Electronic Wedding Invites: Best Practices For Couples

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and expensive affair. Electronic wedding invitations are a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient alternative to traditional paper invites. With a wide range of stylish and customisable designs available, digital invites can be just as beautiful and elegant as their physical counterparts. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of electronic wedding invites and provide a step-by-step guide to creating and sending them. We will also recommend the best websites and platforms for designing and managing your digital invitations.

Cost-effectiveness: Digital invites are a fraction of the cost of physical invites

The cost of digital wedding invitations is significantly lower than that of traditional paper invitations. The average cost of paper invitations can range from $750 to over $8000, depending on the size of the guest list and the quality of the invitations. In contrast, digital invitations typically cost no more than $100, with some options even being free. This price difference allows couples to allocate their budget to other areas of the wedding, such as hosting an open bar at the reception or investing in a dream venue.

Digital invitations also save money on mailing costs, as there is no need to purchase stamps or envelopes. This is especially beneficial for couples with international guests, as the cost of international postage can be high.

Additionally, digital invitations can save you time and effort. There are no envelopes to address, no stamps to secure, and no trips to the post office. The process of sending out digital invitations is much faster and more convenient, especially with features like automated reminders and RSVP tracking offered by some digital invitation platforms.

The affordability and convenience of digital wedding invitations make them an attractive option for couples on a budget or those who want to streamline their wedding planning process. By choosing digital over physical invites, couples can reduce their expenses and simplify their to-do lists, making the lead-up to their big day less stressful and more enjoyable.

Some popular digital invitation platforms with affordable options include:

• Evite: Offers both free and premium invitations, with prices starting at $14.99 per month for Evite Pro.
• Paperless Post: Uses a coin system, with coins starting at $0.10 each and invitations requiring 2 coins per send.
• WedSites: Provides a range of beautiful templates and guest management tools for a one-time fee of $99.
• Greenvelope: Offers single mailings for $99 for 100 guests or unlimited mailings for up to 150 people per mailing for $225 per year.
• Etsy: Features downloadable templates with flat fees, often starting as low as $2.

So, if you're looking to save money and time, digital wedding invitations are a cost-effective and efficient choice.

Eco-friendliness: They reduce paper waste and are more sustainable

Digital wedding invitations are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invites. They are a great way to reduce paper waste and are more sustainable.

Digital invites are delivered straight to your guests' inboxes, meaning there is no paper waste or harm done to trees. This makes them a perfect option for couples throwing a green wedding.

They also reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding. There is no need for paper, fuel, or transport, as there would be with traditional paper invites.

Digital invites are also a great way to cut costs. The average couple spends anywhere from $750 to over $1000 on paper invitations and postage. Digital invites, on the other hand, typically cost no more than $100. This means you can invest your money elsewhere, such as hosting an open bar at the reception.

If you're worried about the design and impact of digital invites, don't be. You can still convey your overarching design concept and vision digitally. Choose a colour palette, work in a signature pattern, or identify a font that will carry over to the physical day-of paper, signage, and décor.

So, if you're looking for a way to make your wedding more sustainable, digital invites are a great option. They reduce paper waste, are more affordable, and can still be designed to match your wedding vision.

Time-saving: No need for envelope-stuffing or trips to the post office

One of the biggest advantages of sending electronic wedding invites is the amount of time you'll save. There's no need to spend hours stuffing envelopes and writing addresses in your best cursive. With digital invites, you can say goodbye to the tedious task of envelope-stuffing and multiple trips to the post office.

When it comes to electronic invites, all you need to do is choose a design, customise it with your details, and select how you'd like to send it. You can even add virtual envelopes, stamps, and wax seals for a personal touch. The process is simple and can be done from the comfort of your own home. No more running back and forth to the post office!

Another time-saving feature of electronic invites is the built-in RSVP functionality. Guests can RSVP with just a few clicks, and their responses are instantly recorded, eliminating the need for manual tracking. This not only saves time for your guests but also for you, as you won't have to chase down late RSVPs or worry about invitations getting lost in the mail.

Additionally, electronic invites allow you to easily manage your guest list. Many platforms offer features like guest list categorisation, automated reminders, and group updates. This means you can send invitations, track responses, and stay organised all in one place. No more juggling multiple spreadsheets or manually updating guest lists!

The convenience of electronic invites extends beyond just sending the initial invitation. With digital invites, you can also send group updates and reminders without having to contact each guest individually. This is especially helpful when planning a wedding during uncertain times or when there are last-minute changes to the event.

In today's fast-paced world, electronic wedding invites offer a time-saving solution that streamlines the invitation process. By eliminating the need for envelope-stuffing and post office trips, you can focus on other important aspects of your wedding planning while still creating elegant and informative invitations that reflect your style and sensibilities as a couple.

RSVP management: Online RSVPs are easier for guests and simpler to track

When it comes to RSVP management, online RSVPs are far superior to their traditional counterparts. Not only are they easier for your guests, but they're also simpler for you to track.

For your guests, responding to an online RSVP is a much more seamless process. Rather than having to fill out a physical RSVP card and post it back, they can simply click a link and check 'yes' or 'no'. This is especially beneficial for any overseas guests who would otherwise have to deal with international postage. It also saves time for those who can't make it, as they can send a message along with their reply.

And for you, the host, online RSVPs mean no more chasing down late responses or worrying about invitations getting lost in the mail. You'll instantly have your guests' responses, and you can easily manage your guest list and view responses at a glance. Some platforms even offer automated reminders for those last-minute stragglers.

If you're looking for a platform that allows you to track RSVPs, there are several great options available. WedSites, for example, allows you to effortlessly track RSVPs, manage guest details, and build your wedding website all in one place. You can also group your guests into categories, such as "colleagues", "close friends", or "extended family". This makes it easy to send group updates and reminders without having to contact each guest individually.

Other platforms, like Paperless Post, Evite, and Greenvelope, also offer RSVP tracking as part of their digital invitation services. These platforms often include additional features, such as customisable designs, digital envelopes, and stamps, all at affordable price points.

So, if you're looking to simplify the RSVP process for both you and your guests, online RSVPs are definitely the way to go. They're convenient, efficient, and offer a seamless solution for managing your guest list.

Design options: There are many stylish templates available, or you can create your own

There are many benefits to sending electronic wedding invites, from saving time and money to being more environmentally friendly. But what about the design?

Design options are plentiful when it comes to electronic wedding invites. There are many stylish templates available, or you can create your own.

If you're looking for a template, there are several online platforms that offer a range of designs to choose from. Paperless Post, for example, offers a wide array of beautiful designs from top fashion houses and renowned designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Rifle Paper Co., and Kate Spade New York. Their invitations are customisable, allowing you to add your preferred colours, fonts, and photos. Greenvelope is another great option, with unique and trendy designs and customisation options. You can even choose the envelope liner! Etsy is another popular choice, with downloadable templates that you can edit and send out yourself.

If you want to create your own design from scratch, you can upload a custom design to platforms like Paperless Post and Evite. This gives you complete freedom to create an invitation that perfectly matches your wedding theme and personal style.

Whether you choose a template or create your own design, be sure to include all the necessary information, such as the date, time, location, and any relevant websites or registries. You can also add personal touches, such as engagement photos or a monogram, to make your invitation unique and special.

With so many design options available, you can easily create stylish and personalised electronic wedding invites that will impress your guests and set the tone for your big day.

Frequently asked questions