Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Wedding invitations are one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding, but they can also be a source of stress and confusion. From figuring out the guest list to figuring out the wording, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to wedding invitation etiquette. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you!

First things first, let’s talk about the guest list. This can be one of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding, especially when it comes to figuring out who to invite. The key is to remember that it’s your special day, and you should invite whoever you want to be there to share in your joy. It’s common for many couples to have a “B-List”, this is totally fine! Just be sure to mail your invitations early enough to accommodate mailing to your B-List as you receive an RSVP card from guests who cannot attend. Ordering some extra RSVP cards with a slightly later RSVP date is also recommended. 

When to mail | it’s recommended that you mail out your invitations at least 2-3 months before the wedding date, this can give you enough time to follow up with those who haven’t responded or to make changes to your guest list if necessary. If you are planning a destination wedding you’d want to increase this time to 3-4 months. This also gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements if they need to. Additionally, it’s important to remember to include a response card and a stamped envelope with your invitations so your guests can easily RSVP.

When it comes to the wording of your invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind as well. Traditionally, the bride’s parents are the ones who host and pay for the wedding, so their names are typically listed on the invitation. However, with more and more couples paying for their own weddings, the wording has become more flexible. You can list both sets of parents, or just the couple, or simply say “Together with their families”.

Food Considerations | Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to wedding invitation etiquette is to be mindful of your guests. If you know that some of your guests are sensitive to certain things, like gluten or nuts, it’s a good idea to let them know in advance. You can do this by including a note on your invitations or by mentioning it on your wedding website.

Finally, when it comes to wedding invitations, remember to have fun! This is your special day, and you should enjoy every moment of it. So don’t stress too much about the little details, and remember that at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating your love and commitment to each other.

Overall, the key to wedding invitation etiquette is to be considerate of your guests, be clear with your communication, and most importantly, to have fun! Happy wedding planning!