Invitation Tips

Wedding invitations - where do you even start?  In general, we don't send paper invitations or even mail to people much anymore.  So now that you are faced with sending paper invitations to a huge list of guests for your wedding, it can be overwhelming.  We've pulled together a few tips to hopefully take some of the stress off of you!

Save the Dates are Great
These allow guests to start planning in advance to be at your wedding.  Save the Dates go out three to four months before your wedding.  Include the names of the couple and wedding date.  If you have a website for more information, feel free to add that on!  This is just to put a placeholder on their calendar, so you don't need all the details listed.
Invitation Timing
Invitations should go out six to eight weeks before the wedding.  This gives guests plenty of time to plan for travel, accommodations, etc.  Ask for RSVPs about a month before the wedding so you can give final counts to the venue, caterer, cake, etc.  And be prepared that not everyone will RSVP, so you will have to follow up.

Photo Shannon Ford Photography, Invitation Typo Boutique

Who is Invited
The names on the invitation let guests know exactly who is invited.  Mr. & Mrs. Smith is just the adults, not the three children.  Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Family includes everyone.  Miss Jane Doe is just Jane - no date.  Miss Jane Doe and Guest means she can bring a plus one.

Photo Mejia-Jones Photography, Invitations Ms Peach Plus Designs

Dress Code
Dress code details can be included in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation or on the RSVP card.  Stick to standard types such as "Black Tie", "Cocktail Attire" or "Casual Attire".  Your guests will always appreciate knowing the dress code!
Spell It Out
Make sure you spell out everything on the address - Road, Street, etc.  Abbreviations are fine for Mr. and Mrs. but they shouldn't be used in the address.

Photo Camille Wilson Photography

That's the quick and easy version of wedding invitation etiquette!  If you work with a custom designer, they can help you with wording. Larger companies like Minted make it easy also with standard wording you can customize with your details.
One additional tip, consider a calligrapher or other professional to address all the invitations - your hands will thank you!
​- Becky