Texting Wedding Invites: A Modern Guide To Getting It Right

Wedding invitations are an important piece of the planning puzzle. They set the tone for the wedding and convey critical information. While traditional wedding invitations are sent by mail, an alternative option is to send them via text message. This method is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient for both the couple and their guests. When crafting the text, it's essential to include the couple's names, the reason for the invitation, the date, time, and location of the ceremony, and the dress code. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create and send text wedding invitations effortlessly.

How to save money with text invitations

How to Save Money with Text Wedding Invitations

Texting wedding invitations is a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. Here are some tips to save money with text invitations:

Choose a Text Message Service

Use a text message service like Text My Wedding to send your invitations in bulk. These services can save you time and money by eliminating the need for paper, printing, and postage. You can also include links to your wedding website or RSVP forms, making it convenient for your guests to respond.

Limit Decorative Elements

Keep it simple! Choose one or two decorative elements that you consider "must-haves". Foil pressing or calligraphy can add a nice touch without breaking the bank. Avoid adding too many layers or heavy elements like wax seals, as they will increase the shipping cost.

Use Plain Envelopes

Go for simple and elegant envelopes without decorative elements. Guests are likely to throw the envelopes away, so there's no need to spend a lot of money on them. Put your budget towards other areas of the wedding instead.

Opt for Digital Printing

Digital printing is a great alternative to more expensive printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping. It's cost-effective and can produce high-quality stationery quickly. You can also create your own designs using online tools like Canva.

Build a Wedding Website

Creating a wedding website allows you to direct guests to a central location for all the information they need. This reduces the amount of printed material required and can help keep postage weight down, saving you money on additional postage rates for heavy envelopes.

Have Guests RSVP Online

Instead of including RSVP cards and envelopes, encourage guests to respond digitally. This saves you money on stamps and envelopes, and it's more convenient for your guests. You can include a link to your wedding website or a custom RSVP form in your text invitation.

Order Extra Invitations

Ordering extra invitations in your first batch can save you money in the long run. If you make a mistake or need to add last-minute guests, you won't have to place a new order, which can be more costly. Most stationers won't sell individual spares, so it's better to order a few extra upfront.

Choose Plain Stationery

Resist the temptation of fancy foil-trimmed or glittery invitations. Plain white or coloured stationery can be just as elegant and will save you a lot of money. If you want to add a personal touch, consider dressing up your invitations with some DIY detailing.

Proofread Carefully

Proofreading is crucial to avoid costly reprinting mistakes. Take the time to read through your invitation multiple times and ask a friend or family member to do the same. Catching errors before printing will save you from having to reorder all your invitations at full cost.

Hand-Deliver Invitations

Stamps can be expensive, especially if you need a large quantity. Consider hand-delivering your invitations or asking friends and family to help. This can save you a significant amount on postage costs.

How to match the tone of your wedding

Matching the tone of your wedding in your invitations is crucial to giving your guests an idea of what to expect from the event. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations set the right tone:

Be Creative and Personalise Your Invitations

Add original elements to make your invitations stand out and reflect your unique personality and style. This could be through the text, layout, photos, or illustrations. Consider the atmosphere of your wedding and choose a style that reflects it. For instance, a chic wedding calls for elegant invitations with refined language and prestigious venues, while a country wedding might feature wildflowers, leaves, and branches in its design.

Choose the Right Words

The wording of your invitation should align with the level of formality of your wedding. If you're having a casual wedding, opt for informal language and modern phrasing. On the other hand, a formal wedding calls for traditional wording, including spelling out dates and times instead of using numerical figures.

Include Essential Details

While being creative is important, don't forget to include crucial information such as the couple's full names, the hosts, the ceremony location, date, and time. You may also want to mention the dress code, especially if you're expecting your guests to wear black-tie attire.

Match Your Wedding Theme

Tailor the language and tone of your invitation to suit your wedding's theme and setting. For example, a destination wedding could feature designs and colours that match the location, while a vintage-themed wedding might include vintage patterns, colours, and fonts.

Keep It Short and Sweet

While you want to include essential details, it's important to keep the text concise and inviting. Overloading your invitations with too much text may result in guests missing important information.

Test Your Message

Before sending your invitations, test your message by sending it to yourself or a close friend. This will allow you to check the formatting, links, and ensure there are no typos or errors.

By following these tips, you can effectively match the tone of your wedding in your invitations, creating a cohesive and memorable experience for your guests.

