Do’s and Don’ts: The Best Etiquette When Creating Wedding Invitations

Creating the perfect wedding invitation can seem a bit overwhelming. Between choosing the proper wording, including the necessary details and insert cards, and mailing them in a timely fashion, it can feel like a large task to accomplish. 

However, if you keep these tips in mind, the process becomes easier. We promise! Here are some top etiquette tips when creating wedding invitations.

Choose Your Wording Carefully

Before you even begin drafting your wedding invitations, it’s important to decide on what type of wording you’ll use; after all, your prose should match the style of your big day. In need of some inspiration? Minted categorizes invitation wording into three main categories:

1. Traditional religious — for weddings held at a religious venue (i.e., churches, temples)
2. Traditional secular — for weddings held at a secular venue (i.e., event center, hotel ballroom, mansion)
3. Casual informal — for weddings held at a casual location (i.e., backyard, park, brewery)

Next, determine who’s hosting the wedding. Is it the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, both sets of parents, or you and your fiancé? The wording of your invitation may differ depending on the circumstance. Then, you need to decide whether to include your and your future spouse’s full name, first and last, or only first.

Include All the Wedding Day Details

Of course, you’ll want to include all the fine details of your wedding, including the date, time, and location. But, again, you’ll want to determine how to word this information, as some couples choose to spell out the date and year while others opt for numerals or a combination of both. 

If you created a beautiful and helpful wedding website, include the URL on an insert card, along with information on travel and hotel accommodations. Speaking of wedding websites, don’t include your registry information on the formal wedding invitations. Instead, link to registries on your website. 

Provide RSVP Cards and Envelopes

While many couples prefer to receive RSVPs online, it may be beneficial to give your guests the option of mailing a paper card. After all, not all your guests may be tech-savvy. Provide guests with a physical RSVP card and pre-addressed and stamped envelope to make the process easier. 

Send Invites 6-8 Weeks Before the Wedding

After creating your ideal wedding invitation, it’s time to order them in bulk and mail them out in a timely fashion. Experts recommend ordering wedding invitations four to five months before your wedding date to ensure they arrive at your door in plenty of time.

It’s standard to mail your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. If you opted to send out save-the-dates six to eight months before your wedding, guests should already be expecting your formal invitation. This allows guests the necessary time to book flights and hotel accommodations.

If you’re planning a destination wedding or hosting your wedding over a holiday weekend, make sure to mail your invitations three months before your big day. These celebrations require additional planning on your guests’ end, so the more time you give them to prepare, the more likely they are to attend.

Set Your RSVP Deadline 3-4 Weeks Before the Wedding

Whether guests are RSVPing on your wedding website or using the card you included with your wedding invitation, you’ll want to set a deadline to receive them back at least three to four weeks before your wedding day. This allows you plenty of time to get a final headcount for your wedding coordinator and caterer. 

A final headcount also provides you the opportunity to start creating a seating chart. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to make these arrangements for better peace of mind; after all, making these tough calls can be challenging, especially if you’re up against a deadline. 

Follow This Complete Guide for Greater Peace of Mind

There you have it! The best etiquette tips when creating wedding invitations are in your hands. Now that you’re familiar with these important tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a perfectly worded and informative wedding invitation for every guest on your list. And you’ll hopefully do it without having to stress over every little detail.