Your Wedding Invitation: Where And When?

It's natural to feel excited and eager to share your joy with your loved ones when you're planning your wedding. However, as the big day approaches, you might start to worry about whether you've forgotten anyone when sending out your invitations. In this modern age of digital connectivity and busy schedules, it's all too easy to misplace an invitation or overlook someone from your guest list. So, if you're frantically wondering, Where is my wedding invitation? and concerned about any potential oversights, here are some helpful tips to ensure everyone receives their invitation and no one is accidentally left off your guest list.

What to include in a wedding invitation

A wedding invitation suite consists of all the paper goods sent along with the wedding invitation. It should always include a response card, as well as important information like directions and accommodation details. Here's a comprehensive list of what to include in your wedding invitations:

The Main Invitation

The invitation is the main component of your stationery suite. It contains the who, what, where, and when of the wedding. It is generally the largest piece. The following should be included:

• Host names: Who is the wedding invitation from?
• A warm invitation sentence
• The couple's names: Who is getting married?
• The date and time of the wedding
• The location of the ceremony and reception

RSVP Card

Guests will mail the reply card back to let you know whether they are attending. This card can also request a meal choice or serve as an RSVP to other wedding events.

Reception Information Card

Reception information is sometimes included on the main invite, but if the reception is at a different location or you have more details to share, use a separate card.

Inserts with Additional Information

Use other inserts to share information about your wedding, such as directions, accommodation options, and your wedding website. These are available in various sizes.

Invitation Wrapper (Optional)

If your invitation suite has multiple inserts, consider using an invitation wrapper like a belly band or silk ribbon to hold all the pieces together. You can also use a square tag or wax seal to add interest or secure your belly band.

Mailing Envelope

The return address is generally printed on the back flap of the mailing envelope. Use the host's address; names are optional. The guest's mailing address should be handwritten or printed on the front of the mailing envelope. Use full names and do not abbreviate addresses or states.

RSVP Card Envelope

Include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope so your guests can easily send back their reply card. The host's address is generally used, and make sure to include a name. Take an assembled invitation to your local post office so they can weigh it and tell you the correct postage amount.

Inner Envelope (Optional)

Slightly smaller than the outer mailing envelope, the inner envelope lists the names of everyone invited. This is a great way to indicate if a guest can bring a plus one or if children are invited.

RSVP and deadline

The RSVP deadline should be clearly communicated to your guests and is an important part of the wedding planning process. It is recommended that the deadline falls three to four weeks before the wedding day. This gives you enough time to finalise the guest list, create a seating chart, and share the final guest count with your caterer, venue, and other vendors.

• Include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped return envelope with your invitations. This makes it convenient for your guests to respond.
• Provide multiple options for RSVPing. In addition to mail-in cards, consider including a digital option through your wedding website.
• Choose clear and direct wording for your RSVP request. Some guests may not understand the acronym RSVP or know that a response is required even if they are declining.
• Ask for song requests or a favourite memory of the couple as part of the RSVP. This adds an engaging element to the response process.
• For destination weddings, set an earlier RSVP deadline (around two months before the wedding) to allow for travel arrangements.
• Make the RSVP date clear and legible on the card, and consider including a countdown ticker on your wedding website.

Invitation design

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. They give guests a glimpse into what to expect from your big day. When it comes to invitation design, there are endless possibilities, from bold and modern to rustic and whimsical. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create elegant and unique wedding invitations:

Choosing a Design Style

The design style of your wedding invitation should reflect the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. Whether you're going for a classic, rustic, modern, or whimsical vibe, there are many design options to choose from. Consider incorporating elements such as floral patterns, pressed botanicals, or rustic charms. If you're having a destination wedding, you can tailor the design to reflect the location, such as a beach, desert, or mountain theme. For a fun and modern look, opt for minimalist designs or play with typography.

