The Knot Guide To Wedding Invites: Etiquette And Ideas

The Knot offers a wide range of wedding stationery, from save-the-dates to invites and wedding programs. The selection is expansive, allowing couples to notify friends and family about their special day with quality stationery that fits their relationship, wedding aesthetic, and budget. The Knot Invitations offers over 500 designs, spanning 10 different design styles, from simple and classic to rustic or bohemian. Couples can also choose from three different paper types: signature, pearlescent, and recycled. In addition, The Knot provides a handy guest addressing service, where couples can add printed envelopes to their order and use a template to fill out their guest list information.

The Knot's wedding invites: digital vs paper

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and deciding between digital and paper invites is just one of the many decisions you'll have to make. The Knot offers a range of options for both digital and paper wedding invites, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the best option for your special day:

Digital Wedding Invites:

The Knot offers digital wedding invites through its website and partnerships with other providers. Here are some key points to consider:

• Convenience and Cost: Digital invites are generally more convenient and cost-effective than paper invites. You can send them instantly and avoid the hassle and expense of printing and postage.
• RSVP Integration: The Knot's digital invites can be linked to your wedding website for seamless RSVP management. This makes it easy for guests to respond and for you to track responses.
• Design Options: The Knot offers a variety of customizable designs to match your wedding theme and style. You can also include photos and other personal touches.
• Guest Accessibility: Digital invites may not be suitable for all guests, especially older relatives or those who are not tech-savvy. Ensure that your guest list includes those who are comfortable with digital communication.
• Informality: Digital invites may be perceived as less formal, which could influence the perception of your wedding. They are generally more suitable for casual weddings or less formal events.

Paper Wedding Invites:

The Knot also offers a wide selection of paper wedding invites with various designs, materials, and customization options. Here are some key considerations:

• Tradition and Formality: Paper invites are traditional and convey a sense of formality and elegance. They are suitable for formal or traditional weddings and can set the tone for your special day.
• Design and Customization: The Knot offers hundreds of designs, including exclusive collections from renowned designers like Vera Wang. You can customize your invites with different colorways, paper types, and editing tools to match your wedding aesthetic.
• Tangibility: Paper invites offer a tactile experience that digital invites cannot provide. They can be cherished keepsakes for your guests and become a physical reminder of your wedding.
• Cost: Paper invites can be more expensive, especially if you choose premium papers, envelopes, or additional features like foil designs. However, The Knot offers competitive pricing and discounts to help keep costs down.
• Time and Effort: Paper invites require more time and effort for assembly, addressing, and mailing. You'll need to plan ahead to ensure timely delivery and may need to consider additional services like calligraphy or pre-printed envelopes.

In conclusion, both digital and paper wedding invites have their advantages. Digital invites are convenient, cost-effective, and ideal for casual weddings or tech-savvy guests. On the other hand, paper invites offer tradition, formality, and a wider range of customization options to match your wedding's aesthetic. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, wedding style, and guest list.

How to address wedding invites

Wedding invites are traditionally sent by mail. While it is possible to send invites via email, this is considered informal and may not be seen by all your guests, especially those who are less tech-savvy or do not check their emails regularly.

When addressing your wedding invites, there is specific etiquette to follow, though this is constantly evolving to reflect modern society. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. The outer envelope is formal, and it is best to write out the recipient's full name, including their personal title. This works for couples of all genders, whether they share a surname or not, and still feels traditional. If you feel personal titles are restrictive, you can simply use first and last names. Always double-check your attendees' preferred personal titles, and remember that the gender-neutral title 'Mx.' might be how a non-binary guest identifies.

The inner envelope is more informal, and you can leave out one or two elements of the formal name format. You can use personal titles and last names, or first names only if you are going for a casual vibe.

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person, always use their preferred title. If you are unsure, it is best to leave out the title altogether. For a single female, use 'Ms.' if she is over 18, and 'Miss' if she is younger. For a single male, use 'Mr.' if he is over 18; otherwise, no title is necessary. For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation 'Mx.' then their full name.

If you are inviting a married couple with the same last name, use 'Mr.' and 'Mrs.' and write out the husband's full name. For same-sex couples, either name can go first. Many modern women may not appreciate having their name left out and lumped in with their husband's, so you can include both first names individually:

> Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Clarke or Mr. Jackson Clarke and Mrs. Mary Clarke

For married couples with different last names, write out their full names with 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' on the stationery. Either name can come first. For same-sex couples, the same format applies, ensuring you address your guest with a suitable prefix.

> Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews or Mr. Cyan Matthews and Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes

When addressing an unmarried couple, list both full names on one or two lines, with appropriate titles, starting with the person you are closest to.

> Ms. Alysson Schulz Mr. Ricardo Gonzales or Ms. Alysson Schulz and Mr. Ricardo Gonzales

The same rules apply to same-sex couples.

> Ms. Lily Pike Ms. Jane Pearce or Ms. Lily Pike and Ms. Jane Pearce

If you are inviting a whole family, you can be general and address the envelope to the whole family or include 'and children' following the names of the married couple. If you want to be specific about which family members are invited, list the children's names (in order of birth) in separate lines after addressing their parents.

> The Carter Family or Mr. Max Carter and Mrs. Natasha Carter & Children

>

> Mr. Max Carter and Mrs. Natasha Carter Mx. Daniel Carter Miss Alex Carter Mr. Andrei Carter

For those with distinguished titles, such as doctors, military personnel, judges, or lawyers, there are specific ways to address them. When inviting two married doctors, address them as 'The Doctors', which can be spelled out or abbreviated.

> The Doctors Gabriel Roy and Alina Roy or Drs. Gabriel Roy and Alina Roy

For married couples where one person is a doctor, the doctor's name should be listed first with their title, followed by their partner's full name.

