Before you go create the wedding invitation of your dreams, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Wedding invitations are your party’s first sneak peek! They’re not just a formal announcement—they’re a chance to share a little bit of your wedding’s personality and give your guests a taste of the excitement to come. After all, this is the big debut, setting the tone for everything that follows! But with so many details to nail down, it can be tricky to know exactly what goes in the envelope and when to hit “send.” No stress! We’ve put together an easy guide to help you with all the invitation dos and don’ts.

What to Include in Wedding Invitations

Let’s be real—no one wants to guess the details of your wedding, right? That’s why your invitations need to include all the key info your guests need to plan, pack, and celebrate with you. Here’s the checklist!

1.1 Names of the Couple

This one’s a no-brainer! Your names should be front and center. Traditionally, the bride’s parents would send the invitations, but nowadays, most couples include both names. Make sure your names are spelled correctly and include any titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.). It’s the first impression your guests will get of your wedding—so make it count!

1.2 The Date and Time

Time to mark those calendars! Your invitation should be crystal clear about the day and time of your wedding. We’re talking full-on elegance here, so skip the shorthand like “5/5/24” and spell it out: “Saturday, the fifth of May, two thousand twenty-four at 3:00 PM.” Fancy, right?

1.3 The Venue

Where’s the party happening? Include the name and full address of your venue. If it’s a place guests might not know, a little extra detail—like a website for directions or a handy map—could be super helpful. Destination wedding? Be sure to include info about how to get there and where to stay!

1.4 Dress Code

Got a dress code? Let them know! Whether it’s black tie, beach chic, or something a little more casual, letting your guests know what to wear will save them from any fashion dilemmas. You can include this at the bottom of the invite or on a separate card.

1.5 RSVP Information

You need to know who’s coming, so make sure your guests know how to RSVP. Whether you’re sending out an old-school RSVP card or using an online form, it should be clear how to reply and when the deadline is. (Hint: Aim for 3-4 weeks before the wedding for RSVPs.)

1.6 Extra Fun Details

For those extra special weddings (or just extra details), feel free to include a few more fun bits. For example, if you have a wedding website, mention it! You can also add info about pre-wedding events, like rehearsal dinners or brunches, as well as registry details. But remember—this isn’t the time to make your registry the star of the show. You don’t want anyone feeling like they have to bring a gift.

When to Send Wedding Invitations

Now, let’s talk timing. When should you send out your wedding invitations? You don’t want to send them too early, but you also don’t want to leave it until the last minute. Here’s the perfect timing breakdown for different wedding types.

2.1 Traditional Weddings

For most weddings, aim to send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. This gives your guests enough time to plan, RSVP, and book any travel. If your wedding is formal or you’re hosting a lot of out-of-town guests, send them a little earlier—maybe 8 weeks ahead.

2.2 Destination Weddings

Planning to say “I do” in a faraway location? You’ll need to give your guests a little more time to prepare. Send out those invitations 3 to 4 months in advance so they have plenty of time to book flights, hotels, and maybe even research some local sights.

2.3 Save-the-Dates

If you’re having a destination wedding or just want to give people a heads-up, consider sending a Save-the-Date. These should go out 6 to 8 months before your wedding, giving guests plenty of time to mark their calendars. Plus, they’ll love getting an early peek at your wedding plans!

2.4 Last-Minute Invitations

Oops! Life got busy, and now you’re sending invitations late. No worries—just make sure to give your guests a heads-up before you send the formal invite. For super last-minute invites, it’s always a nice touch to call or email your guests directly and make sure they can still make it.

2.5 RSVP Deadline

Be sure to set a clear RSVP deadline. We recommend about 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalize the guest list, make seating arrangements, and confirm details with your venue and caterer.

Tips for Handling Wedding Invitations

3.1 Addressing Invitations

Etiquette says your wedding invitations should be addressed formally, so stick to the traditional titles and full names. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith” or “Dr. Emma Davis and Guest.” You can get creative with the wording, but make sure you’re keeping things respectful and clear.

3.2 Plus-Ones

Got a guest bringing a plus-one? Be sure to include their name if you know it. If you don’t, just add “and Guest” on the invite so they know they can bring someone along. If you’re keeping the guest list small, it’s perfectly fine to limit the number of plus-ones allowed.

3.3 Inviting Kids

Not everyone loves the idea of kids at weddings, and that’s okay! Be clear about your policy on kids—if they’re invited, make sure to include their names on the invitation. If not, you can simply address the invitation to the parents, or add a note saying it’s an adults-only event.

Wedding invitations are a huge part of your celebration—so why not have fun with them? While it’s important to follow wedding invitation etiquette, there’s plenty of room for creativity and personality. Whether you’re going for a grand, traditional event or a laid-back, casual affair, your invitations should reflect your style and give your guests all the info they need to join in the fun. Just remember the essentials, send them at the right time, and get ready for the best day ever! Oh and if you ever need some inspirations, we’ve got some wedding invitation samples to help you design the perfect invite for your big day!