Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and with so many elements to consider, it's easy to become overwhelmed. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is choosing the right invitation to set the tone for your special day. In recent years, digital wedding invitations have gained popularity, offering a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and time-saving alternative to traditional paper invitations. Two well-known options for online invitations are Evite and Greenvelope. But which one is better for wedding invitations?
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cost | Digital wedding invitations typically cost less than paper invitations. |
Customization | Digital wedding invitations can be customized with colours, patterns, virtual envelopes, wax seals, stamps, etc. |
Convenience | Digital wedding invitations are more convenient and save time as they can be sent instantly. |
Eco-friendliness | Digital wedding invitations are environmentally friendly and a good option for eco-conscious couples. |
Accessibility | Digital wedding invitations may be less accessible to older guests or those who are not tech-savvy. |
Contact Information | Digital wedding invitations require extra effort to collect email addresses for each guest. |
Design Options | Digital wedding invitations may have fewer bespoke design options compared to traditional paper invitations. |
Sentimentality | Some guests may prefer the sentimentality and keepsake value of a traditional paper invitation. |
What You'll Learn
Cost of digital wedding invitations
The cost of digital wedding invitations varies depending on the provider and the features included. Here is an overview of the cost of digital wedding invitations from different websites:
- Evite: Single-event premium packages range from $17.99 to $99.99, tiered by guest list size. An Evite Pro yearly subscription costs $249.99.
- Greenvelope: Prices start at $19 for a single mailing occasion and $125 per year for unlimited mailing occasions.
- Paperless Post: Invitations are priced in "Coins," with packages ranging from $12 (25 Coins) to $120 (1,000 Coins).
- Punchbowl: Offers an inexpensive subscription service starting at $2.99 per month.
- Bliss & Bone: Costs range from $1.20 per invite for under 10 recipients to $0.70 per invite for over 300 recipients.
- Etsy: Prices vary by seller and are typically a flat fee for a digital download.
Digital wedding invitations typically cost less than paper invitations, often ringing up at under $2 per invite. Some providers charge based on the number of guests or offer unlimited sends for a monthly subscription fee. Others use a custom currency system where you purchase "coins" to buy invitations.
When considering the cost of digital wedding invitations, it's important to factor in the entire invitation suite, which may include save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and other inserts. Additionally, there may be extra costs for custom designs, premium features, and mailing costs.
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Pros and cons of digital wedding invitations
Digital wedding invitations are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional paper invitations. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to go digital for your wedding invites:
Pros of Digital Wedding Invitations:
- Cost-effective: Digital invites are typically much cheaper than paper invitations, with prices ranging from free to under $2 per invite. You save on paper, printing, and postage costs, which can quickly add up, especially for large weddings.
- Eco-friendly: Digital invitations reduce unnecessary paper waste, making them a more sustainable option. This is especially important if you're planning an eco-friendly wedding.
- Convenience and speed: Digital invites are sent directly to your guests' inboxes, reducing the risk of them getting lost or damaged in the mail. They're also more convenient for your guests, who can RSVP with just a click, resulting in quicker responses.
- No risk of loss or damage: Unlike traditional paper invitations, digital invites are delivered directly to your guests' inboxes, eliminating the possibility of them getting lost or damaged during delivery.
- Easy RSVP tracking: Many digital invitation platforms offer RSVP tracking features, allowing you to see who has received, opened, and responded to your invitation. This streamlines the RSVP process and saves you time chasing down late responses.
Cons of Digital Wedding Invitations:
- Less traditional: Digital invitations may not be suitable if you prefer a more formal or traditional wedding. Paper invitations are considered more elegant and classic.
- Potential inaccessibility: Some guests, particularly older ones, may not be tech-savvy or may not use email. There's also the risk of your invitation ending up in spam folders, which could result in guests missing your invite altogether.
- Lack of physical keepsake: Digital invitations don't offer a physical memento that guests can hold on to or display. Some guests may appreciate the sentimentality of a paper invitation that they can keep as a souvenir.
- Work of gathering contact info: With digital invites, you'll need to put in extra effort to collect each guest's email address, which can be more time-consuming than sending to a shared physical mailbox.
- Limited design options: Paper wedding invitations offer a wider range of customisation and bespoke design options, especially if you work with a wedding stationery professional.
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Digital vs paper wedding invitations
Wedding invitations are one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, as it means your special day is almost here. But before you get the word out, you need to decide what kind of invitations to send.
Digital wedding invitations are a modern and convenient option. They are usually more affordable and eco-friendly, as they are sent virtually and reduce unnecessary paper waste. They are also less likely to get lost or damaged during delivery. Additionally, digital platforms often include RSVP tracking features, making it easier for your guests to respond and for you to manage your guest list.
However, digital invitations may not be suitable for all guests, especially older relatives or those who are less tech-savvy. They may also not offer the same level of customisation and design options as traditional paper invitations. One of the biggest drawbacks is that you won't have a physical keepsake of your special day.