How to include essential details

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include certain essential details to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some tips on how to include these details in your text message wedding invitations:

• Host names: Traditionally, the bride's parents host the wedding and are named at the beginning of the invitation. However, it has become increasingly common to include the names of both sets of parents or even the couple themselves as hosts. You can also use phrases such as "Together with their families" if multiple parties are hosting.
• A warm invitation sentence: This is where you extend the invitation to your guests and set the tone for your celebration. Examples include "request the honour of your presence" for a religious ceremony or "request the pleasure of your company" for a non-religious ceremony.
• The couple's names: Traditionally, the bride's name is listed before the groom's. However, for same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on personal preference. It is also common to include the couple's middle names or full names for more formal weddings.
• Date and time: For formal invitations, it is customary to spell out the date and time in full (e.g., "Saturday, the eleventh of June two thousand and twenty-three at twelve o'clock in the afternoon"). For modern or casual invitations, you can use numerical figures (e.g., "June 11, 2024, 12:00 pm").
• Location: Include the name and full address of the venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, provide the country as well. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply state "Reception to follow." Otherwise, provide the full address or include a separate details card with the reception information.
• RSVP details: Provide a separate RSVP card or instructions for a digital RSVP. Include a link to your wedding website or a custom RSVP form to make it easy for your guests to respond.

"Together with our beloved families, [Your Names] request the honour of your presence at our wedding celebration on [Date] at [Venue, City]. Please join us for a day of joy, love, and celebration. Kindly RSVP by [Date] at [Link]."

How to make it easy for guests to RSVP

When sending wedding invitations, it is essential to make the RSVP process as simple as possible for your guests. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Include a Direct Link to Your Wedding Website or RSVP Form:

Instead of asking guests to manually enter URLs or scan QR codes, include a direct link to your wedding website or a custom RSVP form in the text invitation. This way, guests can access all the details and RSVP with just one click.

Provide Clear and Concise Information:

Ensure your invitation includes all the critical information, such as the couple's names, the wedding date, time, and location. Also, mention any dress code or other relevant details. This will make it easier for guests to make an informed decision about their attendance.

Offer Multiple RSVP Options:

While providing a link to an online RSVP form is convenient, consider offering alternative options as well. Some guests may prefer to respond by phone, email, or mail. Include contact information for these alternative methods to ensure everyone can RSVP in a way that suits them.

Set a Clear RSVP Deadline:

Clearly communicate the deadline for RSVPs, ideally at least three to four weeks before the wedding. This will help you stay organized and give you enough time to finalize catering and seating arrangements. Send gentle reminders to guests who have not responded by the deadline.

Make It Mobile-Friendly:

As you are sending text invitations, ensure that your wedding website and RSVP form are optimized for mobile devices. This will ensure that guests can easily view and interact with your website on their smartphones.

Keep Track of Responses:

Create a system to track who has responded and who hasn't. This could be a simple spreadsheet or a dedicated wedding planning app. Regularly update it as responses come in, so you have an accurate guest list and can follow up with those who haven't responded.

Consider Using a Bulk Text Messaging Service:

Services like Text My Wedding allow you to send invitations in bulk, track responses, and manage your guest list efficiently. They can save you time and streamline the entire process, making it easier for both you and your guests.

How to save time with bulk messaging

Sending wedding invitations via text message is a great way to save time and effort. Here are some tips to help you streamline the process and make it more efficient:

Step 1: Choose a Reliable Bulk Text Messaging Service

Opt for a service that specializes in bulk text messaging for weddings, such as Text My Wedding. Look for features like the ability to send photos, schedule messages, and track responses. Using a dedicated service will make the process smoother and faster.

Step 2: Gather Guest Phone Numbers

You likely already have most of the phone numbers you need in your address book. If you don't have someone's number, simply send a quick text to family and friends to request it. Having all the phone numbers organized in one place will save you time when sending out the invitations.

Step 3: Craft Your Message

Create a message that reflects the tone and style of your wedding. Include essential details such as the date, time, venue, and a link to your wedding website or RSVP form. Keep the message concise, warm, and inviting. Test your message by sending it to yourself or a close friend to ensure it looks good and all the links work.

Step 4: Import Your Guest List

Use the bulk upload feature of the text messaging service to import your guest list. This can be done by uploading a CSV file or integrating with guest list management tools like Aisle Planner, Zola, The Knot, or Mailchimp. Having your guest list ready to go will streamline the sending process.

Step 5: Schedule and Send

If you want to send the invitations immediately, go ahead and hit that send button! If you prefer to schedule them for a future date and time, take advantage of the scheduling feature. This is especially useful if you want to prepare in advance and send the invites at an opportune moment.

Step 6: Track Responses

Once you've sent out the invitations, use the service's dashboard to track who has received and responded. This is crucial for efficient RSVP management. No more waiting for mailed responses or manually tracking RSVPs. With everything in one place, you'll save time and stay organized.

Benefits of Bulk Messaging

• Save Time and Effort: Sending invitations in bulk saves you the time and hassle of sending individual messages. You can invite hundreds of guests in just a few minutes.
• Keep Data Organized: Using a bulk messaging service allows you to keep all your guest information in one place. You can easily access your guest list, send RSVPs, and manage other details from a central dashboard.
• Collect Photos: Some services even allow you to collect photos from your guests, capturing all the fun moments from your special day in one place.
• Avoid "Reply All" Chaos: When you send a text message to a group, guests won't see who else received the message, preventing a flood of "reply all" responses.

By following these steps and using bulk messaging services, you can save time and streamline the process of inviting your guests to your wedding. It's a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly approach that will make your wedding planning a little bit easier.

Frequently asked questions