Wedding invitation Do’s and Don’ts

Confused as to where to start with your Wedding invitations? There’s a lot of mixed information out there when it comes to Wedding invitation etiquette, which is why I have created this simple guide to start you out on the right foot in regards to what you should and shouldn’t do! Keep in mind that these are just suggestions to help you out, and are the most common “rules” when it comes to wedding invitation design and etiquette. Throughout the years, various different trends have emerged in the wedding industry, so it really all depends what you’re looking to portray throughout your stationery suite.

Here we go!

DO’S

•Do – double-check all of the wording on your Wedding invitations multiple times to make sure all information is correct before approving for print. There is nothing more embarrassing than receiving your invites back from print to notice an obvious spelling or grammar mistake! Have a few family members or friends read over your stationery before signing off and sending to print.

•Do – make sure not to forget to include the date, the time, the address, and dress code (if necessary). This will cut back on phone calls and emails from guests with multiple questions.

•Do – send your invitations out to guests at least 8 weeks in advance. 12 weeks prior is preferred.

•Do – make sure you include a date to respond by on the RSVP card. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to get the RSVP cards back in order to have your final head count to your caterer. Although you will still have those stragglers who respond after the RSVP, having the date for them to RSVP by will encourage a majority of your guests to send their response back as soon as possible.

•Do – include an RSVP card that already has a stamp and your address on the envelope. This will make it easy for guests to fill out the card and pop it right back in the mail. It can’t get much easier than that!

•Do – weigh your invitations with every piece included and be sure to double check with your Post Office the price of postage before send out. This will avoid the invitations coming right back to you, and will save you money in the long run. Often when Brides and Grooms decide to add pocket folds, twine, ribbons, buttons, etc. to their invitations, they can end up weighing more, which can result in the price of double postage.

•Do – if you have out of town guests, include a map/additional information card to assist them in finding your Wedding venue. Additional information cards can also include any information on hotel accommodations for these guests. This is especially important if you have a not so popular venue, or if the wedding is taking place on property in the middle of nowhere!

•Do – include only the names of the guests invited to the Wedding. If you are not inviting children, do not include their names on the envelope.

•Do – always order extra invitations! You may have forgotten to add someone to the initial guest list, or you could make a mistake on the envelope. I would suggest ordering at least 10 extra then you need.

DON’TS

•Don’t – send online Wedding invitations. This is not proper etiquette for Wedding Invitations. Not to mention, some of your older guests may not be as familiar with online technology as you and your younger guests are.

•Don’t – include your Wedding registry information on the invitation. Tacky! This information can be included on your Bridal Shower invitations, or your Wedding website if you have one.

•Don’t – send Save-the-Date cards to those you are not going to invite to the Wedding. Make sure your guest list is finalized before announcing any information of your Wedding plans to guests on paper. There’s nothing worse than being sent a save-the-date only to find out that you have later been cut from the Wedding guest list.

•Don’t – write “and guest” for long term significant others. If you are inviting a non-married friend or family member who has a long term significant other (1 year or more), write their actual name on the invitation. Using “and guest” can often be insulting. Don’t be afraid to ask for their full name!

•Don’t – write “Adults Only” on your invitations. Include only the names of the guests invited to the Wedding. If you are not inviting children, do not include their names on the envelope.

•Don’t – use labels to address your invitations. Wedding invitations should always be addressed by hand. This will give your invitations a personal touch, and make them warmer and more inviting. You could even hire a calligrapher to help you do this!