Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m the world’s first bridesmaid for hire. Today, let’s talk about wedding invitations.
Planning a wedding? One of the most important parts is sending out invitations. Invitations set the whole tone for your big day. They give guests a sneak peek of what’s to come. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything about wedding invitations in 2024. From understanding the parts to following etiquette to staying on budget, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re having an intimate gathering or a huge party, this guide will help you create awesome invitations. Let’s dive in!
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The pieces of a wedding invitation are more than just paper. They’re the first look your guests get at your big day. Knowing each part will make sure you include all the important info and wow your guests. Let’s break down the must-have parts of a wedding invitation suite.
Each section has its own specific job to do:
Here are some wedding invitation templates to get you started.
The main invitation is the star of your wedding stationery. It has all the must-know details like:
The design and wording of the main invite set the vibe for the whole celebration. Check out these wedding invitations for inspiration. [Basic Invite]
Your main invitation’s design and layout should go with your overall wedding theme. You might pick a vintage, modern, or rustic look. Just make sure the design is pretty and makes sense.
A few popular design styles:
The words you use on your main invite matter. For fancy weddings, traditional language works well. Casual weddings can have more laid-back wording.
Formal example: “The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of…”
Casual example: “Join us to celebrate the wedding of…”
The RSVP card is super important for keeping track of your guest list and meal choices. Make it simple to fill out. And include a stamped envelope to mail it back in.
RSVP literally means “répondez s’il vous plaît” which is French for “please reply”. So the RSVP card is how guests let you know if they can make it or not. And it’s how they tell you what they want to eat, if you’re offering meal options.
According to Ann’s Bridal Bargains, sending an RSVP card with its own envelope gets more responses than just an RSVP postcard.
The RSVP card design should go with the main invite. So everything looks put-together. And the card needs to be easy for guests to understand and fill out.
What to include:
Enclosures are extra info cards that give guests helpful details like:
They make sure your guests have everything they need to celebrate with you. Here are examples of common wedding invitation enclosures.
Direction cards tell guests exactly how to get to your wedding spot. A small map can really help people who don’t know the area well.
What to put on them:
Accommodation cards are a must for out-of-town guests. List nearby hotels and B&Bs. And include booking codes for any room blocks you set up.
Get more accommodation card tips in our blog post.
If your reception is at a different place than your ceremony, you need a reception card. It should have:
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Your wedding invitations show off your style and wedding vibe. Making them custom lets you add your personality to every part. Let’s look at how to pick a design and really make it yours.
Custom wedding invitations and custom wedding invitations are so popular right now.
Picking your wedding invitation design is such a fun part of planning. Look at your wedding’s overall style. Then find a design that goes with it. You might like elegant florals, simple minimalism, or old-school charm. The design should feel like your wedding day goals.
Make your invites match your wedding theme for a seamless look. Pay attention to stuff like:
Everything should fit the vibe you’re going for, whether that’s black tie glam or backyard casual.
Custom printing makes your wedding invitations feel extra special. Techniques like foil stamping and letterpress give them a fancy, luxe touch.
Custom printing is a great way to take your personalized wedding invitations to the next level.
Foil stamping adds a metallic design to your invites. It looks super classy and high-end. It’s perfect for making names or pretty details really pop.
Foil options:
Letterpress stamps your design into the paper. It makes words and pictures look raised. It adds texture and depth. Letterpress is great for traditional or vintage style weddings.
Fun letterpress ideas:
On average, couples order invitations for about 75-85% of their total guest list. The rest typically can’t make it, according to Zola’s wedding stats
Personalization makes your wedding invites 100% unique to you. From monograms to handwritten notes, little touches show off your one-of-a-kind love story.
A custom monogram is such a pretty personal detail. Put your initials on the main invite, RSVP card, and extra pieces. It ties everything together and looks so elegant.
Monogram tips:
A handwritten note makes each guest feel so special. It shows you took the time to think of them. Even just a few words can warm their hearts.
Note ideas:
Timing is everything when you’re mailing out wedding invites. You want to give guests plenty of notice so they can save the date. This section covers when to send save the dates vs. the actual invitations. Plus addressing and mailing tips.
The wedding invitations and save the dates timeline is so important to get right.
Send your wedding invitations on time so guests can plan and RSVP. The basic rule:
Destination weddings need more notice. Send those invites out 3 months ahead, says Crane.
Save the Dates
Save the dates give guests a heads up on your wedding date and location. Send them out 6-8 months in advance. That way people can mark their calendars and request days off work.
What to include:
The official invitations have all the ceremony and reception details. Mail them 6-8 weeks before the big day. That gives guests time to RSVP and make plans.
Include all the key info:
Properly addressing your invites is a must
Calligraphy makes your envelopes look so elegant. A professional calligrapher can hand-letter each address beautifully. Your guests will be wowed before they even open the invite.
Hiring a calligrapher:
About 22 invitees typically decline, according to a 2021 4over survey. So it’s normal to have some nos.
Organizing RSVPs is key for finalizing your guest count and other details. You can do mail-in reply cards, online forms, or both. Just make a system so nothing falls through the cracks.
Here are some more sample wedding invitations with RSVP card ideas.
Online RSVP tools make it so simple for guests to respond. They can fill out your form in a few clicks. And you can track responses without dealing with mail.
