first and last names to avoid confusion, especially if it's a large wedding.
• Follow the formatting outlined on the RSVP card. More traditional or formal RSVP cards may include a pre-printed "M" before the name line. This is a prompt to include your title before your name.
• If the RSVP card includes "just for fun" questions, make the effort to answer them.

When to Send and When to Expect RSVPs

• Send your save-the-date cards six months to a year before the wedding.
• Send your wedding invitations eight weeks before the wedding.
• Set an RSVP deadline of around four weeks before the wedding date.
• Don't expect to receive all your replies straight away. Most guests will take a few days to check their diaries, buy a reply card, and get to the post office.
• If you are inviting guests from abroad, make sure you post them a save-the-date card and in-depth information about accommodation and the local area around six to eight months before the wedding.

Frequently asked questions