Wedding Invites: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a wedding means a lot of details, and the invitation is the first taste of your big day. It’s not just a piece of paper – it sets the tone, gives guests the info they need, and even shows a bit of your style. Below you’ll find the must‑haves, timing tricks, and design choices that keep things simple and avoid common slip‑ups.

What to Put on Your Invite

Start with the basics: who’s getting married, the date, time, and venue. Add a line for the ceremony and another for the reception if they’re at different places. Most couples also include a short note about dress code, especially if the event is black‑tie, cocktail, or casual.

Don’t forget the RSVP details. Give a clear deadline (usually three weeks before the wedding) and an easy way to reply – a phone number, email, or a dedicated wedding website. If you’re using a printed RSVP card, include a pre‑paid return envelope to make it effortless for guests.

Extra bits like a wedding website URL, registry info, or a brief travel tip (e.g., “Parking is limited, please car‑pool”) are helpful but keep them on a separate insert so the main card stays clean.

When and How to Send Them

Timing can feel tricky, but a good rule of thumb is to send the save‑the‑dates about six to eight months before the wedding, especially for destination or holiday dates. The actual invitations go out 6‑8 weeks before the ceremony for local weddings, and 8‑12 weeks for out‑of‑town events. This gives guests enough time to clear their calendars and arrange travel.

Check the weight of your invitation set before printing. Standard wedding invites weigh around 1‑1.5 oz. If you add extra layers – like vellum, ribbons, or a thick cardstock – the weight goes up and so does postage. Knowing the weight helps you buy the right stamps and avoid surprise costs at the post office.

Matte vs. glossy finish is another choice. Matte feels modern and easy to write on, while glossy gives a shiny, high‑end look. Think about your overall theme: a rustic wedding often looks better with matte, a glam soirée may benefit from glossy.

Finally, keep a tracking list. Write down each guest’s address, the invite sent date, and when you expect the RSVP. A quick spreadsheet does the job and saves you from last‑minute panic.

With these basics in place, your wedding invites will be clear, on‑time, and perfectly styled. Remember, the goal is to give guests the info they need without overwhelming them. A well‑planned invite set means fewer questions, smoother RSVPs, and more excitement for your big day.