The Perfect Timing For Wedding Invites, According To Emily Post

Wedding invitations are one of the most important and treasured invitations sent or received. The world of Emily Post etiquette advice offers comprehensive guidelines for sending wedding invitations. From addressing envelopes to choosing the right postage, there is a thoughtful order to how enclosures are placed inside the envelope. It is important to allow plenty of time to address, assemble, and mail invitations, and to give guests enough notice to be able to attend.

Timing is key: send too late and guests may be busy, too early and they may forget

When it comes to sending out wedding invitations, timing is everything. Send them too late and your guests may already have plans, but send them too early and they might forget about the event altogether. So, what's the ideal timeframe?

As a general rule, it's best to mail wedding invitations 6 weeks to 3 months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to plan and RSVP, while also ensuring that your big day is still fresh in their minds. It's important to remember that this is just a guideline and you should consider sending them earlier if your wedding falls during a busy time of year or if you have a large guest list.

To ensure you don't send your invitations too late, make sure you start the process early. Give yourself plenty of time to carefully address, assemble, and mail your invitations. It's also a good idea to order extra envelopes in case of errors and to wash your hands before you start addressing to avoid any smudges.

Additionally, don't forget to include any necessary inserts, such as maps or directions, especially for out-of-town guests. These extra enclosures can add weight to your invitations, so it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to get it weighed and ensure you have the correct postage.

While it's important to be timely, it's also worth noting that you shouldn't feel pressured to use a standby guest list. It's considered more straightforward to invite your entire guest list at once, rather than waiting to see how many people accept before sending out a second round of invitations.

Allow plenty of time to address, assemble and mail invitations

Sending out wedding invitations can be a stressful task, but with a bit of planning and organisation, you can ensure you allow plenty of time to address, assemble, and mail your invitations. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

Timing is Key

Firstly, consider the timing of sending out your wedding invitations. Sending them too late may result in guests already having plans, while sending them too early increases the risk of them being misplaced or forgotten. Aim to send your invitations out around six weeks to three months before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements without being too far in advance.

Get Organised

Develop a system for addressing and mailing your invitations. Start by gathering the names and addresses of everyone on your guest list. Decide on the specific people you are inviting from each household, as this will be important for addressing the inner envelope. Create a master guest list in a format that works for you, such as file cards, a computer database, or a spreadsheet. This will help you keep track of responses and ensure you don't miss anyone.

Order Extras

It's a good idea to order extra inner and outer envelopes in case of errors. This will give you some leeway when addressing and assembling your invitations. It's also a thoughtful touch to include extra enclosures, such as maps or directions, for out-of-town guests. Remember that these additional inserts may increase the weight of your invitations, so you'll need to allow for extra postage.

Assemble with Care

When assembling your invitations, place the enclosures (reply card and envelope, map, etc.) on top of the invitation, with their printed sides facing up, and arrange them in size order with the smallest on top. If your invitation is folded, insert the enclosures within the fold. Then, insert the invitation and enclosures into the inner envelope, ensuring that the printed side is visible when the envelope flap is opened. Finally, place the inner envelope, unsealed, into the outer envelope so that the guest's name(s) are visible when the outer envelope is opened.

Weigh and Stamp

Before buying postage stamps, take a fully assembled invitation (including all enclosures) to the post office to have it weighed. The weight of the enclosures and the shape of the envelope may require extra postage. Many post offices offer wedding-themed stamps that will add a nice touch to your invitations. If you're sending invitations to out-of-town guests with additional inserts, remember to assemble two sets (one with and one without the extra enclosures) and have both weighed to ensure accurate postage.

Ask for Help

Don't hesitate to enlist the help of friends, family, or bridal attendants when addressing and assembling your invitations. It can be a fun activity to do together, and it will make the process much faster and less overwhelming.

Don't use address labels, write them by hand

When it comes to wedding invitations, Emily Post advises that they should always be addressed by hand, even when inviting hundreds of guests. This is in keeping with the tone of a wedding, which is a special occasion that calls for a personal touch.

Handwriting the addresses on the envelopes ensures a more elegant and thoughtful presentation. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to personally invite each guest, making them feel valued and special. It also adds a touch of charm and uniqueness to your wedding invitations, setting the tone for your big day.

