Guide To Sending E-Invites For Your Wedding

Wedding planning can be stressful, but thankfully, sending out invitations to your big day doesn't have to be. In today's digital world, electronic invitations are becoming increasingly popular. They can save you time, money, and are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper invites. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about creating and sending e-vites for your wedding. From etiquette tips to design ideas, we'll help you navigate the world of online wedding invitations. So, get ready to save some money, impress your guests, and go green with your wedding invites!

E-vite design ideas

There are many options to choose from when it comes to designing your wedding e-vites. You can opt for a simple email or WhatsApp message, or use a dedicated e-vite service. Some services even offer a full envelope-opening experience, allowing your guests to feel the excitement of a traditional invitation.

If you're looking for something straightforward, you can use a site like Canva to create your own design for free. For something more tailored, you could try a site like Etsy, which offers editable templates with matching items like stationery and place cards.

If you're after something more luxurious, you could try a site like Paperless Post, which offers designs from renowned fashion houses like Oscar de la Renta and Kate Spade New York. These sites usually charge per e-vite, with added costs for customisations like digital envelope liners and reply cards.

When designing your e-vites, it's important to consider your wedding theme and colour scheme. You can incorporate these elements into your design to create a cohesive package. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might choose an e-vite with greenery, calligraphy, and gold lettering. Or, if you're having a destination wedding, you could select a design that captures the essence of your venue, such as a tropical background or a countryside illustration.

In addition to the visual design, you'll want to include all the essential details in your e-vite, such as the date, time, and venue of the ceremony. You might also want to add information like the dress code, accommodation options for guests, and a link to your wedding website.

Finally, don't forget to consider the age and tech-savviness of your guests. Some older relatives may not have an email address or feel comfortable responding to a digital invitation. In these cases, you could send a handwritten letter or card, or use a downloadable template to print out physical invitations for those guests.

How to send e-vites

Sending e-vites for your wedding is a great way to save time and money, as well as being an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. There are many ways to send e-vites, from using a template to designing your own, and there are lots of websites that offer e-vite services. Here's a step-by-step guide to sending e-vites for your wedding:

Step 1: Choose Your E-Vite Service

There are lots of websites that offer e-vite services, such as Paperless Post, Evite, Greenvelope, and Pingg. Some wedding website builders also offer e-vites as part of their service. If you want to track RSVPs, make sure the service you choose includes this feature.

Step 2: Design Your E-Vite

Most e-vite services will offer standard templates, and some will also allow you to customise your e-vite or design your own. You can include your wedding colours, photos, and other design elements to make your e-vite unique and special.

Step 3: Add Essential Details

Make sure your e-vite includes all the essential details such as the date, time, and venue of the ceremony. You may also want to add information such as dress code instructions and accommodation options for guests who are travelling. Include a link to your wedding website if you have one, so guests can find more information.

Step 4: Send Your E-Vites

Most e-vite services will allow you to send your invitations via email, and some will also offer text or shareable link options. You can also send e-vites as an image via email or messaging apps such as WhatsApp.

Step 5: Consider Older Guests

If you have older guests who may not use email or the internet, you might want to send them a handwritten letter or card instead of an e-vite. You could also print out a paper copy of your e-vite design for these guests.

Step 6: Set an RSVP Deadline

It's a good idea to set an RSVP deadline for your guests, and most e-vite services will allow you to do this. Three to four weeks in advance of your wedding is a good amount of time to give your guests to respond.

Step 7: Send Reminders

Finally, don't forget to send out reminders to your guests as your wedding day gets closer, especially if you have a lot of guests who are travelling or if your wedding is taking place during a busy time of year.

E-vite wording

The wording of your e-vite will depend on the tone and style of your wedding, as well as the level of formality. Here are some suggestions for wording your e-vites, with a focus on different styles and formats:

Formal Wedding E-Vite Wording:

The key hallmark of a formal e-vite is that all the details are spelled out. Use full names, write out dates and times in full, and include middle names. Here is an example:

> Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August, two thousand twenty-four, at half after four at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Fun Wedding E-Vite Wording:

If you're looking for a more light-hearted and playful tone, try something like this:

> John and Betty Smith invite you to raise a glass and join in the celebration of their son Jack Alexander as he weds Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Dinner and dancing to follow!

Casual Wedding E-Vite Wording:

For a more relaxed and intimate wedding, use a casual tone in your e-vite. Here's an example:

> Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim invite you to share in their joy. We are tying the knot on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow. Join us as we celebrate!

Creative Wedding E-Vite Wording:

If your wedding has a theme or you want to think outside the box, feel free to get creative with your e-vite wording. Here's an example:

> It's a celebration! Kenzie and Jennifer Smith and Mark and Sally Reyes invite you to join us as we celebrate the marriage of our children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Let's eat, drink, and be merry!

