Paper Invites For Weddings: To Send Or Not?

Wedding invitations are an essential part of wedding planning, serving as a prelude to the ceremony and the festivities to follow. While digital wedding invites are becoming more popular and acceptable, paper wedding invitations are traditional and preferred, especially by older guests. The ideal timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding, giving guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. This timeline also allows couples to request RSVPs sooner and stay aligned with proper wedding invitation etiquette.

Digital vs paper invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider when deciding between digital and paper options. Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Paper Invitations:

Paper wedding invitations have traditionally been the standard choice for couples. They are often seen as more formal and elegant, conveying a sense of seriousness about the event. Sending a physical invitation can make guests feel honoured and excited to be included in your special day. Additionally, paper invitations can be a lovely keepsake for both the couple and the guests, who may want to frame it, put it in a scrapbook, or include it in a wedding album.

However, one of the main drawbacks of paper invitations is the cost. Custom invitations can be expensive, and the price can quickly add up when you consider factors such as paper choice, colour, weight, and inserts. There are also shipping costs and turn-around times to factor in, making paper invitations a time-consuming option. Furthermore, paper invitations are not environmentally friendly, as they contribute to waste and require fuel for delivery.

Digital Invitations:

Digital wedding invitations, or e-vites, have gained popularity due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. They are easier to create, send, and track, saving time and money for the couple. With digital invitations, you can find free or low-cost templates online, and there are no postage costs involved. They are also more environmentally friendly, reducing paper waste and carbon emissions associated with delivery. Additionally, digital invitations can be delivered within seconds, resulting in quicker RSVPs.

Online invitation services often provide user-friendly features, such as guest databases, RSVP tracking, and the ability to share multimedia content. This allows for continuous communication between the host and guests, creating a digital archive of memories.

However, one concern with digital invitations is the possibility of them being missed or ending up in spam folders. Some older guests may also find digital invites less accessible, especially if they are not tech-savvy. While digital invitations can be convenient, they may lack the sentiment and tactile experience of receiving a physical invitation.

In conclusion, both digital and paper invitations have their advantages and disadvantages. Paper invitations offer a traditional, formal approach, while digital invitations provide a modern, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative. Ultimately, the decision should align with your wedding theme, budget, and personal preferences.

Timing of sending out invites

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. While it is an exciting part of the process, it requires careful consideration to ensure that guests have enough time to plan and that you have the information needed for the final headcount. Here are some guidelines to help you with the timing of sending out your wedding invitations:

Save-the-Dates:

Save-the-date cards are not mandatory but are a thoughtful way to give your guests a heads-up, especially if many of them need to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding venue are limited. It is common to send save-the-dates four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This will allow your guests to mark their calendars and start making the necessary arrangements.

Sending Invitations:

The recommended timeline for sending out wedding invitations is six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel plans. It also allows you to receive RSVPs earlier, helping you finalise the guest list, create seating charts, and provide a final headcount to your caterer.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is advisable to send invitations three months in advance to account for the extra time needed for shipping and delivery. For international guests, you may send invitations nine to ten weeks in advance or even up to a year, ensuring they have ample time for travel arrangements.

RSVP Timing:

When sending out your invitations, it is standard to set an RSVP deadline of about one month before the wedding. This will give you enough time to follow up with guests who haven't responded and finalise details with your vendors.

B-List Guests:

If you are managing a guest list with a B-list, the recommended timeline will give you the opportunity to invite additional guests if needed.

Peak Holiday Seasons:

If your wedding falls around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is advisable to send invitations earlier than the typical six to eight-week timeline. This is because guests may have other commitments during the holidays, and early notice will enable them to plan their schedules accordingly.

In conclusion, the timing of sending out wedding invitations is essential to ensure a smooth planning process and a well-organised wedding day. By following these guidelines, you will give your guests enough notice and receive the information you need to finalise the details of your special day.

What to include in the invite

Paper wedding invitations are still the most popular choice for couples. They are a guest's first glimpse of the wedding style and theme, and they are also a crucial logistical element.

