Wedding Invitation Etiquette - What Every Couple Should Know?

A wedding is a big and special day for a couple. It's a time to celebrate their love with family and friends. But planning a wedding isn't simple, and one part that people often need to think about more is how to handle wedding invitations properly. Following the right wedding invitation etiquette is important to avoid any mix-ups and make sure everything goes well on the day. In this article, we'll go over the wedding invitation Etiquette that every couple needs to know.

Best Time to Send Your Invitations

A common question from couples is when to send out wedding invitations. Usually, you should send them six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements if they need to. Most couples also send save-the-date cards much earlier, around six to eight months before the wedding, so guests can mark the day on their calendars. If you have all your wedding details ready, you can even send these out up to a year in advance.

1. Due Date for Wedding RSVPs

A common question many couples have is, "When should the RSVPs for your wedding be due?" Generally, it's best to set your RSVP deadline for at least two to three weeks before your wedding. This timing helps you finalize important details like the number of guests for the caterer and your seating chart. Asking for RSVPs three to six weeks in advance is good for your management.

If some guests haven't responded by your deadline, it's okay to give them a gentle reminder with a quick phone call. If you're not sure when to send out your wedding RSVP cards, simply include them with your wedding invitation cards when you mail them.

2. Online Wedding Invitations Cards

Choosing online wedding invitations with eVentGuru is a smart choice for modern wedding planning. It aligns perfectly with wedding invitation etiquette while providing an eco-friendly and efficient option. eVentGuru offers a variety of stylish and customizable digital invitation designs that can be easily sent to your guests with just a few clicks. This not only saves time and reduces waste but also ensures that your wedding details are easily accessible and manageable. So, for a seamless and elegant way to invite your guests, consider going digital with eVentGuru.

3. Add Parent's name on wedding invitations

The right way to word your wedding invitations depends on who is paying for the wedding. If the parents are covering the costs, their names should be on the invitation. If the couple and their parents are all contributing, you can use phrases like "together with their parents" or "together with their families" on the invitations.

4. Mention Dress Code If Any

Talking about what guests should wear is a common part of planning wedding invitations. The simplest way to tell your guests how to dress is to mention the dress code clearly at the bottom of the invitation or on a separate card. You can use terms like "Black tie," "Cocktail attire," or "Dress casual." Your guests will likely be thankful for the clear guidance.

If you don't want to specify the dress code directly on the invitation, you can use the design of the invitation to give hints. For instance, a traditional design with fine letterpress and calligraphy suggests a formal event, while a playful font and bright colors might indicate a more casual affair. Alternatively, you can provide details about the dress code on your wedding website, where you can also talk about the event schedule in a relaxed environment.

Also read: What Are Some Ideas for Bridesmaid Invitations?

5. Add Other Necessary Information on Invitations

When preparing your wedding invitations, you should include several important details beyond the dress code and parents' names. Make sure to list the date and time of your wedding clearly, along with the location of both the ceremony and the reception if they're in different places. Also, include information about RSVP instructions to help you manage your guest list effectively. Also, make your event special by choosing the right envelopes, backdrops, and stamps.

If you're providing transportation or have arranged for hotel accommodation, mentioning these on the invitations can be very helpful to your guests. All this information ensures that your guests know exactly what to expect and can schedule accordingly.

6. Handling Guests Who Don’t RSVP

Even with your best efforts, not everyone will RSVP to your invitation. When some guests don't respond, it can be hard to know how many people will come. To clear up any confusion, reach out to guests who haven't replied a week or two after the RSVP deadline. If they still don't get back to you, it's safe to assume they won't be attending, but you can adjust your plans accordingly.

7. Handling Uninvited Guests

It's common for guests to bring extra people to weddings, even though it's generally seen as rude. To prevent this, be clear on your wedding invitations about who is invited. For instance, if your wedding is adults-only, clearly state this on the invitation. If someone does show up with an uninvited guest, try to manage the situation quietly and calmly.

8. Last-Minute Changes

Wedding planning can sometimes be full of surprises, and you might need to make changes unexpectedly. If you've already sent out your online invitations and need to update something, it's important to be thoughtful and considerate towards your guests. For small changes, like a different start time, a quick email should do the trick. But if it's a big change, like a new venue or date, you might need to send out new invitations. Always say sorry for any trouble caused and give your guests as much notice as you can.

Also read: What are the best invitations for a wedding brunch?

Conclusion

Even with your best efforts, not everyone will RSVP to your invitation. When some guests don't respond, it can be hard to know how many people will come. To clear up any confusion, reach out to guests who haven't replied a week or two after the RSVP deadline. If they still don't get back to you, it's safe to assume they won't be attending, but you can adjust your plans accordingly.

FAQs About Wedding Invitation Etiquette