There are tons of great wedding websites and apps like:
RSVP Method | Benefits | Considerations | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Digital RSVPs | Convenient, easy to track, eco-friendly | Requires internet access | ||
Traditional RSVPs | Formal, tangible keepsake | Requires postage, can get lost in mail | ||
Mailed RSVP cards are classic. Some couples still prefer them for a traditional feel. Always include a pre-stamped envelope so it’s easy for guests to send back.
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Managing your guest list and RSVPs is a huge part of wedding planning. You need an accurate head count to handle details like seating charts, catering, and hotel blocks. Let’s dive into how to make your list and stay organized.
The wedding invitation process really starts with your guest list.
Start your guest list ASAP. Make a first draft with must-invites like immediate family and close friends. Then trim it down to fit your budget and venue. You want everyone to be comfy.
Your first try at the guest list should include:
Now look at your budget and venue capacity. How many people can you realistically invite? Cut the list down till it fits those limits. An Excel sheet can help you organize names and addresses.
A smooth RSVP system will make your life so much easier. Online RSVPs let you automatically track responses. Traditional reply cards give a formal vibe. Pick what works for you.
Digital is the way to go for most modern couples. Wedding websites like Zola have built-in RSVP managers. You can see your guest list, meal choices, and more all in one spot.
Traditional RSVPs
If you want that classic RSVP experience, go with mailed reply cards. Just remember to include postmarked envelopes. And give clear instructions so guests fill them out right.
Using proper etiquette and wording makes your invites gracious and clear. It sets the tone for a respectful, enjoyable celebration. Here are the key points to cover.
The wedding invitation is the first glimpse guests get of your big day. And what it says really matters. Including the right info avoids confusion and hurt feelings down the line.
Your invite wording should match your wedding vibe. A black tie bash calls for formal language. A backyard BBQ can be more casual. The style of your wedding should come across in the words you choose.
For a formal affair, stick with classic wording. Use full names, proper titles, and fancy phrasing. It sets an elegant, traditional tone.
Formal lines to try:
Casual weddings open the door for more relaxed language. You can use your first names and fun phrases. But still be clear about the key details.
Casual wording ideas:
Put guest names on the envelopes properly. It shows you respect them and want them there. Using inner and outer envelopes is a traditional way to make it super clear who’s invited.
Use full names and titles on the outer envelopes. That means no nicknames or first names only. Check spellings to avoid any mishaps.
Some common titles:
The outer envelope has the mailing address and full guest names. The inner envelope says exactly who is invited to be crystal clear. You can include kids’ names or put “and guest” for plus ones.
Examples:
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Give your invites extra personality with hot trends and custom details. From cool textures to fun photos, little touches will make them stand out. Here are some ideas for unforgettable invitations.
The wedding invitations you send say a lot about your style as a couple. And the wedding invite is the first impression guests get.
See what’s popular this year for modern inspiration. 2024 wedding invitation trends are all about creativity and customization. Think outside the box for invites that wow.
Sustainability is so important to many couples now. And there are lots of gorgeous green options for invitations like:
Make your invites engaging with interactive designs. Guests will have so much fun opening them up. And you can pack in useful planning info too.
Ideas to try:
The best invitations have lots of heart. Sweet nods to your love story will get guests excited to celebrate. And meaningful details are a special keepsake of an important milestone.
Artwork makes invitations so memorable. Hire an illustrator to draw a custom portrait or venue scene. Watercolors and sketches are beautiful ways to set the mood.
Put illustrations on:
Nothing feels more personal than a handwritten note. Even just a few words will touch your loved ones’ hearts. They’ll know how much you care.
Note ideas:
Weddings come in all shapes and sizes. And your invitations need to fit your specific plans. Clear communication is key for stuff like destination dos and adults-only affairs.
Avoid confusion or frustration with these wedding invitations and tips.
Inviting people to a far-off celebration? Give them the scoop ASAP. Send invites earlier than normal so they can plan. And include all the crucial travel details.
Your invitations should have everything guests need to book their trip like:
The further the destination, the more notice you should give. Send out save the dates at least 8 months in advance. Then mail the invitations 3 months before the wedding.
This destination wedding timeline has more tips for staying on track.
Want a kid-free celebration? Put it plainly on the invite. Guests should know upfront so they can make arrangements. Many couples include this on a reception or details card.
Be polite but firm about the no-kids policy. Make it obvious that only those named on the invite should attend. And consider explaining your reason so people understand.</
Try these tactful phrases:
Suggest some kid-care options so parents feel supported. You could offer info on:
We covered a ton of helpful stuff in this ultimate guide! You’re basically a wedding invitation pro now. As you start designing and ordering your own invites, remember these key takeaways.
Your wedding invitations are the first look guests get at your big day. So give them the attention they deserve! Have fun picking a design that represents you. Get personal with cute touches. And follow smart etiquette so everyone feels valued. With this guide, you’ve got the inside scoop on incredible invites. Now go create that stationery suite of your dreams! And remember, Bridesmaid for Hire is always here to help with planning and support. We want your wedding to be the best day ever.
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Looking for the perfect wedding gift for someone you adore? Grab The Newlywed Card Game. It's a fun and interactive game they can play on their honeymoon or future date nights.