What You Need to Know About Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations set the tone for your big day. Whether you’re going for formal elegance or casual charm, getting the details right can make a lasting impression on your guests.
If you’re in the process of planning your wedding and wondering how to handle all things invitation-related, you’re in the right place.
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions about wedding invitations and help you ensure everything goes smoothly.
When To Send Wedding Invitations
Timing is everything!
A good rule of thumb is to send your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the big day. This gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP, make travel arrangements, and clear their schedules.
If you’re hosting a destination wedding, send the invitations at least three months in advance so guests can plan their trip.
Don’t forget to send save-the-date cards six to eight months prior to your wedding. This early notice is especially helpful for destination weddings or peak travel seasons and can introduce guests to your online wedding gift registration.
What Content Should Be Included in Wedding Invitations?
Your wedding invitations should clearly convey the essential details: who, what, where, and when.
That means including the names of the couple, the date and time of the ceremony, and the location of the venue(s). You may also want to include a dress code, such as “black tie,” “cocktail attire,” or “casual.”
While the main invitation card keeps things concise, you can also use a wedding website to share additional details like directions, hotel blocks, and your gift registry.
A separate RSVP card is also essential, especially if you’re offering meal choices.
And don’t forget to include a return envelope with postage to make RSVPing easy!
How To Address Wedding Invitations
This can be one of the trickier parts of sending wedding invitations, especially if you’re not sure about formal etiquette.
As a general rule:
- Outer envelopes should be more formal and include titles (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr.) along with full names.
- Inner envelopes can be less formal, and you can omit titles or use just first names, especially for close friends and family.
For example:
- Outer Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Smith
- Inner Envelope: Jonathan and Sarah
If you’re inviting families, remember to include the names of their children on the inner envelope.
For RSVP envelopes, address them to whoever will be collecting the responses—whether that’s you, your parents, or your wedding planner.
What Should the Invitation Wording Look Like?
Wedding invitation wording sets the tone for your event.
For a formal wedding, traditional wording with full names and titles works best, such as:
“Mr. and Mrs. John Doe request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter…”
For a more casual wedding, you can relax the wording:
“Together with their families, Emily and James invite you to join them as they say ‘I do’…”
Be sure to include essential details like the date, time, and location, but keep the design clean and easy to read. If you want to add a personal touch, mention your wedding website on the invitation for additional information.
Can You Customize Wedding Invitations?
Absolutely!
Custom wedding invitations are a great way to reflect your unique style as a couple. From minimalist acrylic invitations to elegant calligraphy or modern typography, the possibilities are endless. Think about your overall wedding theme and choose an invitation design that complements it.
Many stationery designers offer custom templates or work with you to create something completely one-of-a-kind. Just make sure the text is legible and the important details are easy to spot!
DIY Wedding Invitations
If you love a creative project, DIY wedding invitations can add a personal touch to your celebration. You can design your own invitations online or buy pre-made templates and print them yourself.
However, keep in mind that DIY invitations can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large guest list. If you’re set on DIY invitations, it’s a good idea to enlist help from friends or family to save time.
Create Lasting Impressions with Perfectly Planned Wedding Invitations
When it comes to wedding invitations, etiquette may have evolved, but thoughtful planning ensures your guests feel welcome and informed.
From choosing the right design to getting the timing just right, your invitations are the first glimpse your guests will get of your big day, so make them count!
If you’re looking for a beautiful venue for your wedding or need help planning the perfect event, contact PineCrest to schedule a tour. We’re here to assist with every detail, making sure your day is everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.