Announcing Your Wedding: Gracefully Exclude Guests With A Card

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your recent nuptials to those who weren't invited or unable to attend. They are typically sent to distant relatives, business associates, or friends who didn't make the guest list due to limited space or an intimate setting. While some may view these announcements as a gift-grab, the purpose is simply to inform and create no obligation to send a gift. They are usually mailed in envelopes, addressed, and stamped before the wedding for prompt delivery after the event. This guide will explore the etiquette and process of sharing your special day with those unable to attend.

Wedding announcements are not invitations

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your marriage. However, they are not a substitute for wedding invitations and should not be treated as such. Here are some key points to remember:

The Purpose of Wedding Announcements

The primary purpose of a wedding announcement is to inform people that a wedding has taken place or will be taking place soon. It is a way to share your happy news with those who are not invited to the event itself. This could include distant relatives, friends, business associates, or anyone else who may not be on the guest list but would be pleased to know about the wedding.

Timing is Key

It is important to note that wedding announcements should never be sent before the wedding. They are typically mailed the day after the wedding or up to several months after the event. Sending them before the wedding could create confusion and give the impression of an invitation.

No Obligation to Send a Gift

Receiving a wedding announcement does not create any obligation for the recipient to send a gift or card. While some people may choose to send a token of good wishes, it is not expected. Including any mention of gifts or a registry on the announcement is considered poor etiquette and may give the wrong impression.

Who to Send Them To

Wedding announcements are usually sent to people who are not invited to the wedding but may wish to hear the news of the marriage. This could include distant relatives, friends who are not close enough to be invited, or business associates. If you had a very small wedding due to budget or venue constraints, it is appropriate to send announcements to friends who were not invited. However, if you had a larger wedding with upwards of 100 guests, it is best to avoid sending announcements to friends who were not invited, as it could be perceived as a reminder that they were not included.

Wording and Format

The wording of wedding announcements is typically simple and factual. Traditional wording includes the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and the names of the parents of the bride and groom. You may also include information about the couple's plans after the marriage, such as where they will live and what names they will use. Announcements can be formal or informal, depending on your preference and the style of your wedding. They are usually mailed in envelopes, similar to wedding invitations.

In conclusion, while wedding announcements are a wonderful way to share your joy with others, they are not a replacement for invitations. They serve a different purpose and should be approached with careful consideration to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

They are for those you'd like to have at the wedding but can't

Wedding announcements are meant to spread the news of a recent or upcoming marriage. They are sent to friends, business associates, and family who are not close enough to be invited to the wedding. They are also sent to those who you would like to have at the wedding but can't due to budget or capacity constraints.

If you are having a small wedding, it is a nice gesture to send wedding announcements to those who you would like to have at the wedding but can't. This way, they know that you are thinking of them and would have liked to invite them if you could. It is best to send these announcements after the wedding, as sending them before might come across as a gift grab.

"We are thrilled to announce that we are married! Our wedding was on [date] at a small restaurant in [location]. We celebrated with just a few family and friends and are heading on a honeymoon to [location] in a few weeks. We can't wait to celebrate with you soon!"

You can also include a note specifically for those who you would have liked to invite, such as:

"Our painfully intimate [guest list/budget/venue/etc.] meant there were many loved ones we were not able to invite to our wedding celebration. We deeply missed having you there, but you were in our hearts. We love you. We miss you. We hope to see you soon!"

They're also for those you wouldn't ordinarily invite

Wedding announcements are meant to be sent to people who you would like to have at the wedding but can't accommodate. They are also appropriate for those you wouldn't ordinarily invite, such as distant relatives or family friends, but who might be pleased and interested to know about the marriage.

The purpose of an announcement is to simply inform people that a wedding took place. It is not a request for gifts or cards, and the recipient is under no obligation to send anything. Announcements are typically sent after the wedding, so people understand that they are not invited.

If you are concerned about how to tell people they are not invited, it is best to do so in person or over the phone. Text, email, or word of mouth can come across as rude or uncaring. Here are some polite ways to let someone know they are not invited:

• "We're so sorry, but due to budget constraints, we're keeping our guest list really small."
• "Our venue has limited capacity, so we've had to scale back our guest list."
• "We've chosen to have a very intimate wedding celebration with just close family and friends. We'd love to celebrate with you at a later date, though!"
• "We've decided to keep our wedding celebration small, but we'd love to invite you to our anni-ception next year."
• "As much as I care about you and enjoy working with you, our guest list is very limited, so my partner and I have agreed not to invite colleagues."

Announcements are not expected to generate gifts

Wedding announcements are not expected to generate gifts. They are meant to spread the news of a marriage, and the recipient is under no obligation to send a gift. The purpose of a wedding announcement is to inform people of an event that has already taken place, and it is entirely optional to send a gift.

Some people may choose to send a gift as a token of good wishes, but this should not be expected or assumed. It is considered poor etiquette to include any mention of gifts or a registry on a wedding announcement. The announcement should be a simple and factual statement about the marriage, and it is not meant to be a way of soliciting gifts.

If you are concerned about appearing gift-grabby, you can include a line about no gifts being expected. However, this is not necessary and may be seen as unnecessary. It is more common to simply send the announcement without any mention of gifts, as the purpose is solely to share the news of the wedding.

Wedding announcements are typically sent to distant relatives, friends, and colleagues who were not invited to the wedding but may still be interested in knowing about the marriage. It is a way to include those who were not able to attend the event, and it is not meant to be seen as a way of asking for gifts.

They can be sent up to several months after the wedding

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your nuptials to those who weren't invited or unable to attend. They are typically sent out within a few days of the wedding, but they can also be sent up to several months after the wedding. This option is especially useful if you want to include a photo from your big day or if you need more time to write and address the announcements.

When creating your wedding announcements, you can choose to go with a formal or informal tone, depending on your preference and the style of your wedding. Be sure to include the full names of both partners, the date and location of the wedding, and a short message expressing your joy and gratitude. You may also want to mention your future plans, such as your honeymoon destination or new address.

It's important to note that wedding announcements are not gift-grabby and do not obligate the recipient to send a gift. However, some of your more enthusiastic relatives and friends may choose to send a token of their good wishes. If you want to avoid any confusion, you can explicitly state that gifts are not expected.

When deciding who to send wedding announcements to, consider your family, your partner's family, and close friends who would be delighted to know that you tied the knot. You can also send them to professional colleagues, especially if you're changing your last name. Just be mindful of the culture and traditions of the people you're sending them to, as some may view it as a gift grab or a reminder that they weren't invited.

Overall, wedding announcements are a thoughtful way to share your happiness with those who couldn't celebrate with you in person. They allow you to spread the news in a more personal way than social media, and they give your loved ones a memento to cherish.

Frequently asked questions