Wedding invitation etiquette is important to follow whether you’re the one inviting or the one being invited. From how to address the invitation to what to include (and not include) on the invite, there are a few key dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to wedding invitation etiquette.
Do choose the right wedding invitation.
Choosing the right wedding invitation can be a daunting task. There are so many options available, and it can be hard to know where to start. The most important thing to remember is that your invitation should reflect your personality and style as a couple. If you need help designing your invitations, try using an online wedding invitation maker. These services can help you with every step of the invitation-making process, from choosing invite designs to making photo wedding invites and more.
Here are some additional tips for choosing an amazing invitation:
- Start by deciding what type of invitation you want. Is the wedding formal or casual? Do you want a traditional design or something more unique?
- Once you’ve decided on a style, choose colors and fonts that match your theme or color scheme.
- If you’re having a destination wedding, be sure to include information about travel and accommodations on the invite.
It’s also important to make sure all of the information included on the invitation is accurate and up-to-date. This includes the date, time, location and any special accommodations guests may need to make (like parking or wheelchair access).
Don’t wait until the last minute to send invitations.
You should mail invitations out at least six weeks before the wedding date. It’s important to send invitations early enough so that your friends and loved ones can mark the date out on their calendars. If they previously made other plans, this also gives them time to figure out if they can resolve scheduling conflicts.
If you are having a destination wedding, sending invites six weeks before the wedding date will give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements if necessary.
Do send out save-the-dates.
If your wedding is over six months away, it’s a good idea to send save-the-date notices. This will give your guests plenty of time to make arrangements to attend. A typical save-the-date includes a photo of the couple and the wedding date—that’s it! Engagement photos are a great addition to a save-the-date card.
If your wedding is less than six months away, you should not send a save-the-date. It isn’t necessary and may cause some guests to forget about the event entirely.
Don’t forget to include RSVP information!
One of the most important parts of a wedding invite is the RSVP, which stands for “respond please” and comes from the French “respondezs’ilvous plait.” When sending an invitation, be sure to include an RSVP card—a small card or postcard—along with an envelope and a stamp to make it easy for your guests to respond.
When you receive a wedding invitation, the first thing you should do is RSVP. Regardless of how you choose to respond, make sure that you do it within the requested timeframe. The hosts put a lot of work into planning the wedding and need an accurate headcount as soon as possible. If for some reason you cannot attend the wedding, let the hosts know as soon as possible. They may have a waiting list of guests and need to fill your spot.
Do send a gift, even if you aren’t attending.
If you receive a wedding invitation and are unable to attend, but would still like to send a gift, let the hosts know what your plans are. Some couples prefer no gifts while others have specific registry information they would like their guests to follow.
Regardless of what the couple prefers, it is always best practice to send a gift directly to them rather than through a third party such as friends or family members.
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