Wedding Invitation Etiquette
When it comes to sending wedding invitations, people tend to have a lot of questions. That’s understandable. After all, in this day and age, most invites are simply sent over social media. So, if you’re confused on wedding invitation protocol, don’t beat yourself up. Take a deep breath and follow these easy etiquette tips.
Send Save the Date Cards First
First things first, the actual invitations should not be the first communication people have about your big day. In fact, you need to send out “save the date” cards well in advance, ideally up to a year before your wedding. That way, people can get the date of your wedding firmly in their heads and on their calendars. This will reduce the risk of conflicts and will give everyone who wants to be there for your special day ample time to prepare. Keep in mind, too, that destination weddings in exotic locales like Maui or weddings held on or near the holidays will likely require even more forewarning than usual.
Set an RSVP Deadline
Invitation deadlines may feel awfully formal and stiff, but they’re a must if you want your wedding to go off without a hitch. As such, don’t be afraid to give your guests a “must RSVP by” date and to include it on the invitations. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to actually stick to that date. You and your caterers have meals to plan for, and there are also favors and other items to take into account. People who can’ t respect your need for notice will just have to understand if they end up missing out.
Inexpensive is Okay!
As a final tip, don’t stress if you can’t afford the most expensive wedding invitations around. Something that’s simple and attractive is perfectly acceptable. After all, a lot of invitations are going to get discarded anyway. If you need to cut cost corners, it’s perfectly acceptable to scale back a bit on the invitations.
Invitations can feel like yet another thing you have to get done before your big day. However, you can reduce invitation stress by following this advice with care. Happy planning!