Customization Options

When designing your wedding invitations, you have the freedom to customize various elements to make them unique to your wedding. Here are some aspects you can personalize:

• Colours: Choose a colour palette that complements your wedding theme. You can select from various colours, including pastels, neutrals, or bold shades.
• Paper Type: Select a paper type that suits your design and budget. Options range from matte, pearl, linen, glossy, and hemp-blend paper stocks, each enhancing the colours and details of your invitation differently.
• Trim and Embellishments: Experiment with different trim styles, such as standard, rounded, or scalloped edges. You can also add embossed foil details in gold, silver, or glitter to make your invitations shine.
• Text and Images: Personalize the text with essential wedding details, and feel free to include whimsical fonts or fun RSVP wording. You can also upload custom images or graphics to make your invitations more special.

Additional Components

A typical wedding invitation suite includes more than just the invitation card. Here are some additional components to consider including:

• RSVP Cards: Include physical RSVP cards, even if you offer an online RSVP option, to cater to guests who prefer a more traditional response.
• Details Card: If you have additional information to share, such as your wedding website link or accommodation details, include a separate details card to avoid overcrowding your invitation.
• Reception Card: If your reception is at a different location, provide a reception card with the address and time.
• Direction Card: Consider adding a direction card, especially if your wedding is in a rural area with limited cell service.
• Envelopes: Don't forget the outer envelope to keep all the components together. You can also add an inner envelope for extra protection and to list the names of the invited guests.
• Address Labels and Envelope Liners: Streamline the look of your envelopes with address labels and add aesthetic interest with patterned envelope liners.

Online Tools and Services

If you need help with the design process, there are many online tools and services available. Websites like VistaPrint and Canva offer customizable templates, allowing you to upload your own designs or choose from a variety of stylish options. These sites also provide paper stock options, preview features, and printing services, making the process stress-free and fun.

Invitation cost

The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including the type of invitation, the size of the guest list, the level of customisation, materials, sourcing, quality, and extras. On average, couples should expect to pay around $500 to $800 total for wedding invitations. This equates to $5-$8 per guest.

Online vs. Printed Wedding Invitations

Online wedding invitations are the most flexible when it comes to pricing and can work for almost any budget. They are paperless, cutting back on costs involving paper, printing, shipping, and design. Printed wedding invitations, on the other hand, are considerably more expensive, but they can be framed as keepsakes.

Sourcing Wedding Invitations

The cost of wedding invitations also depends on the supplier. Here are some common options from least to most expensive:

• DIY wedding invitations
• Online wedding invitation templates
• Stationery store
• Design studio

Cost Factors

Other factors that can impact the cost of wedding invitations include:

• The number of invitations needed: Ordering in bulk often brings down the per-unit cost.
• The type and quality of paper: From standard cotton fibre paper to premium materials, the choice of paper contributes to the overall aesthetic and cost.
• The printing method: Different printing methods carry different price tags. For example, digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, while engraving is the most expensive.
• Intricate design elements: Calligraphy, embossing, or die-cutting can elevate the aesthetics but may also increase costs.
• Postage: Heavier, bulkier, or oddly shaped invitations may incur higher postage costs.
• Matching envelopes: These may not be included in the stationery suite and will need to be budgeted for separately.

When to send out wedding invitations

Sending out wedding invitations is one of the most exciting steps in the planning journey. It is important to send out your invitations at the right time to ensure your guests have all the information they need to plan their attendance.

Save-the-Dates

It is advisable to send out save-the-dates to give your guests a timely heads-up, which makes planning to attend a smooth process and is likely to boost the number of positive RSVPs you receive. Save-the-dates are typically sent out four to six months before the wedding, but they can be mailed up to a year in advance if you have already finalised the details. This step is particularly important if you are having a destination wedding.

Wedding Invitations

The ideal time to send out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, which will allow you to get a final headcount and complete your seating plan before the week of the wedding.

If you are inviting a large number of international guests, it is advisable to send out invitations around three months or twelve weeks in advance. This will allow for extended shipping and delivery times and give your guests more time to plan their travel.

RSVPs

It is recommended that you ask for RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date. This will give you and your vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations. It is also a good idea to give yourself some extra time by setting the RSVP date four weeks before the wedding. This will allow for any stragglers who don't get their RSVP in on time.

Frequently asked questions