Wedding Invite Etiquette: Sending Notes With Style And Grace

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your style and give your guests a glimpse of what to expect on the big day. But before you send out your invites, there are a few things to consider. From traditional paper invitations to modern digital formats, the way you choose to invite your guests can set the tone for your wedding. This article will guide you through the process of sending wedding invitations, including the pros and cons of different formats, what to include in your invites, and helpful tips for a stress-free experience. Whether you're looking to create elegant paper suites or go paperless with digital invites, this guide will ensure your wedding invitations are a perfect reflection of your special day.

How to send wedding invites via text message

Sending wedding invitations via text message is a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient option for couples. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Advantages of Text Message Invitations

Before crafting your message, it's essential to understand the benefits of this approach. Text message invitations are:

• Cost-effective: They eliminate the need for paper, printing, and postage, saving you a significant amount of money.
• Eco-friendly: Text messages reduce carbon emissions and preserve trees, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
• Convenient: You only need your guests' phone numbers, and they can easily access the invitation on their smartphones.
• Efficient: Text invitations save time by bypassing the postal service and providing a streamlined RSVP process.

Step 2: Craft the Invitation Message

When creating your text message invitation, reflect the tone and style of your wedding. Here are some essential elements to include:

• Names of the Couple: Make sure your and your partner's names are prominent in the invitation.
• Reason for the Invitation: Clearly state that it's a wedding invitation. You can use formal phrases like "request the honour of your presence" or go for a more casual approach like "join us as we tie the knot."
• Date and Time: Share the date and time of the ceremony, being mindful of time zones for any virtual or international guests.
• Venue: Include the full address of the wedding venue and reception location if it's different.
• Dress Code: Inform guests about the formality of the event, such as black tie, cocktail, or casual attire.
• RSVP Instructions: Provide a link to your wedding website or a custom RSVP form to make it easy for guests to respond.
• "With great joy, [Your Names] invite you to celebrate our wedding on [Date] at [Venue, City]. The ceremony begins at [Time]. Kindly RSVP by [Date] at [Link]. We look forward to sharing this momentous day with you."
• "Ahoy there! Set sail with us on a nautical adventure as we tie the knot. [Your Names]'s wedding is on [Date] at [Venue, City]. Boarding begins at [Time]. Navigate to [Link] for more details and to confirm your attendance."
• "Hi [Guest Name]! We're getting hitched and would love for you to join us! [Your Names] are having a laid-back, fun wedding on [Date] at [Venue, City]. Check out all the details and let us know if you can come at [Link] :)"

Step 3: Choose a Text Messaging Platform

Select a reliable mass texting platform that suits your needs. Consider features such as SMS keywords for RSVPs, MMS for images, and reporting and analytics to track your invitations. Some popular options include Text My Wedding, Greenvelope, and Evite.

Step 4: Gather Guest Phone Numbers

Collect the phone numbers of your guests. You likely have most of these in your address book, but you may need to reach out to family and friends for any missing numbers.

Step 5: Send the Invitations

Once you're happy with your message and have your guest list ready, it's time to send out the invitations. You can send them individually from your phone or use a bulk text messaging service to send them all at once. Remember to test your message by sending it to yourself or a close friend first to check formatting and links.

Step 6: Track Responses and Follow Up

Use the dashboard of your chosen text messaging platform to track who has received and responded to your invitation. For guests who haven't responded by the RSVP date, send a gentle reminder message to ensure an accurate headcount.

How to send wedding invites via email

There are many reasons to send wedding invites via email. It is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy for guests to RSVP. It also saves you time and money. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to send wedding invites via email:

Step 1: Create a Joint Email Account

Create a joint email account for wedding correspondence. Add an email signature and personalize it with a wedding monogram.

Step 2: Prepare the Invitation

You can prepare the invitation in a few ways:

• Attach the invitation as an image.
• Paste the invitation image directly into the email text.
• Embed the invitation details in the email as 'click here' buttons, which can include RSVPs and links to the wedding website.
• Create a video invitation and upload it to YouTube, then email the link to your guests.

Step 3: Write the Email

When writing the email, keep the following in mind:

• Keep the subject line short and to the point, including the couple's names and the event.
• Address each guest by name and send the invites individually.
• Include all the essential details such as the date, time, venue, and dress code.
• Provide a way for guests to RSVP easily, such as a link to your wedding website or a custom RSVP form.

Step 4: Send and Follow Up

After sending the invites, follow these tips:

• Test your email by sending it to yourself or a friend to check formatting and links.
• Follow up with guests a few days later to ensure they received the invitation and to prevent it from getting lost in their inbox.
• Keep track of responses and send gentle reminders to those who haven't responded by the RSVP date.

By following these steps, you can successfully send wedding invites via email while maintaining a personal and meaningful touch.

How to assemble and seal your wedding invites

So, you've got your wedding invitations all ready to go, but how do you assemble and seal them? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:

Step 1: Prepare Your Envelopes

Before you start assembling your invites, it's important to prepare your envelopes. Write out the addresses of your guests on the envelopes, using their full names and titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., etc.). If you're including an inner envelope, write only the names of the invited adult guests. This is also a good time to add postage stamps to your envelopes, making sure you have the correct amount. Square envelopes will require more postage than rectangular ones.

