Five Most Asked Questions About Wedding Invitations
Congratulations, you’re getting married! But let’s be honest, planning a wedding can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to wedding invitations. You may be wondering when you should send out your invitations or how many invitations do you need and a million other details.
Today, I’ll share with you some of the frequently asked questions like:
When should I mail my invitations?
When should I start the invitation process?
How many invitations should I order?
What information should my invitations include?
How do I word my wedding invitations?
Okay, did you catch that I slipped in a bonus question? I also
When should I mail my invitations?
This is hands-down one of the top questions couples ask. There are a few factors to consider, so let’s break it down:
If you’ve Googled this, you might have seen recommendations of sending invites six to eight weeks before your wedding. While that might work for some, I’ve found that most couples prefer a little more cushion. A sweet spot is usually ten to twelve weeks before the big day.
For example, let’s say Alyssa and Joe are tying the knot on October 10, and they’ve set their RSVP date for September 1. To give their guests enough time to respond, they should aim for their invitations to arrive in mailboxes between mid-July and early August.
Are you sending out save-the-dates? If so, you can relax the timing a bit and aim for eight to ten weeks. No save-the-dates? Stick with the ten to twelve-week timeline.
Planning a destination or holiday wedding? When there’s significant travel involved, or your date falls around a holiday, giving your guests as much notice as possible is a win-win. I’d recommend mailing your invitations at least twelve weeks out. Using Alyssa and Joe again, they’d want to mail theirs around early July.
You can also check out this handy invitation timeline calculator to generate your personalized schedule.
Handwritten calligraphy with vintage postage
When should I start the invitation process?
You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to research, gather addresses, and allow for production, addressing, and mailing.
Dreaming of custom wedding invitations? The process is exciting but can take time, so it’s wise to start early. Many of my custom clients book me about a year in advance—sometimes even longer if save-the-dates are part of the plan.
If custom isn’t quite in your budget or style, a good rule of thumb is to book your stationer six to eight months before your wedding. Remember, this isn’t a one-and-done task; the invitation process takes time, no matter which route you choose.
How many invitations should I order?
Grab that guest list! Here’s how to determine the number of invitations you’ll need:
Married couples or those living together receive one invitation.
Single guests get their own.
Guests with a plus-one receive one invitation.
Families (parents and children) receive one invitation. If adult children (18 or older) live at home, they should receive their own invitation.
Don’t forget to order extras for keepsakes, any last-minute guests, and your B-list.
What information should my invitations include?
Every wedding invitation needs to cover the basics:
Who’s hosting: Whether it’s the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, the couple themselves, or someone else.
The purpose: Wedding, renewal, commitment ceremony, etc.
Names of the couple: Front and center!
Date and time: When it’s all happening.
Venue: Whether it’s a house of worship, a venue, or a backyard.
Reception information: If it’s happening somewhere different from the ceremony.
Dress code: Optional but helpful.
RSVP details: Whether by mail or online.
Are RSVP cards necessary?
Yes, whether you are having guests mail-in their RSVPs or online via your website or other service. I’ve dedicated an entire blog post to it. Traditional mail-in RSVPs are still very popular, but many couples opt for online RSVPs through their wedding websites. It’s all about what feels right for you and the formality of your wedding. No matter your choice, including a separate RSVP card is best practice.
How do I word my wedding invitations?
Wording can vary depending on who’s hosting and the family dynamics. It’s important to choose wording that reflects your style as a couple while respecting all parties involved. Here are a few examples:
From the bride’s parents:
Mr. and Mrs. James Edwards
invite you to share our joy
at the marriage
of our Daughter
Alyssa Rae
to
Mr. Joseph Porter
etc.
From the couple, with their parents:
Together with their parents/families
Stephanie Perbix
and
Devon Rodgers
cordially invite you to their wedding
etc.
From both sets of parents:
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Scarborough
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Josie Elizabeth
to
Samuel George
son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Stevens
etc.
Handling Special Situations with Grace
Modern families come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to honor that in your invitations. Here’s how to navigate a few common scenarios:
Including a deceased parent’s name:
Mrs. Lucille Roche
and the late Weston Roche
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Faye Elaine
to
Jacob Anderson
etc.
Divorced Parents:
Mr. Brian Harrison and
Mrs. Katherine Harrison
joyfully invite you
to the wedding of their daughter
Shelby Grace
to
Nathan Levy
etc.
No matter the situation, I’ll help you handle it thoughtfully and with good taste. You’ve got this, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.