The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Invitations
Mom is calling you saying she’s love for you to include your parents’ names on the card, but you want cards that introduce yourselves and you go back and forth wondering what is right for you. Take a deep breath and sip some lemonade, I am going to go over what you NEED to include in your wedding invitations and a couple optional ideas. I designed my own wedding invitations and these are some of the helpful tidbits I learned:
NEED TO INCLUDE: (Some of these may seem obvious, but you’ve got wedding brain and might be wondering if you’re forgetting something, so we’ll start basic).
1. First and last names. It’s trendy to just write your first name, but beyond close friends, some may have never met your fiancé or have forgotten his name and are unsure who Sarah and Mark are. Include your last name to ensure there are no mix-ups and everyone knows you’re the one getting married.
2. Your date. Even though this came in your save the date, there is a good chance it might have gotten lost in a pile of old mail and they need a refresher. (Even though people throw out other Save the Date’s they’d never do that to you.)
3. Location/Venue. Include multiple if there are multiple, this way everyone arrives on time and to the right place.
4. Time. Speaking of arriving on time, specify at least your start time on the invite. Feel free to include how long you might think the ceremony will take. Everybody’s different, but it’s nice for them to know if they will be cheering you on for 15 minutes or camping for an hour. As some people will only be coming to the reception you’ll want to include that start time as well.
5. Food. Will there be food/what are the food options? Should they eat ahead and plan on some light snacking or should they fast for a week to enjoy your steak dinner? Let them know!
6. Where are you registered? Sometimes this comes on a separate card, but it makes it easy for your guests to know they are getting you something off your registry that you will love instead of taking a shot in the dark.
7. An RSVP card. This is for you. It will help you get an idea of how many guests you should expect.
OPTIONAL:
1. Your parents names. It’s always nice for them to be recognized, especially if they are paying for part of the wedding. You don’t always have to address them by their full names if you think they look cluttered. For my own wedding, my invitations said ‘together with their parents…”
2. Directions. This isn’t necessary today now that guests can look it up on their phones, but is an elegant gesture.
3. Things to do in the area. If you know many people will be traveling for your big day, a nice touch is to include a card with things for people to do in the area. Whether it’s sightseeing or exploring, they can have some fun on the days leading up to your wedding.
4. Kid friendly? You can justify either side of this argument, but let families know so they can arrange a sitter.
5. RSVP by date. Many vendors need a final count before the event and this will help you get most of your cards back sooner.
6. Website. If you have a wedding website, mentioning it on the invitation may be the best way to get your guests to look at it. Some of this optional information could even be listed there.
7. Accommodations. Many hotels will give your guests the option to book rooms with them for a slightly discounted rate. Let them know this. Plus, they will enjoy being able to stay close to where the reception might be.
8. Itinerary. This could be for just your wedding party to let them know where to be and when to get there or could include your guests if you have a day of activities for them to do. Let them know ahead of time, so they don’t schedule their whale watching tour during your rehearsal dinner.
Remember, it’s always fun to send your photographer an invitation so they can get a better idea of your day and confirm all the details.