In today’s age, especially in a time when people are looking for ideas on how to be eco-friendly and sustainable, the big question is asked… do we really need to send invitations for our wedding? In short, I’m going to say a resounding YES! and I’ll let you know why. While they might not be the first task you’ll tackle as a couple, your wedding invitations are the first impression your guests will get of your wedding day.
Are you having a formal event where your guests will be attending black tie or is it a backyard casual wedding and reception? Those are two extremes, as we know weddings can pretty much land anywhere on the spectrum, but information is key in letting your guests know some pretty vital details. Who’s getting married, who’s hosting the event, where the ceremony and reception are taking place, the date and time, what to wear… all very relevant, right?
So all of that information can be sent via e-vites, but consider this… your wedding invitation suite not only sets the tone for the entire function but also creates excitement for your big day (who doesn’t love receiving wedding invites in the mail?) and often serves as a keepsake for you as a couple and your special family members. You better believe your parents and grandparents are holding onto those to keep alongside your photos!
So that’s the quick and dirty about why you want to have invitations crafted for you… now to answer a few pressing questions on the etiquette of wedding stationery.
What’s usually included in a stationery suite? Traditional elements include your invitation, response card and envelope, mailing envelope, and postage. Optional elements could include inner envelope, reception card, directions, weekend events card, accommodations card, and invitation wrapper or band. You even have the option to extend your theme to menu cards, reception signage, programs, table numbers, place cards, thank you cards… the list goes on and on.
Save the dates are becoming increasingly popular as well, and while they are not necessary, they are a good idea if you are having a destination wedding, if your wedding date lands on a long weekend, or for guests that will be traveling from a far distance. Typically 6-9 months is enough notice for guests, unless you are planning a destination wedding, then 9-12 months is appropriate. You can plan on sending the actual invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding and 3 months if it’s a destination wedding or for long weekend dates.
Writing out the phrasing of your invitation can be tricky and it’s important to pay some attention to the wording on your invitations. Casual affairs offer a little bit of forgiveness, but typically you should spell out all of the words on the invitation itself. You may be tempted to abbreviate components of an address, (Apartment, Street, Avenue, Province names, for example), but these should be written in full form. One huge part of wedding invitation etiquette is addressing your guests properly. Titles do matter! There are lots of resources available online for wording best practices, but I like this detailed list from WPIC as a reference.
Etiquette faux pas… there are a few things that should not be included on your wedding invitation or save the dates. Rule of thumb… registry, wedding website, and “adults only” info should never be included on your invites. Adding registry information indicates that you may be more interested in a gift than your guests’ presence. Instead, share through word of mouth or on your wedding website (note: you can put registry information on a shower invitation). The best place for your wedding website address is on your save the date or with an insert… a small card that informs guests on additional details is proper that is not your RSVP, as guests send this back to you.
Lastly, how to address the children or no children issue. A highly debated topic, it is best to never directly indicate “Adults only” on your invite and a more subtle way to indicate this is preferable. You can do this a few ways. Address the inner envelope with only the names of the couple, letting them know who exactly is being invited or you can indicate on the RSVP card that you have saved 2 seats for them and only have them check off the “accepts” or “declines” boxes. Word of mouth from your parents or a close friend of the family can also be strong in helping get your wishes across to guests.
No matter what you choose to do for your wedding, make sure you follow up with handwritten thank you notes within 3 months of your wedding date!
Loved the invite sets in this blog post? Then head on over to http://www.ajscraftcreations.com/ for all of the stationery featured in this post. Unique and completely customized, owner Amber Vandervalk has been creating handcrafted wedding stationery for couples since 2010. Her packages come fully assembled, so no need to be stuffing envelopes yourself – what a time saver! Prices start at $3.50 per invitation set (envelope included). Amber also creates a myriad of stationery products, including floral bouquets, banners, kissing menus, and more!
Vendor Team for the RockOn! styled shoot:
- Lead Photography: www.bucklandimagery.com
- Rentals and Concept Design: http://www.themabystudio.com
- Mixologist: www.ontheroadpop.com
- Behind the Scenes Photography: The SnapHappy Photographer
- Planning & Coordination: Vesta Weddings
- Venue: 52 North Venue http://www.52northvenue.com
- Invitations & Stationery: http://www.ajscraftcreations.com
- Florals: Stems Flowers & Cafe: www.stemsfloral.ca
- Cake/Cupcakes: http://www.youhadmeatcupcake.com
- Bridal Couture: Your Wedding Place
- Men’s Attire: Rob Rae Clothiers
- Videography: Flying Goose Media
- Makeup Artistry: Maici LeFevre Makeup Co
- Hair: Michelle Doupe: https://www.facebook.com/CENTRALALBERTAHAIRSTYLIST/
- Models: Jay & Tiara Adams
