The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding day, so it's important to get them right. The style of your invitations will set the tone for the entire day, signalling the formality and nature of the event, as well as reflecting the personalities of the couple. Before you order your invitations, it's worth considering the following: the style of your wedding, the number of invitations you'll need, the printing method, the cards and features to include, your budget, who will be issuing the invitation, how the envelopes will be addressed, and the design and colour palette.

Timing is key: send save-the-dates 6-10 months before, and invitations 2-3 months before the wedding

Wedding invitations are a crucial aspect of wedding planning, setting the tone for the entire event and offering guests a glimpse into what to expect. The timing of sending out save-the-dates and invitations is crucial to ensuring your guests can plan and arrange their attendance.

Save-the-dates are typically sent out 6-10 months before the wedding. This early notice is especially important if you're planning a destination wedding or have guests travelling from overseas. Sending save-the-dates allows your guests to mark their calendars and make the necessary travel arrangements. It's a polite gesture that ensures your guests have ample time to prepare and get excited about your big day.

The wedding invitations themselves should be sent out 2-3 months in advance of the wedding date. This timeframe is considered the sweet spot, as it gives your guests enough time to receive the invitation, plan their attendance, and respond accordingly. Sending the invitations too early may cause guests to forget, while sending them too late may lead to last-minute scrambling.

If you're planning a destination wedding or have a significant number of guests travelling from abroad, it's advisable to send out invitations 3 months in advance. This extra time is crucial for your guests to sort out their travel plans, especially if they are travelling a considerable distance.

To ensure a smooth process, it's recommended to start scouting stationers 9-11 months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to find the right stationer, design your invitations, and have them printed and ready to mail. It's also a good idea to order extra invitations to account for any last-minute guest additions or mistakes.

Include the date, time, venue address, dress code, and wedding website

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding day, so it's important to get them right. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations are informative and stylish:

The invitation card should include the date, time, and venue address. These key details will help your guests plan their attendance and ensure they don't miss the big event. It is also helpful to include the dress code so that your guests can dress appropriately. This can be included on the bottom right of the main invitation or on a separate card. Finally, it is a good idea to include your wedding website, where guests can find additional information such as accommodation options and travel tips. This is especially important for destination weddings or if many guests are travelling from out of town.

In addition to the invitation card, you may also want to include an RSVP card and a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for your guests' convenience. This will make it easier for them to respond, and you can number the cards to keep track of responses. If you are offering meal choices, be sure to include checkboxes on the RSVP cards.

Other Things to Consider

When creating your wedding invitations, it is important to keep in mind the overall style and formality of your wedding. The invitations should reflect the personalities of the couple and set the tone for the event. Consider incorporating your wedding colours or a custom monogram into the design.

Don't forget to proofread your invitations carefully and have someone else review them before printing. Check that all the important information is included and that there are no typos or errors. It is also a good idea to order extra invitations in case of last-minute guest list additions or addressing mistakes.

Remember that your wedding invitations are just one part of your wedding stationery suite. You may also want to include direction cards, accommodation cards, and weekend events cards, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town.

Add RSVP cards and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes

Including RSVP cards and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes is a thoughtful gesture that makes responding to your wedding invitation easier for your guests. It is also a way to ensure that you receive responses, as guests won't have to worry about finding a stamp or envelope. Here are some tips for including RSVP cards and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes in your wedding invitations:

Number your RSVP cards

Numbering your RSVP cards is a useful way to keep track of responses. You can number the names on your guest list and write the corresponding number on the back of each RSVP card. This way, if a guest forgets to include their name or their handwriting is difficult to read, you can still identify who has responded.

Include postage

Don't forget to include postage on your RSVP cards. Pre-stamped envelopes make it convenient for your guests to respond and ensure that their responses reach you. Check the postage rate before adding stamps, as insufficient postage can result in delays or your invitations being returned.

Set a clear deadline

It is important to set a clear deadline for your guests to RSVP. A good rule of thumb is to set the deadline for 3-4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to follow up with guests who haven't responded and finalize details with your caterer and other vendors.

Provide meal choices

If you're offering your guests a choice of meals, be sure to include checkboxes on the RSVP cards for them to indicate their preferences. This information will be crucial for your caterer and will help ensure your guests enjoy their meal on the big day.

Consider online RSVPs

While physical RSVP cards are traditional, you may also want to consider including a wedding website address where guests can respond online. This can be especially useful for older guests who may not be comfortable using a computer. However, be mindful not to put the URL on your main invitation card. Instead, include it on a separate, small card.

Consider adding a reception card, directions card, and accommodations card

When it comes to wedding invitations, you want to strike a balance between providing your guests with all the necessary information and keeping the invitation elegant and easy to read. It's a good idea to include a reception card, directions card, and accommodations card as separate enclosure cards to avoid crowding the invitation itself.

A reception card is a good idea if your wedding reception is at a different location from the ceremony. This separate card should indicate the formality and nature of the event. For instance, the first line can say "Breakfast Reception" for a morning event or "Dinner Reception" for a sit-down meal. If you want to specify that the reception is adults-only, this can be included on the reception card as well.

A directions card is a helpful addition to your invitation suite, especially for guests who may not be tech-savvy or could encounter phone issues. Choose a legible font to ensure all guests can read the directions easily. You can also include a custom weekend map as an intimate touch and a great keepsake.

If you have guests coming in from out of town, an accommodations card with hotel options will be much appreciated. You can also include a deadline for making reservations, though this is optional. If you're covering guests' accommodations, be sure to indicate that on the card. Include any information regarding transportation to and from hotels to the wedding.

Proofread, then proofread again, and get others to check, too

Proofreading is an essential step in the wedding invitation process. It is important to check, double-check, and triple-check your invitations for errors. Here are some tips to ensure your invitations are flawless:

• Get multiple pairs of eyes on your invitations: Ask friends and family members to proofread your invitations. It can be helpful to have someone with strong grammar and spelling skills review the invitations for any errors. A fresh pair of eyes may catch mistakes that you have missed.
• Pay attention to the details: Carefully review all the information included in your invitations. Check for accuracy in dates, times, locations, and any other important details. Double-check the spelling of names and addresses. One way to do this is to read the proof word-for-word, both to yourself and out loud, from right to left to avoid accidentally glossing over mistakes.
• Allow enough time for proofreading: Don't rush the proofreading process. Give yourself and your proofreaders enough time to thoroughly review the invitations. This will help ensure that no mistakes are overlooked.
• Order extra invitations: It is a good idea to order extra invitations in case you need to make corrections or add guests to your list. Ordering a small number of invitations later can be expensive, so it's best to order a few extra from the start.
• Check printing methods: Different printing methods, such as letterpress, engraving, and digital printing, may affect the appearance of your invitations. Be sure to review how your invitations will look when printed and make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider hiring a professional: If you want to ensure your invitations are error-free, consider hiring a professional proofreader or editor to review them. A professional will have the expertise to catch any mistakes and ensure your invitations are perfect.
• Create a comprehensive checklist: Make a list of all the information that needs to be included in your invitations, such as dates, times, locations, dress code, and RSVP information. Check off each item on the list as you proofread to ensure nothing is missed.
• Be consistent: Ensure that the formatting, spelling, and style are consistent throughout your invitations. This includes checking that the font, colours, and text alignment are uniform across all invitation cards and enclosures.

Frequently asked questions