Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. We all know they can be a creative way to convey our theme and formally invite our guests. However, there is always some confusion about when and how. Let’s take all the confusion out of it and explore the etiquette of wedding invitations.
Planning the Wedding Invitations
Most couples take a year to a year and a half to plan their wedding day. This gives time to create and follow a wedding planning timeline. Your invitations will be included on the checklist of important things to do. Where should you pencil in this important item? You cannot send out wedding invitations too early; otherwise, you will not know the location of the wedding venue and many important details, such as the exact time. If you wait too late, many guests might miss the big day due to poor planning. The first postcard that usually goes out to family and friends is the engagement announcement. Send out save the date postcards as soon as you secure the date.
Designing Your Wedding Invitations
Making the final design decisions about your wedding invitations can be exciting. With your wedding theme and color palette in mind, you can begin to choose fonts, style, color and embellishments. Make sure you allow enough time to customize the designs, review proofs and put in the final order. Place your order about six months prior to your wedding.
The RSVP
The RSVP is important to finalize the headcount for seating charts, place cards, favors and the catering. The French phrase répondez s'il vous plaît or RSVP means please reply. Your RSVP should have a deadline of no less than two to three weeks prior to your wedding.
How to Write It
The wording on the invitation is more important than all of the decorative details. Invitations will include the date, the hosts, the formal name of the guests, bride and groom, the location and other important details. Invitations enclose a card for the reception and RSVP card with prepaid postage. You might include travel information, hotel room block information and other important details, such as whether children are welcome and the dress code. There are just a few rules to writing wedding invitations.
Always write out the dates and addresses by spelling out the details in the correct format. No shortened or abbreviated version will fly with a formal invitation. For example, write “Sunday, the twenty-ninth day of August.” Avoid abbreviating the word “Street” and “Boulevard” in an address. For example, write “2569 Lavender Street” or “5443 Orange Boulevard.”
Always use full names when inviting your guests. This means you should avoid nicknames. Always include the last name. For example, write “Alexander Duval,” instead of “Alex” or “Alex Duval.” If you are inviting a family, you could write “Duval Family.” Every guest over the age of eighteen should receive their own invitation.
Let your guests know who the celebration is for, who is hosting the event and the nature of the event. For example, write “Mark and Jenna Smith request the honor of your presence at the wedding of Lena Smith and Robert Doe.”
Include the important details. You should list the date, time, and venue on separate lines. Include reception information, if the reception and ceremony will be at separate locations. Reception information can be added on a decorative card and inserted within the fold of the invitation. If the reception and ceremony are being held at the same location, it is appropriate to write, “Reception to follow.”
The RSVP is important. Make sure your guests know how to reply. This is usually accomplished by a RSVP card with prepaid postage that lists the response deadline. You might have an option for them to bring a guest or write the number in their party. Meal selections are common with plated meals. If you are offering a choice, make a list for them to choose from at the bottom of the RSVP card.
Mailing the Wedding Invitations
Sending out the invitations is just as important as creating them. Mail your wedding invitations about six to eight weeks prior to your wedding day. If you are planning a destination wedding, you should mail invitations about three months in advance to allow more time for guests to make travel arrangements.
Crystal Ballroom on the Lake
If you are looking for inspiration for your theme and invitations, discover Crystal Ballroom on the Lake. This all-inclusive wedding venue bundles the luxurious venue, furnishings, décor and services into an affordable wedding package. Crystal Ballroom weddings include an in-house design team to stage the entire ceremony space and reception ballroom, an impressive bartender service, formal banquet staff, elegant furnishings, chinaware for a full three course meal, all the linens and the décor. Bring imagination to this destination wedding venue and plan a fairy tale in a ballroom designed just for you.
