Wedding Invitation FAQ'se
1. When should we send out our wedding invitations?
Traditionally, invitations go out about six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to plan on attending and for out of town guests to make travel arrangements. If it's a destination wedding, sending them out three to four months ahead of time gives guests time to make all their arrangements. Many couples also send out save the date invitations about six to eight months ahead of the date.
2. When should we make the deadline for RSVPs?
Your RSVP date should be two to three weeks before your wedding date to allow enough time for you to get a final head count to the caterer and to finalize your seating chart. If you have not heard from some guests, you will need to call them but still have them send in the RSVP card so you have all their information.
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3. Where do we include information about our wedding website?
Typically your wedding website will be on the save the date card or an insert to go along with your invitations. All the additional details about your wedding should be on the website- like hotel information, weekend timelines and registry.
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4. Can we include our registry info on our invitations or save-the-dates?
We would recommend no. This information be on your website or shower invitations. If you include it with your save the date or wedding invitation, it can come off as if you are asking for gifts.
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5. We're having an adults-only wedding (no kids). How can we make sure this is clear to our guests?
To address your invitations correctly, specifically put each guests name on the envelope. This should indicate to your guests that only those specifically addressed are invited. If you find that some reply with their children's names added, give them a call and explain you're having an adults-only wedding and you hope they can still attend. If you find there are a lot of kids in your family, you may want to consider hiring or arranging for a babysitter. It's definitely not required, but it's a nice gesture. Just be sure to include this information on the wedding website.
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6. How do we let guests know our dress code?
The easiest way to get your point across is to include a dress code in the lower right-hand corner of the invite or on a reception card. "Black tie," "cocktail attire" or "casual attire" are all acceptable. Your invitation design will also clue guests in. An ultra-formal, traditional invite with letterpress and calligraphy will give guests a hint to the formal nature of the event, whereas a square invite with a playful font and bright colors would fit a much more casual style. Another way is to direct guests to your wedding website, where you can go into more detail about the weekend events and dress code in a more informal forum.
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7. Do we have to invite every guest with a date or a "plus-one"?
No, you don't have to. If a guest isn't married or in a serious relationship, it's perfectly acceptable to invite them solo. Most guests will understand that without "and Guest" or another name on the invitation means they aren't invited with a plus-one. While it's always nice to invite everyone with a guest, if you're having a small wedding, your family and friends should understand your reasoning. What should you do if a guest RSVPs for two? Call them up and explain you're having an intimate wedding and, unfortunately, you were not able to invite everyone with a guest. If you realize that nearly everyone will be coupled up, extend a plus-one invitation to your few single friends and family.
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8. If our wedding reception is for immediate family only, is it okay to invite people to the ceremony only?
Not really. Everyone who attends the ceremony (or bridal shower, engagement party or wedding reception) should be invited to the wedding—that means the ceremony and the reception. In your case, by inviting guests to one and not the other, you're basically saying you want them there for the actual ceremony but you either don't want to pay for their plate at your party or don't care enough to have them there to actually celebrate your newlywed status.