Guide To Sending Wedding Invites: Etiquette And Timing

Sending out wedding invites can be a daunting task, but there are many tips and tricks to make the process easier. From ordering extra envelopes to mailing invites early, there's a lot to consider when it comes to wedding invitation etiquette. Whether you opt for traditional paper invitations or modern electronic invites, it's important to give your guests enough time to plan and provide them with all the necessary information. This includes details such as the date, time, location, attire, and RSVP instructions. With the right preparation, you can ensure that your guests have all the information they need to join in the celebration of your special day.

Timing: Send invites 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding date, or 12 weeks for destination weddings

When it comes to sending out wedding invites, timing is crucial. As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to send out your invites 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding date. This gives your guests ample time to plan, make travel arrangements if necessary, and RSVP. However, if you're planning a destination wedding, it's advisable to send out invitations even earlier, around 12 weeks in advance. This longer lead time is crucial for guests who need to request time off work and make more extensive travel plans.

While sending out invites 6-8 weeks in advance is standard, it's worth noting that save-the-dates should be sent much earlier, especially for destination weddings. These are typically sent 9-12 months before the wedding, giving your guests ample time to prepare. It's important to note that sending invitations too early can backfire, as people may tuck them away and forget to RSVP. Therefore, the recommended timeframe for sending out invitations is a delicate balance between giving your guests enough notice and not overwhelming them too far in advance.

Additionally, it's worth considering sending out reminders as the wedding date approaches, especially for destination weddings, to ensure that your guests don't forget to respond. This is also crucial if your venue needs a final guest count before your arrival.

In conclusion, timing is a critical aspect of sending out wedding invites. By following the recommended timeline of 6-8 weeks for local weddings and 12 weeks for destination weddings, you can ensure that your guests have enough time to plan and respond. Sending save-the-dates early, especially for destination weddings, is also key to helping your guests prepare.

Details: Include date, time, location, attire, and RSVP instructions

When it comes to the details, it's important to include clear and concise information about the date, time, location, attire, and RSVP instructions. Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect wedding invitation:

Date and Time:

• Confirming the date and time of your wedding is crucial. Be sure to include the day of the week, the date, and the time of the ceremony.
• Specify the hour and time of day (a.m. vs. p.m.) to avoid any confusion.
• For formal invitations, it is customary to write out the time rather than using numerals (e.g., four o'clock in the afternoon).

Location:

• Provide the name and address of the ceremony and reception venues.
• If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can include a line like "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow."
• If the reception is at a different location, include a separate reception card with the start time and address.

Attire:

• Including dress code information on the invitation is optional but can be helpful for your guests.
• Common dress code options include Casual Attire, Dressy Casual Attire, Semi-Formal Attire, Black Tie Optional, Black Tie, and White Tie.
• If you prefer not to include the attire on the invitation, you can communicate it through your wedding website.

RSVP Instructions:

• Provide clear RSVP instructions for your guests, such as a reply card with a stamped and addressed envelope or an online RSVP option.
• For mailed responses, include a pre-addressed and stamped envelope to make it convenient for your guests to respond.
• If you're offering a plated dinner, include a place for guests to indicate their entrée preference.
• Specify an RSVP deadline, typically 2-4 weeks before the wedding, to give you enough time to provide final numbers to your venue and caterer.
• If you have a wedding website, include the URL in the invitation or on a separate card insert.

Proofread: Triple-check for typos and errors before ordering

Proofreading is an essential step in the wedding invitation process. The last thing you want is to have to reorder your invites because of a typo or error. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations are error-free:

Check, Check, and Check Again

Before placing your order, triple-check that everything on your invite is correct. Take a screenshot of the completed invite and send it to your partner, family, and wedding party to review. Here are some common typos to look out for:

• Are your names and your parents' names spelled correctly?
• Does the wording make sense?
• Is the address location correct?

Order in Advance

Wedding invitations should be ordered around four months before the wedding and sent out 2-3 months before the big day. This gives you a buffer to catch any errors and make corrections.

Consider a Paperless Option

If you're worried about typos and errors, consider using a digital invitation platform. These platforms often allow you to make changes and corrections easily, and you can avoid the hassle of reordering and remailing.

Include All Necessary Information

Be sure to include all the essential details on your invitation:

• Bride and groom's names
• Wedding date and time
• Ceremony and reception locations
• Attire requested

Be Clear and Concise

Keep your invitation simple and clear. Avoid cluttering the invitation with too much information, but provide enough detail so that your guests have all the information they need. You can include additional information on a separate details card or on your wedding website.

Provide RSVP Instructions

Whether you choose a digital or print invitation, be sure to include clear RSVP instructions. For print invitations, include a reply card and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Provide an RSVP deadline, typically 2-3 weeks before the wedding, to give you enough time to provide a final headcount to your caterer.

Format: Consider digital or paper invites, weighing cost, convenience, and guest preferences

When it comes to wedding invites, you have the option of sending out digital or paper invites. There are several factors to consider when choosing the format of your wedding invitations, including cost, convenience, and guest preferences.

Digital invitations are a more modern approach that can save you time and money. They are also environmentally friendly, as they eliminate the need for paper. Many digital invitation platforms offer customizable templates, RSVP tracking, and spaces for additional information or notes. They can also save you time by allowing guests to RSVP immediately and send messages along with their replies. However, digital invitations may not be suitable for all guests, especially older individuals or those without internet access.

Paper invitations, on the other hand, are more traditional and can add a touch of elegance to your wedding. They allow you to showcase your personal style and create a consistent design across all your wedding-related activities. However, paper invitations can be more costly, especially if you have a large guest list or choose high-quality invitations. They also require a trip to the post office and may take longer to assemble and send out.

When deciding between digital and paper invites, consider your budget, the environmental impact, and the preferences of your guest list. If you have a mix of tech-savvy and older guests, you can opt for a combination of digital and paper invitations. Additionally, ordering extra envelopes and considering pocket folders for paper invitations can help keep your stationery organized.

To ensure your invitations are well-received and informative, proofread them carefully and include all the necessary details such as the date, time, location, attire, and RSVP instructions. Whether you choose digital or paper invites, give your guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements by sending out your invitations early.

Envelopes: Order extra envelopes and use envelope moisteners instead of licking

When sending out wedding invites, it's important to pay attention to the envelopes. They are the first thing your guests will see, and it's important to get them right. Here are some instructive tips to help you navigate this part of the wedding planning process:

Firstly, it is highly recommended that you order extra envelopes. Addressing a large number of envelopes by hand means you are bound to make a few mistakes. Having extra envelopes means you won't have to worry about finding the right size and colour at the last minute. It is also less expensive to order more envelopes in your initial order than to place a new order. Order at least 25 extra to be safe.

Secondly, instead of licking each envelope, invest in an envelope moistener. Licking hundreds of envelopes can be tiring and unhygienic, and it increases the risk of paper cuts. An envelope moistener will make the process much easier and ensure that the adhesive strip is properly covered. If your envelopes are not staying shut, try placing a heavy book or paperweight on them after moistening and sticking the adhesive. As a last resort, you can use additional adhesive such as a glue stick or double-sided tape, but this may make it messier and more difficult for guests to open the invitations.

It is also important to note that the timing of sending out your wedding invitations is crucial. Send them out early enough to give your guests time to plan, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or find childcare. It is recommended to send out invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding for local weddings, and 12 weeks in advance for destination weddings.

Finally, don't forget to proofread and double-check all the details on the envelopes before sending them out. This includes checking that the guest names and addresses are spelled correctly. It is also important to use proper titles and address your guests correctly.

Frequently asked questions