Traditional paper invitations are more expensive, but they create a beautiful, tangible souvenir. You can support small creative businesses that offer bespoke designs, from watercolour depictions to modern minimalist styles with gold foil details. Paper invitations are also more traditional and formal, setting the tone for your wedding. They can be a fun activity to do with your partner, family, or bridal party, marking the start of your wedding festivities.
If you're unsure, a hybrid approach is a great option. You can send digital 'save the dates' and follow up with traditional paper invitations, directing guests to RSVP online via your wedding website. This way, you get the benefits of both digital and paper invitations.
- Greenvelope
- Evite
- Bliss & Bone
- Paperless Post
- Punchbowl
- The Knot
And some websites for paper wedding invitations:
- Minted
- Zola
- Artifact Uprising
- Zazzle
- Shutterfly
- Vistaprint
- Mixbook
- Paper Source
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How to send digital wedding invitations
Digital wedding invitations are a modern alternative to traditional invites, and they come with several advantages. They are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, time-saving, and seamless. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to send digital wedding invitations:
Choose a Platform
There are several online platforms that offer paperless wedding invitations, such as Greenvelope, Evite, Paperless Post, Bliss & Bone, Etsy, and Riley & Grey. Compare the pros and cons of each platform and choose the one that best suits your needs. Some factors to consider include RSVP tracking, the ability to upload your own design, and the availability of a matching wedding website.
Design Your Invitation
Most platforms offer a range of customizable templates to choose from. Select a design that reflects the style and theme of your wedding. You can also design your own e-vites from scratch to add a personal touch. Be sure to include essential details such as the request for attendance, RSVP date and method, and a link to your wedding website.
Address Your Invitations
Address your digital wedding invitations appropriately, similar to how you would address traditional paper invitations. For couples, include both names separated by "and." You can use titles and surnames for a formal event or opt for first names only for a more relaxed wedding. For single guests, simply address them by name, and add "and guest" if offering a plus one. When inviting families with children, list the children's names (ordered by oldest to youngest) following their parent's names.
Send Your Invitations
Digital wedding invitations are typically sent via email, but you can also send them via text or link. Input your guests' email addresses, and send your invitations with just a click. Some platforms offer additional features such as virtual envelopes, wax seals, and stamps. You can also schedule event reminders and request guests to share their photos from your big day.
Manage RSVPs
Online invitation services make it easy for your guests to RSVP with just a few clicks. You will instantly know who has accepted or declined your invitation. Some platforms also offer RSVP tracking, so you can easily stay on top of your guest list.
Consider Elderly Guests
If you have elderly guests who may not be online, consider printing and sending them a physical copy of your invitation. Alternatively, you can send them a handwritten note or communicate the wedding details over the phone.
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Best websites for digital wedding invitations
Digital wedding invitations are a great way to save time and money, be more environmentally friendly, and seamlessly integrate your wedding colours and themes. Here are some of the best websites for digital wedding invitations:
Evite
Evite is a popular party invitation maker with thousands of free and premium digital invitations. You can customise your invites with various features, including text, background, envelope, and stickers. Evite also offers RSVP tracking, the ability to upload your own designs, and a shareable link for sending your invites. Premium pricing varies depending on the guest list size, starting at $15.99 for 15 invitations.
Paperless Post
Paperless Post offers designer-made online wedding invitation formats that are stunning and customisable. You can edit the colour scheme, text, envelope, and backdrop. It also offers RSVP tracking and the option to send follow-up messages. Pricing starts at $6 to send 20 invitations.
Greenvelope
Greenvelope is a great option for couples prioritising sustainability and zero waste. Their online invitations are created by independent artists and offer various convenient features, such as guest messaging, auto-reminders, and survey questions. A portion of every sale goes to Mountains to Sound, a non-profit organisation that maintains forests. Pricing starts at $19 for a single mailing occasion.
Bliss & Bone
Bliss & Bone offers immersive digital invitations that give the impression of paper. Their designs incorporate shadows, textures, and dimensional objects. The invitations are sent via email, driving guests to a personal wedding invitation event page where they can RSVP and access additional information. Pricing starts at $0.90 per recipient for 10 or more recipients.
Etsy
Etsy offers downloadable templates for digital wedding invitations with editable designs. There are various themes available, including classic and rustic options. Pricing varies by seller, but downloads can be as low as $2. However, you will need to pay again to send out the design via a digital wedding invitation provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Digital wedding invitations are a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and time-saving alternative to traditional paper invitations. They are also more convenient for your guests, who can RSVP instantly.
Digital wedding invitations may be considered less formal and may not be suitable for older guests or those who are less tech-savvy. They may also require more work to gather email addresses and there may be additional costs for premium designs or customisation features.
Popular websites for digital wedding invitations include Evite, Paperless Post, Greenvelope, Bliss & Bone, Etsy, and Riley & Grey. These platforms offer a range of design options, customisation features, and pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.