Sending what, when and to whom can get tricky when it comes to your wedding invitations – here are our top tips on the practicalities of creating beautiful stationery for your big day!
1. Send ‘Save the Date’ cards up to 12 months before your wedding
These are optional but helpful for destination weddings and holiday weekend celebrations. You can never give guests too much notice!
2. Send your invitations up to 3 months prior
Include an RSVP date of 3-4 weeks before the wedding, to give you time to follow up anyone who hasn’t responded before the catering deadline.
3. Find your style
Do you love romantic calligraphy or modern design? Give your guests a taste of the celebration to come – our Pinterest board is a great place to start your search.
4. Set the tone
There are many great examples of wedding invitation wording ideas online, whether you’re after something more traditional or quirky and fun!
5. Be specific about who’s invited
This will help you avoid some awkward conversations later! For example, John and Sally + family, Elise + partner.
6. Cover all the details
In addition to the standard date, time and location, consider whether guests need directions to the venue, transport details, dress code or accommodation information, and ask about any dietary requirements so you can advise your caterer.
7. Add a fun question
Help guests feel involved in the festivities from the moment they open your invite! Ask for their favourite dance song, drink or holiday destination on your RSVP and enjoy reading their responses.
8. Request or make a sample
Whether you’re making your own or working with a stationery designer, seeing a sample will ensure you’re happy with the end result and cost to produce.
9. Check postage costs
Size, shape and weight all affect the cost of sending your invites out. Take your sample or measurements to the post office to get an accurate quote.
10. Review, review, review
Have someone else proof read your text. It’s easy to overlook a typo, particularly in dates and times – not something you want on 60 copies!
11. Purchase more than you need
There’s often someone you wish you could have invited. If anyone can’t make it you’ll have an invite available, as well as one for your photographer to capture on the day.
12. Save time on addressing
Add an elegant finishing touch to your stationery by printing addresses directly onto your envelopes or commissioning a calligrapher to write them for you. A return address stamp or seal will also help you avoid any hand cramps!
13. Create a numbered guest list
Mark the back of your RSVP cards with each corresponding number, in case anyone forgets to record their name before sending it back to you.
14. Don’t worry if someone doesn’t fill out their RSVP card correctly
It’s okay for guests to reply to your invitation via phone or email – the most important thing is that they’ve responded!
Photography: We Are Origami Photography | Styling & Flowers: Dominique Flowers | Stationery: Written Word Calligraphy
