This week, we’re talking all about invitations, and there is so much to cover! Invitations (and save the dates) set the entire tone for your wedding. You want them to be cohesive with your wedding theme or design, so guests know what to expect for your big day. Remember that guests aren’t as in tune with the planning as you are 😉 If you’re having your wedding at a 5 star hotel, you will want to put money towards custom invitations to reflect that. If your wedding is at a more casual venue, then you may not need a completely customized and elegant suite created.

What do I really need to send out?! An invitation suite is an ensemble that contains not only your invitation, but also the response/RSVP card, informational card, accommodation information, etc. They are all correlating papers, but usually designed slightly differently. The response cards should come with a pre-stamped envelope for guests to mail back to you. The information sent along with the suite should include a wedding website address (if you have one), hotel accommodations, dress code and ceremony start time. It’s technically a faux-pa to include registry information with your invitation, so save that for a tab on the website. Pro Tip: the invitation is a great place to customize and personalize with a monogram, pets, etc!

When should I send out my invitations?
We get asked this question a lot! Depending on the location of your wedding and where your guests are coming from, it could vary. Typically, we suggest invitations going out about 8-10 weeks prior to the wedding day IF there was a Save the Date sent. I know, that seems late! Every time we talk all about invitations with clients, they freak out saying that’s so late. If guests already have a save the date, they should know the basic details at that point, and will find out the rest as it gets closer. This timeline gives them enough time to RSVP in a timely manner before you have to let your vendors know a final head count.

Where do I get invitations from? We are heavy advocates for employing local small businesses/creatives. This allows you to connect with another professional and they work with you to create the perfect suite (ask us for recommendations on some of our faves!) However, we understand budgets and try to accommodate that. There are also a number of online distributors, as well as creatives on sites like Etsy, that you can work with to create the perfect suite! Just remember to order your invitations with enough time to approve proofs and have them shipped or delivered to you. Don’t forget to factor in time for a calligrapher to address them if you choose to go that route! Pro Tip: Keep in mind that if you’re having a plated meal, the entree selections need to be confirmed at your tasting prior to getting invitations made and they should be included on your RSVP card.

We hope that this helped you learn all about invitations and sparked some creative thinking. Remember to keep things simple, to your liking and cohesive with your wedding look and you’ll be fine!