Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have into the style, theme, and vibe of your big day. They set the tone, build excitement, and set the standard for a smooth, stress-free day. But as simple as it may seem, sending out wedding invitations requires a bit of strategy and thought. Here's how to navigate the process smoothly and ensure your invitations make the perfect first impression.
When to Send Wedding Invitations
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding invitations. You want to give your guests ample time to plan, RSVP, and make any necessary arrangements, but you also don't want to send them too early, risking that guests' plans change between the RSVP and the wedding date. The sweet spot is typically 3-4 months before the wedding date. For destination weddings or if you’re expecting out-of-town guests, sending them 4-5 months in advance is ideal.
Don’t forget to send save-the-dates 8-10 months prior to the wedding. This gives your guests a heads-up, especially if you’re planning a wedding during a busy season or holiday. For couples that are wanting to invite more guests than their venue or budget can accommodate, we recommend sending Save the Dates with a "soft" RSVP option. This will give you an idea of anyone that already knows they cannot make it (so you can invite those extra guests!). Remember, you can always send an invitation to someone that did not get a Save the Date, but you don't want to send a Save the Date and not send and invitation. Moral of the story, consider being more conservative with the Save the Dates if you have specific budget or venue parameters.
The Personal Touch: Making Invitations Unique
Your wedding invitations are more than just a piece of paper; they’re the first impression that your guests have of your wedding. Sending invitations is an opportunity to get your guests excited about the events to come and to give them a glimpse into the vibe of your wedding day. Here’s how to infuse them with personality:
1. Custom Designs
We work with stationers, graphic designers, and artists to create an invitation suite that’s tailored to our couples' wedding design. We build out this design and inspiration in the design board so couples can visualize how the invites are incorporated into the overall design of the day.
2. Meaningful Details
Incorporate elements that get your guests excited about the wedding weekend. Planning a wedding in an unfamiliar place? Provide a hand illustrated map that marks some of your favorite spots and wedding event destinations. Getting married on the beach? Incorporate blues, greens, fluid lines, and details that evoke beach daydreamin'!
3. Suggested Guest Attire
Providing a dress code or suggested attire will help your guests visualize the day and make it easier for them to plan their outfits. This can also get some guests excited-- dreaming of what to wear, how to accessorize, and where to shop is definitely something guests look forward to at weddings!
The Invitation Suite: What to Include
A complete wedding invitation suite typically includes more than just the invite. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important details:
- The Invitation: The main card with essential details like the your names (duh!), a clear date, start time, and venue name and location, dress code. You don't need to include the venue post/zip codes or multiple times (avoid "arrival" and "start" times!). Tip: Your venue name and address should be listed together.
- Info/Details Card -- Short and clear sentences are key!
RSVP: For ease and efficiency, most couples opt for virtual RSVPs. Include the RSVP date (ideally 5-6 weeks before the wedding date) and how to RSVP (email, text, website).
What is required with the RSVP (names, dietaries, transportation needs, attendance for pre/post wedding events)
Gift preferences: Even if you don't want gifts, explicitly say so to avoid confusion!
Crucial venue details like parking, entry points, location of the ceremony, etc.
Kids clause: Are kids allowed or not? *We help our couples come up with the exact wording so your guests are informed and not offended
Any transport or accommodation details (i.e. shuttle pick up locations and times)
Dress code/guest attire suggestions
Remember, your wedding website is your best friend and your guest's guidebook. Direct them to your website for further information on weekend events, travel/accommodation details, and other FAQs!
Wedding Invitation Math
You do not need an invite PER person! One invite per household/couple/family is all that is needed. Order a few extra for keepsakes, flat lays, and some spares. We recommend 5% extra in case of mailing issues, last minute additions, problems with printing, etc.
How much to wedding invitations cost?
Truthfully, wedding invitations can cost as little or as much as you want. From custom designs on quality paper and pre-addressed envelopes, to semi-custom templates and DIY printing, our planners will help you build the invitation suite that is the right fit for your budget and wedding design!
Sending Them Off: A Few Final Tips
Before dropping your invitations in the mail, take a moment to review and ensure everything is perfect:
1. Double-Check Addresses
Make sure all guest addresses are correct, and consider having someone else review them to catch any mistakes.
2. Weigh Your Invitations
If your suite is particularly heavy or includes multiple inserts, take one to the post office to ensure you have enough postage.
3. Hand-Cancel Stamps
For an added touch of care, ask the post office to hand-cancel your stamps. Each piece of mail is is canceled by machines (that's what prints those lines and dates over postage stamps), but if the envelope is uneven or bulky, the machine can cause the envelope to rip and can potentially damage whatever is inside. Requesting hand-cancel stamps prevents the envelope from going through sorting machines, avoiding potential smudges or bends.
4. Send a Test Invitation
Mail one invitation to yourself (or to us!) to see how it arrives. This allows you to spot any issues with how the envelope or contents hold up in transit.
Let's get your wedding celebration started off right. Effective communication is the golden ticket for a stress-free wedding day! Take the time to customize your invites and set the perfect scene for your guests!
Happy mailing!
If you're feeling more overwhelmed, feel free to contact us to help you with all the details! We would be happy to chat about your big day and what you need help with!
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