Hey there, lovebirds! Embarking on your wedding planning journey is an exciting time, filled with dreams, decisions, and, yes if you’re like most couples, more than a few dilemmas. One of the first steps in sharing your big day with loved ones is sending out those all-important wedding invitations. To help you navigate this process, I’ve compiled a list of the top questions about wedding invitations I get as a wedding invitation designer, to make this task as smooth as possible! Let’s dive in!
1. When Should Wedding Invites Be Sent Out?
Wedding invitations should ideally be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. If you’re planning a destination wedding, give your guests a bit more time to arrange their travel plans by sending them out 3 months in advance. For more details, I’ve got a whole post dedicated to the timeline of wedding invites that’ll ensure you’re right on track.
2. What Information Should Be Included in a Wedding Invitation?
At a minimum, your wedding invitation should include the names of the couple getting married (that’s you!), the date and time of the ceremony and reception, and the venue’s address. The truth is though, there likely is more you want to include. When it comes to choosing the right words and layout, I go into more detail here in this post about crafting the perfect wedding invitation.
3. Do I Need to Send Save-the-Dates?
While not mandatory, save-the-dates are a wonderful way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding, especially if many will be traveling. They should be sent out 6 to 8 months before the wedding. If you’re not sure what to include or what style of save the date is right for you, check out my guide to save-the-dates.
Need ideas on how to personalize your save the dates? Click here!
4. How Can I Make My Wedding Invitations Stand Out?
To make your invitations truly memorable, consider incorporating elements that reflect your personal style or love story. Think unique designs, unexpected materials, or creative wording. Need some inspiration? Check out my post on ways to customize your wedding invitations.
5. Can I Include a Dress Code on the Invitation?
Absolutely! It’s quite helpful for guests to know the expected attire. Whether it’s black tie, casual, or themed, mentioning the dress code ensures everyone feels comfortable and appropriately dressed. For more etiquette tips, swing by my wedding invitation etiquette guide.
6. Digital vs. Physical Invites: Which Should I Choose?
Deciding between digital and physical invites can feel like choosing between a classic novel and an e-book—both have their place and charm. Digital invites are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and perfect for quick communication. But, on the flip side, physical invitations offer a tangible piece of your love story that guests can touch and treasure. Essentially, setting the tone for your wedding with its texture, weight, and craftsmanship. For a deeper dive into the pros and cons, I invite you to explore my thoughts on digital vs. physical wedding invitations.
7. Fully Custom vs. Semi-Custom Wedding Invites: Which Route Should I Take?
Custom invitations are like a bespoke suit or dress; they’re tailored to fit your wedding theme, color scheme, and personal story perfectly. They’re unique, memorable, and exclusively yours. Semi-custom invitations, however, offer a blend of convenience and personalization, allowing you to select from pre-designed templates that can be customized with your details and color choices.
Basically, they’re a fabulous option for couples looking for beauty and personal touch without the custom price tag (or longer timeline!). Wondering which path to tread? Read on about designing custom invites here! Leaning more towards semi-custom? Read all about them here (with a special introduction to my NEW semi-custom line!)
8. For Gathering Wedding RSVPs, Should I Opt for Digital Platforms or Traditional Mail?
In our “everything’s online” era, online RSVPs are becoming increasingly popular for their simplicity and efficiency. They make tracking responses a breeze and can be more accessible for guests. Traditional RSVP cards, however, carry a certain charm and formality that many couples love. They can also become cherished keepsakes. Deciding between the two depends on your wedding style, convenience, and how tech-savvy your guests are. To help you weigh your options, check out my advice on online RSVPs.
If traditional RSVP’s seem like too much work for you, I offer complimentary RSVP management services to all my clients. I’d be glad to take this task off your plate!
Questions About Wedding Invitations
And there you have it, friends—a little primer on your top questions about wedding invitations to get you started on the right foot (and places to get even more in-depth answers). Remember, your wedding invitations are more than just paper; they’re the first glimpse your guests will have into your special day. Make them count!
Looking for a little guidance on your journey to the perfect wedding? I’m right here, extending a helping hand all the way from Ohio! So, whether you’re a dedicated wedding planner or you’re creating your own fairy-tale wedding, I’m here. Every question you have about wedding invitations, whether digital or physical, custom or semi-custom, RSVP etiquette, and beyond, I’m ready to tackle them with you. Ready to get started? Everything you need to kickstart our collaboration is just a click away.