WEDDING INVITATION ETIQUETTE

Save the dates & Invitations & RSVPs, OH MY!! There are so many things to think about when it comes to invitation etiquette. Who gets one? When do you send them? How do you address them correctly? Here's my guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of wedding stationary with ease.

WHEN TO SEND INVITATIONS

Timing is everything - especially when it comes to wedding invites...

SAVE THE DATES

Send these out 6-8 months before the wedding (or up to a year for destination weddings)

FORMAL INVITATIONS

Send these out 6-8 weeks before the wedding to give your guests enough time to RSVP

RSVP DEADLINE

Set this 4 weeks before your wedding day to finalize your headcount with your venue and vendors

HOW TO ADDRESS ENVELOPES

First impressions count! Here's two options of how to address your envelopes for all your guests...

MARRIED COUPLE

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

or

Mr. John Smith & Mrs. Jane Smith

COUPLES LIVING TOGETHER

Mr. Michael Green & Ms. Emily Brown

or

Michael Green & Emily Brown

SINGLE GUEST

Ms. Sarah Johnson

or

Sarah Johnson

SINGLE GUEST WITH A PLUS ONE

Mr. Andrew Williams & Guest

or

Andrew Williams & Guest

FAMILIES

The Anderson Family

or

You can list each family member individually

INCLUDE ALL THE DETAILS

A formal wedding invitation suite typically includes...

INVITATION CARD

Contains who's getting married, date, time, and location

DETAIL CARD

Contains accommodation information, dress code, transportation, and other important day of details

RSVP CARD

Contains response deadline, guest reply, and meal selection

OUTER ENVELOPE

Contains guest address, return address, and postage

INNER ENVELOPE

If you include an RSVP card, it is thoughtful to include an envelope that is already addressed with postage for guests to mail their replies

FINAL THOUGHTS

Wedding invitation etiquette is about more than formality or design, it's about making your guests feel valued, respected, and included. And, when done thoughtfully, your invitations can become keepsakes that reflect the beauty and happiness of your wedding day!

PLANNING TIPS:

-Triple check all of your spelling

-Make sure your guests didn't move between when you sent your RSVPs and when you send final invitations

-Respect your guests' titles and preferred names

-Don't include information about other wedding events (like rehearsal dinners) in invitations for those that are not invited

If you need help designing or wording your wedding stationary, contact me today to learn about my custom stationary and wedding planning packages!