Step 2: Assemble Your Invites

Now it's time to put your invites together. If you've chosen a digital option, follow the platform's instructions for formatting and sending. If you've gone for the traditional paper route, carefully place each piece of your invitation suite inside the envelope, including any inserts, response cards, and envelopes. If you're concerned about smudging, you can add tissue paper between the layers, but this will increase your costs.

Step 3: Seal and Secure

Once everything is in place, it's time to seal your envelopes. Avoid licking the adhesive, as it's not only unpleasant but also ineffective. Instead, use glue or a strong adhesive to ensure your invites stay closed. You can also add a sticker or a piece of washi tape for a pretty touch, but don't rely on these alone to keep your envelopes closed.

Step 4: Deliver Your Invites

Finally, it's time to send your invites on their way. Hand-deliver them to your local post office instead of dropping them in a street-side mailbox to reduce the risk of damage. Ask the postal workers to hand-cancel your invitations, which means they'll use a special ink stamp and sort them by hand, further reducing the risk of damage.

And that's it! Your wedding invites are now assembled, sealed, and on their way to your guests.

How to word your wedding invites

The wording of your wedding invites is an important part of the process, and there are many ways to approach this. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you craft the perfect wedding invitation:

Step 1: Host Line

The host line is the first part of the invitation and traditionally includes the names of those hosting the wedding, usually the parents of the bride or both sets of parents. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can skip the host line and go straight to a warm and welcoming introduction. For example, "Together with full hearts" or "With hearts full of love and joy".

Step 2: Request Line

This is where you formally invite your guests to the wedding and set the tone for the celebration. For a religious service, you could use "The honour of your presence", or "The pleasure of your company" for a non-religious ceremony.

Step 3: Action Line

Here, you specify what you are inviting your guests to. For example, "at the marriage of their daughter" if the bride's parents are hosting, or "at the celebration of their union" if the couple is hosting.

Step 4: Couple's Names

The bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's name. For same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically by last name or based on what looks best with the invitation design. Using first names only will give a less formal feel.

Step 5: Date and Time

The date and time should be spelled out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand and twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon".

Step 6: Venue

List the venue name and city on separate lines. For formal weddings, the state name is usually spelled out. The street address is not usually included unless the venue is a private residence.

Step 7: Reception Information

If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say "Reception to follow". If it is at a different location, include this information on a separate card, known as a reception card.

Step 8: Dress Code

This is optional, but it can be helpful for guests. If your wedding is black-tie, it must be included.

Step 9: Wedding Website

It is best not to include your wedding website on the main invitation. Instead, put it on a separate reception or information card.

Step 10: RSVP Information

The RSVP card should include the date for guests to reply by, usually three to four weeks before the wedding, as well as the guests' names and checkboxes for accepting or declining.

Step 11: Additional Information

You may want to include other details such as meal choices and a song request line. If there are multiple events during the wedding weekend, activity cards can be helpful.

Step 12: Proofread and Finalise

Check your wording for spelling and grammar, and ensure you are happy with the tone and style of your invitations before sending them out.

How to save money on your wedding invites

Wedding invites can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs without compromising on style. Here are some tips to help you save money on your wedding invitations:

Opt for Digital Invites

Digital wedding invitations are a great way to save money. They are much cheaper than traditional paper invites, with costs starting at around $15 for 15 invitations or $19 for up to 20 people. You can also save on postage and printing costs, as well as the time and effort of addressing and sending out physical invites.

Choose a Simple Design

Luxe printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping can quickly add to the cost. Opt for digital printing, which is a more affordable and quicker option that still produces high-quality results. Choose one or two decorative elements such as foil pressing or calligraphy to add a touch of elegance without breaking the bank.

Limit the Number of Cards and Enclosures

Instead of including multiple enclosure cards with details about the wedding, provide guests with a link to your wedding website where they can find all the information they need. This will save on printing and postage costs, as well as reduce the weight of your invites, which can lower shipping prices.

Use Plain Envelopes

Envelopes are often discarded, so there's no need to spend a lot of money on decorative envelopes. Choose a simple, elegant envelope without extra embellishments, and consider using plain envelopes to save money that can be allocated to other areas of your wedding.

Order in Bulk

Ordering a few extra invitations can save you money in the long run. It's usually cheaper to add a few more invites to your initial order than to place a second, smaller order. This is also helpful if you need to invite additional guests or replace lost or damaged invites.

Proofread Carefully

Carefully proofread your invitations to avoid costly reprinting due to typos or errors. Get a friend or family member to read through the invites as well, and consider printing out a copy to catch any mistakes you might have missed on screen.

Send One Invitation per Household

Avoid unnecessary costs by sending one invitation per couple or family, instead of individual invites to each guest. This will reduce the number of invites you need to send out and help you stay within your budget.

Choose Cheaper Paper Types

The type of paper you choose can also impact the cost of your invites. Cotton or linen paper is typically more expensive, so opt for cardstock or a cotton blend for a more affordable option.

Compare Printing Prices

Engraving and letterpress printing tend to be more expensive. Ask your designer or supplier about digital printing options, which are usually cheaper. Be honest about your budget constraints, and consider printing the invites yourself at a local print shop to save money.

Create Your Own Invites

If you're feeling creative, you can design and make your own wedding invitations. This gives you full control over the design and budget, but be sure to calculate the costs beforehand to ensure it's a cost-effective option.

By following these tips, you can save money on your wedding invitations without sacrificing style or quality. Happy planning!

Frequently asked questions