Your Wedding, Your Invite: To Diy Or Not?

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day. They are often the first glimpse guests will have of the wedding style and theme, and they also serve a crucial logistical purpose. While the design of the invitation is important, it's also key to ensure that the wording is correct and includes all the necessary information. This includes the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information.

Invitation design and printing options

There are many options to consider when it comes to designing and printing your wedding invitations. You can choose to design and print them yourself, or you can hire a professional stationery design studio to create custom invitations for you. If you want to include any handmade elements, such as a hand-painted illustration or calligraphy, keep in mind that this will add time and cost to the process.

If you decide to design your own invitations, there are several online templates available from websites like Minted, Shutterfly, Zazzle, and Etsy, which offer customisation options at affordable prices. When it comes to printing, you can use a regular home printer or send your design to a larger printer at a store like Costco or Office Depot. Remember to consider the weight and size of your paper, as most standard printers can only accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds.

The type of paper you choose will also impact the look and feel of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is a popular choice for a luxurious and durable option, while paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish can add a textured look. Specialty stationery stores or print shops can help you select the best paper for your needs and provide samples to test before you commit.

Finally, don't forget to allow enough time for the entire process, from designing to printing and assembling your invitations. It's recommended to start designing your invitations at least four months before your wedding to ensure you have time to finalise the details and address your envelopes.

What to include on the invitation

Wedding invitations are an important logistical element of your big day. They are the first glimpse your guests will get of your wedding style, but they also need to convey important information. Here is a list of what to include on your wedding invitations:

The Invitation Itself

• The names of the couple getting married. Typically, for heterosexual couples, the woman's name goes first, but you can order your names however you like. For LGBTQIA+ couples, you can order your names alphabetically, by age, or however you prefer.
• The names of the hosts (who are usually the people paying for the event). If your parents are contributing financially or covering all the costs, their names should be included.
• An "invitational line", such as "Request the Pleasure of Your Company" or "Invite You to Celebrate the Marriage of". If the ceremony is taking place in a place of worship, you can use "Request the Honour of Your Presence".
• The date and time of the ceremony. It is best to write this out in full rather than using numerals (e.g. "four o'clock in the afternoon").
• The location of the ceremony and reception. If these are at the same venue, 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.
• Dress code (optional). You can include a line that indicates the expectation, such as "Casual Attire", "Black Tie", or "White Tie".

Inserts

• RSVP card. You can include this on the actual invite or on a separate reply card. If you use reply cards, include a deadline for guests to respond by (three to four weeks before the wedding is recommended). You can also include a place for guests to write their names and, if you're offering a plated dinner, their entrée preference.
• Map/directions to the venue (optional but recommended).
• Details about the venue, such as parking instructions or a list of things for guests to do in the area.
• A card with your wedding website address.
• A card with details of any weekend events, such as welcome drinks or a day-after brunch.
• A card with accommodation options and recommendations for guests coming from out of town.

The Envelope

• The guests' names and addresses, with correct spelling and titles.
• Your return address on the back flap of the outer envelope and on the front of the reply card envelope.
• Appropriate postage. Heavier invitation bundles will require extra postage, so it's a good idea to take a fully stuffed invite to the post office to check how much postage you'll need.

Invitation etiquette

The invitations you choose for your wedding are the first glimpse your guests will have of your style or theme. They are also a crucial logistical element. Wedding invitation etiquette is important to get right, but as long as you follow the right protocols, you can't go wrong.

What to Include

• The names of the couple
• The hosts of the event (traditionally, the people paying)
• The request to attend
• The date and time of the ceremony
• The location of the ceremony and reception
• Dress code
• RSVP details
• A separate details card with extra information about the venue, travel and accommodation, and other events
• Your wedding website address

What Not to Include

• Registry information
• Multiple start times for different parts of the day

Timing

• Send save-the-date cards six to eight months before the wedding, or up to a year in advance if it's a destination wedding
• Send invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding
• Set the RSVP deadline for two to three weeks before the wedding

Plus-Ones

• You don't have to give every guest a plus-one
• If you've included someone's partner's name on the envelope, they can't bring someone else instead
• If you've written "and guest", they can bring whoever they want

Other Tips

• Include a return address so you know if an invite gets lost in the mail
• Include postage stamps on RSVP envelopes
• Hand-delivering invites is fine, as long as you still address the envelopes correctly and include postage for response cards

RSVP options

RSVP cards are important to include in your wedding invitation bundle as you'll need to confirm a final headcount for your venue and caterer. You can include an RSVP card with your invitation or on a separate reply card. If you're using reply cards, include a specific date by which you would like guests to respond—we recommend making this deadline two to six weeks before the wedding date.

If you're offering a plated dinner, you can also include a place for guests to check their entrée preference. It's also a good idea to include a place for guests to write their names.

If you're collecting RSVPs through your wedding website, include the website address on a separate card, just as you would with a paper RSVP card.

If you have additional events like a welcome party or farewell brunch, you can include an insert in the envelope, send something separately, or ask guests to RSVP to these events when they respond to the wedding invitation.

If you're concerned about less tech-savvy guests, you can include a handful of paper RSVP cards.

Insert cards

What to Include in Insert Cards

• RSVP details: It is essential to include an RSVP card or provide an online RSVP option on your wedding website. This allows guests to confirm their attendance, helping you finalise numbers for your venue and caterer. Set an RSVP deadline that gives you enough time to chase any late responses and finalise the guest list.
• Wedding website address: Your wedding website is a central hub for all the information your guests need, so be sure to include the URL on an insert card. This directs guests to accommodation options, registry details, and any other pertinent information.
• Extra venue information: If your wedding venue is in a remote location or has unique access requirements, providing an insert with extra details is helpful. This could include parking instructions, a custom map, or suggestions for things to do in the area.
• Dress code: While not compulsory, including dress code information is helpful for your guests. This can be added to the invitation itself, an insert card, or your wedding website.
• Additional events: If you are hosting a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or farewell brunch, it is a good idea to include this information on a separate insert card. This ensures guests don't miss out on any of the wedding festivities.

Formatting and Design Tips

• Keep it concise: Avoid overloading your insert cards with text. Provide clear and concise information to ensure your guests don't miss anything important.
• Match your invitation style: Choose an insert card design that complements your wedding invitations. This could mean using similar fonts, colours, or decorative elements to create a cohesive suite.
• Consider paper and printing options: Select high-quality paper that matches the style of your invitations. If you are printing at home, ensure your printer can handle the paper weight and size. Otherwise, consider using a professional printing service.
• Proofread carefully: Before finalising your insert cards, proofread the content carefully. Ask a few friends or family members to review the text as well to catch any errors or typos.
• Include envelopes: Provide envelopes for your insert cards, especially if they contain RSVP details. Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes make it easier for guests to respond.

Frequently asked questions