> Dr. Sophie Peterson and Mr. Tyrone Peterson or Doctor Sophie Peterson and Mr. Tyrone Peterson

For other married couples with distinguished titles, the person with the higher title is usually listed first. If the names are too long for one line, indent the second line.

> The Honorable Audrey Gilmour and Mr. Rafael Gilmour

A Note on Envelope Types

Using two envelopes is traditional, but it is not a requirement. The benefit of using an inner envelope is that it stays pristine and can be useful for clarifying who else is invited, such as plus-ones or children. However, it can be considered a waste of paper.

The Knot's free samples

The Knot offers free samples of wedding invitations and save-the-dates. You can select any three designs and personalize them with your wedding details to get a feel for how they will look. This feature is only available on a desktop. To order your free samples, click "Order a Sample" on the product page of your chosen design, add your details, and use the code 3FREE at checkout.

The Knot has over 500 designs in its stationery store, spanning 10 different styles, from simple and classic to rustic or bohemian. You can also choose from three different paper types: signature, pearlescent, and recycled. Envelopes are included for free with your order, but you can personalize them for an additional cost.

In addition to invitations, The Knot offers save-the-date cards, postcards, and magnets, as well as enclosure cards, RSVP cards, and change-the-date options. You can also find invitations for pre-wedding celebrations such as wedding showers and rehearsal dinners. The Knot also offers beautiful stationery for your ceremony and reception, including programs, place cards, guest books, menus, table numbers, gift tags, and stickers.

The Knot's customisation options

The Knot offers a wide range of customisation options for wedding invites, allowing you to create a unique and personalised experience for your guests. Here are some of the key customisation features available:

Design and Style

The Knot boasts an extensive selection of designs, with over 500 options to choose from. You can find styles ranging from simple and classic to rustic, bohemian, or even funny themes. Each design also comes in multiple colourways, allowing you to further customise the look and feel to match your wedding style and season.

Paper Type

The Knot offers three different paper types to choose from: signature, pearlescent, and recycled. The signature superfine card stock is a classic, heavy option with a luxe feel and a matte eggshell finish. Pearlescent paper has a smooth finish with a hint of luster, perfect for a glamorous, upscale wedding. The recycled paper option is eco-friendly, made from 100% post-consumer waste, and strikes a balance between the signature and pearlescent options in terms of feel and finish.

Foil Designs

If you're looking to add a touch of shimmer to your invites, The Knot offers foil designs in gold, silver, or rose gold. Dozens of invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, enclosure cards, and thank-you notes are available with foil accents, and you can even opt for foil day-of stationery to add a subtle sparkle to your wedding day decor.

Photo Integration

The Knot allows you to showcase photos of you and your fiancé on your invites. You can choose from full-bleed photo invitations or more subtle designs, with options to feature photos on the front or back of the card. Save-the-dates and thank-you cards also offer photo integration, and some guest book designs include a custom photo on the front.

Custom Wording and Fonts

You can personalise your invites with custom wording, choosing the font and text size that best suits your style. Whether you want to match your invites to your wedding colours or add a cute photo, The Knot offers expert design assistance at no extra cost to help you achieve your desired look.

Envelope Addressing

The Knot offers a handy guest addressing service, where you can add printed envelopes to your order. They will provide a template for you to fill out with your guest list information, and you'll receive a digital proof of the envelopes before printing, ensuring accuracy and allowing for any necessary changes.

Matching Stationery and Websites

For a completely coordinated experience, The Knot offers matching stationery suites, including save-the-dates, response cards, envelope liners, programs, menus, gift tags, and guest books. You can even create a free wedding website in a matching design, providing a seamless experience for your guests.

With these customisation options, The Knot gives you the flexibility to create wedding invites that truly reflect your relationship, aesthetic, and budget.

The Knot's coordinating stationery suites

The Knot offers a wide range of stationery options for your wedding, with over 500 designs spanning 10 different styles, from simple and classic to rustic or bohemian, and even funny. You can choose from three different paper types: signature, pearlescent, and recycled. Their signature superfine card stock has a luxe feel and a matte eggshell finish, perfect for any kind of celebration. For a glamorous, upscale wedding, the pearlescent paper is a smooth option with a hint of luster. If you're environmentally conscious, the recycled paper is made from 100% post-consumer waste, combining the sturdiness of the signature paper with the smoothness of the pearlescent option.

The Knot's stationery suites can be fully coordinated, from save-the-date cards and magnets to invitations, enclosure cards, and RSVP cards. They also offer change-the-date cards in case of unexpected events. You can also find invitations for pre-wedding celebrations, such as wedding showers and rehearsal dinners. Continue the theme with beautiful stationery for your ceremony and reception, including programs, place cards, guest books, menus, table numbers, gift tags, and stickers. Finally, end on a high note with thank-you cards or postcards.

The Knot's all-in-one wedding invitations combine your invite, RSVP card, and envelope into a singular, budget-friendly, foldable design. They also offer foil designs in gold, silver, or rose gold, adding a luxurious touch to your invitations and day-of stationery. You can also coordinate your wedding website to match your chosen stationery design, creating a seamless experience for your guests.

The Knot provides free envelopes with your orders, and you have the option to personalize them with your guests' addresses for an additional fee. They also offer envelope liners to match your chosen stationery suite, elevating the presentation of your invitations. With The Knot's guest addressing service, you can save time and effort by providing your guest list information, and they will print the addresses directly onto the envelopes for you.

The Knot makes it easy to create a fully coordinated stationery suite that reflects your wedding theme, aesthetic, and budget. With their extensive customization options and commitment to representation through their exclusive artist collectives, you can design wedding stationery that truly represents your unique style.

Frequently asked questions