Invitations seem to be one of the most simple parts of your wedding. This is true in some ways, but you need to make sure you know the important information you need to include and also know how to say it!
Photography: Kim Dyer Photography
When to Send Invites
Invitations to your guests should go out about 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to make sure their schedules are cleared and make travel arrangements if necessary. Save the date cards are also something to consider, these should go out 6-8 months before the big day.
RSVP Deadlines
Your RSVP date for guests to respond should be about 2-3 weeks before the wedding date. This will give you enough time to get a final head count for your caterer and to finalize your seating chart.
Registry
Your registry information should never be something that is included on your invitations or save the date cards. You may consider putting your registry on your wedding website if you decide to make one. Also consider telling friends and family and let them fill people in about your registry.
Adults Only Weddings
Some couples may decide they want an adult only wedding. To ensure your guests are informed of that in a polite manner you may put the exact names on the invitations, do not put “and guest”. If a guest puts one of their child’s names on their RSVP, give them a call and let them know in a polite manner. After all - it is your big day!
Dress Code
Placing the dress code in the lower left hand corner is always a great way to address it. Put things like: “black tie”, “cocktail attire”, or “casual attire” so your guests know the proper way to dress. It is likely the looks of your invitation will also show guests what the wedding will be like.
Inviting a “Plus One”
Don’t feel like you have to add a “plus one” on every one of your guests invitations. If you know your guest is not in a serious relationship or is not married, it is perfectly fine that it’s just the invited! Do what you feel is right.
RSVP Envelope
The RSVP envelopes should include the address they should be sent to and they should also include postage.
Who Is Invited to the Ceremony & Reception
When inviting people to the wedding ceremony and the reception there are some things to think about. When you invite someone to the ceremony it is typically most polite to invite them to the reception as well. Although, in certain cases you may only want close family and friends at the ceremony, but everyone at the reception.
Inviting Your Friend and Their Boyfriend - Then They Break Up
There may come a time when one of your guests asks to bring someone else than you invited on their invite. If you invited your friend and her boyfriend and they are no longer together, she may ask to bring her friend instead. If your invite specifically addressed your friend and her boyfriend - you have every right to tell her no on the friend she wants to bring instead.
No matter what kind of wedding you are having you probably need to send out invitations! Have fun creating and picking out the design of your invites, and don't let it stress you out. You got this!