While it may be tempting to use address labels for convenience, especially when dealing with a large number of invitations, it is important to remember that handwritten addresses elevate the entire experience for your guests. They create a more elegant and sophisticated impression, reflecting the importance of the occasion.

Additionally, handwriting the addresses allows for greater flexibility and customization. You can choose a style of handwriting or calligraphy that complements the design of your invitations, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out look. This attention to detail will surely be appreciated by your guests and set the right tone for your wedding celebrations.

Remember to allow plenty of time when addressing your wedding invitations. It is a task that requires care and attention, and you may need to assemble a team of helpers to ensure that all the invitations are beautifully handwritten and mailed out in a timely manner.

Include inserts like maps, directions or hotel information for out-of-town guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, the details are easy to get wrong, and printing can be costly. It is important to include any appropriate inserts, such as maps, directions, or hotel information for out-of-town guests. This information is especially important for those guests who are travelling from out of town and may be unfamiliar with the area.

Maps

A map is a great way to provide guests with a visual representation of the wedding location and surrounding area. This can be especially helpful for out-of-town guests who may not be familiar with the local roads and landmarks. The map can be included as an enclosure within the invitation, placed on top of the printed side of the invitation, with the printed side facing up. This way, when the invitation is opened, the map is visible and easily accessible.

Directions

In addition to a map, providing written directions to the wedding location can be helpful, especially for those who may not have easy access to a map while travelling. These directions can be printed on a separate card or paper, and placed within the invitation, similar to the map. Clear and concise directions will ensure that guests can arrive at the wedding location without getting lost or facing delays.

Hotel Information

For guests who are travelling from out of town, providing hotel information can be a thoughtful touch. This can include a list of recommended hotels in the area, along with their contact information and any special rates or blocks of rooms reserved for wedding guests. This information can be included as an enclosure, similar to the map and directions. Alternatively, it can be included on a separate card, placed within the invitation, or even sent as a digital attachment via email.

Other Travel Information

In addition to hotel information, other travel-related details can be provided, such as nearby airports, car rental options, or public transportation routes. This is particularly useful for guests who are travelling from far away and may need assistance navigating their journey. It is a good idea to include a variety of travel options to cater to different preferences and budgets.

Timing

When sending out wedding invitations, timing is crucial. Sending them too late may result in guests already having other plans, while sending them too early increases the risk of them being misplaced or forgotten. A good rule of thumb is to mail invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to plan and RSVP, while also ensuring the details are fresh in their minds.

In conclusion, including inserts with maps, directions, and hotel information for out-of-town guests is an important and thoughtful aspect of sending out wedding invitations. These details ensure that guests have the necessary information to smoothly navigate their travels and arrive at the wedding location without hassle.

Don't include registry or gift information with your invitation

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to be mindful of etiquette. While it's crucial to stay true to yourself and your unique style, there are some general guidelines that should be followed to ensure your invitations are well-received. One important thing to avoid is including registry or gift information with your invitation.

Including a list of places where the happy couple is registered or a checklist of desired gifts is considered to be in poor taste. It puts an unnecessary emphasis on gifts, which is not in line with the spirit of the occasion. Instead, the focus should be on celebrating the union of two people and the joy of their special day.

If you're concerned about your guests' convenience and want to provide them with gift options, there are alternative ways to share this information. One option is to include a wedding website link on a separate insert or as part of the invitation suite. This way, guests can choose to access the information if they wish, without it being the main focus of the invitation.

Another option is to spread the information by word of mouth. Close friends and family members can be informed about the registry details, and this information can be passed on to other guests upon request. This more subtle approach ensures that gift information is shared in a more personal and discreet manner.

It's also worth noting that some guests may prefer to give monetary gifts or contribute to a honeymoon fund. By not including registry information, you leave room for guests to make their own choices and express their well-wishes in a way that feels most comfortable to them.

In conclusion, when it comes to wedding invitations, it's best to refrain from including registry or gift information. This allows the invitation to remain focused on the celebration while also giving guests the freedom to choose how they want to express their congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.

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