Modern Wedding E-Vite Wording:

Modern e-vites often feature a more contemporary layout, with the couple's names at the top and straightforward language. Here's an example:

> Jack Smith & Mason Kim. Join us for our wedding celebration on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. We can't wait to eat wedding cake with you!

Simple Wedding E-Vite Wording:

Sometimes, less is more. A simple and direct approach can be effective, especially if you want to highlight your love and excitement. Here's an example:

> Jack Alexander Smith & Mason Jacob Kim. We're getting married! Please join us on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. We'd love to have you there.

Additional Tips for E-Vite Wording:

• Be concise: Avoid overloading your e-vites with too much text. Focus on clarity and providing essential details.
• Consider the host: Traditionally, the host is the person or couple who is paying for the wedding. It's respectful to list them on the e-vite, either by name or with a phrase like "together with their families."
• Match the level of formality: The wording you choose should align with the style and tone of your wedding. If you want a black-tie affair, use more traditional language. For a casual wedding, feel free to use modern and playful phrasing.
• Include an insert card: Provide additional details, such as dress code or backup venue information, on a separate insert card or your wedding website.

E-vite RSVP management

Advantages of E-vite RSVPs:

• Ease and Convenience: With online invitation services, guests can easily RSVP by checking yes or no with just a few clicks. This is much simpler than the traditional method of filling out an RSVP card and mailing it back.
• Instant Responses: As a couple, you will instantly know who is attending and who isn't, making it easier for you to plan other aspects of the wedding, such as catering and seating arrangements.
• Time and Cost Savings: E-vite RSVPs save you time and effort of mailing paper invitations and waiting for responses. They are also significantly more cost-effective than physical invitations.

Tips for E-vite RSVP Management:

• Choose a User-Friendly Platform: Select an online invitation service that offers easy RSVP tracking, such as Paperless Post, Evite, or Greenvelope. These platforms often provide customizable templates, making it simple to create elegant and informative invitations.
• Provide Clear Instructions: Ensure your e-vite includes clear and concise instructions on how to RSVP. You may also want to include a deadline for responses and a reminder for guests to provide any necessary information, such as meal preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Consider All Guests: While most guests will be comfortable with e-vites, remember that some older attendees or those without internet access may prefer a traditional paper invitation. You can provide a mix of electronic and paper invitations to accommodate all your guests.
• Set Up Reminders: Use the features provided by the online invitation service to set up reminders for your guests. This will help reduce the number of late responses and improve the overall response rate.
• Manage Your Guest List: Keep track of your guest list by regularly updating it with the RSVP responses. This will help you stay organized and make informed decisions about other wedding arrangements.
• Provide Additional Information: Include a link to your wedding website in your e-vite, where guests can find more detailed information about the wedding, such as accommodation options, travel details, dress code, and any other relevant updates.
• Personalize Your E-vites: Add a personal touch to your e-vites by incorporating your wedding colours, themes, or even a photo of the happy couple. This will make your invitation stand out and excite your guests about the upcoming celebration.
• Test Before Sending: Before sending out your e-vites, test them by sending a few to your own email addresses or those of your wedding party. This will help you identify any potential issues or errors and ensure that your invitations are received and displayed correctly by your guests.

E-vite pros and cons

Pros

• Cost-effective: Digital wedding invitations are significantly cheaper than physical invitations. The cost of printed wedding invitations can range from $1,000 to $8,000, while digital invitations typically cost around $100.
• Time-saving: E-vites eliminate the need for envelope stuffing, stamping, and addressing, saving time for both the couple and their guests.
• Eco-friendly: Digital invitations are an environmentally friendly alternative to paper invitations, reducing paper waste and preserving natural resources.
• Design consistency: E-vites allow for seamless design integration across save-the-dates, invitations, wedding websites, and thank-you cards, creating a cohesive package for guests.
• Instant delivery and RSVP: E-vites are delivered instantly, making them ideal for last-minute events. They also facilitate faster RSVPs, with guests able to respond immediately online.
• Customisation: Online platforms offer a range of customisation options, allowing couples to personalise their invitations with colours, fonts, photos, and matching bridal shower invitations.
• Convenience: E-vites are easily accessible on digital devices, eliminating the need for physical storage.

Cons

• Informality: E-vites may give the impression of informality, lacking the traditional elegance associated with physical invitations.
• Accessibility: E-vites may not be accessible to all guests, particularly older individuals or those less familiar with technology.
• Contact information: Gathering email addresses for all guests can be time-consuming, and there is a risk of invitations ending up in spam folders.
• Keepsake value: Physical invitations can be treasured as mementos, while digital invitations may not hold the same sentimental value.
• Design limitations: E-vite platforms may offer limited design options compared to the bespoke creations available through professional stationery designers.
• Guest expectations: Some guests may expect a physical invitation to follow an e-vite, leading to confusion or a perception of informality.

Frequently asked questions