The Invitation Itself

• The names of the hosts (traditionally, whoever is paying for the wedding)
• A warm invitation sentence, such as "request the pleasure of your company"
• The names of the couple getting married. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name typically goes first, but modern invites can include names in alphabetical order or however else feels right.
• The date and time of the ceremony. It is best to write this out in full, rather than using numerals (e.g. "four o'clock in the afternoon")
• The location of the ceremony and reception, if they are in different places. If they are in the same place, you can simply include a line like "reception to follow"
• The dress code, if you are including it on the invite. This could be anything from "Casual Attire" to "Black Tie"
• RSVP details. You can include an RSVP card with a specific deadline and a place for guests to write their names, or direct them to your wedding website

Optional Extras

• A separate card with directions to the venue, especially if guests will have trouble finding it or parking
• A weekend events card, if your wedding will span a few days and include multiple events like a day-after brunch
• An accommodations card, with hotel recommendations and room block information
• An invitation wrapper, like a belly band or silk ribbon, to hold all the pieces together

RSVP process

The RSVP process is an important aspect of wedding planning, allowing you to finalise the guest list and plan accordingly. Here is a detailed guide on the RSVP process for your wedding:

Setting a Timeline:

• Send out "Save the Dates": It is common to send out "Save the Dates" six to eight months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This gives guests ample time to make travel arrangements.
• Send Invitations: Traditionally, wedding invitations are mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and plan their attendance.
• Set an RSVP deadline: Generally, you should set the RSVP deadline at least two to three weeks before the wedding. This allows you to finalise numbers with your caterer and create a seating chart. Some couples prefer a longer buffer and request RSVPs three to six weeks in advance.

Creating the RSVP:

• Online or Physical: You can choose to accept RSVPs through your wedding website or via physical response cards. Many online wedding platforms offer convenient RSVP functions, making it easier for you to manage responses. However, some older guests may prefer a physical response card, so consider offering both options.
• Information to Include: Ensure your RSVP includes the full names of the invited guests, a clear "will attend" or "unable to attend" section, and the RSVP deadline. If offering meal choices, include entrée options for guests to select their preference.

Managing Responses:

• Following up: It is common for some guests to miss the RSVP deadline. Give them a grace period of about a week, and then reach out with a friendly reminder. This will help ensure you receive responses from everyone on your guest list.
• Managing Guest Changes: It is advisable to encourage guests to submit their responses as early as possible and avoid making changes. However, life happens, and some guests may need to change their RSVP. Consider using an online platform that allows guests to edit their responses before the deadline.
• Catering for Special Requirements: If guests have dietary restrictions or allergies, encourage them to include this information with their RSVP. You can add a section for special requirements on the RSVP or instruct guests to include a separate note.

Remember to be flexible and accommodating throughout the RSVP process. By setting clear timelines, providing multiple response options, and efficiently managing responses, you will be well on your way to a well-organised wedding!

Invitation etiquette

The invitations you choose for your wedding are your guests' first glimpse of your style or theme, and they are also crucial for logistics. While it's important to get this right, as long as you follow the right etiquette protocols, you can't go wrong.

Timing

Traditionally, invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. It is also common to send out save-the-date cards six to eight months, or even up to a year in advance, especially for destination weddings.

RSVPs

As a general rule, you want your RSVP date to be at least two to three weeks before your wedding date. This will allow enough time to finalise the headcount for the caterer and finalise your seating chart. It is recommended to give guests two to six weeks to respond.

Paperless Invitations

Digital invitations are not traditional, but they can be a good option for eco-friendly weddings or for those on a budget. However, it is important to consider your guests, as some may be less tech-savvy. In this case, it might be a good idea to send physical invitations to those guests.

Wording and Information

The wording of the invitation depends on who is hosting (and paying for) the wedding. If the couple's parents are hosting, their names are usually at the top of the invitation. If both sets of parents are contributing, you can write "together with their parents". If the couple is hosting themselves, their titles are optional.

The invitation should include the names of the couple, the request to come to the wedding, and reception information. It is also important to include the date, time, and location of the ceremony, dress code, and any other important details, such as hotel information.

Plus-ones

You don't have to give every guest a plus-one. If they are not married or in a serious relationship, it is acceptable to extend a solo invite. If you are inviting someone with a plus-one, write ""and Guest" on the envelope.

Adults-only Weddings

It is not considered proper etiquette to print this detail on the invitation. Instead, be intentional about how you address your invitations. Stating each guest by name implies that the invite is only meant for those mentioned.

Frequently asked questions