Congratulations, you’ve set a date and secured your wedding venue! As professional New Jersey wedding planners, we understand that crafting your dream wedding invitations is a pivotal moment in your planning journey. Whether you prefer the simplicity of paper invitations or the elegance of acrylic and glassine finishes, the key lies in effectively communicating essential wedding information. To help you navigate this crucial step, we’ve curated a list of our top do’s and don’ts to ensure your invitations are not only beautiful but also informative.
If you’re new around here, we’re Well-Dressed Events, New Jersey’s premier style-centric wedding, party, and event planning company. We specialize in high-end, unique events for modern, bold, standout clients and we pride ourselves on cutting-edge, creative design, styling, and event management.
At Well-Dressed Events, we understand the significance of this element in setting the tone for your big day. So without further ado, let’s dive into how to navigate wedding invitations, exploring three do’s and three don’ts to ensure a seamless and delightful wedding experience!
Do: Start Planning Early
Begin the invitation process well in advance. As soon as you have a date and venue secured, start working on your wedding invitations. This allows ample time for design, printing, addressing, and mailing ensuring your guests receive their invitations with enough time to RSVP. A good rule of thumb is to have your invitations sent out at least 10-12 weeks before the RSVP date to leave room for any hiccups that may arise through the printing and shipping process. P.S. We have no shame in setting an RSVP date thats a nice cushy month before your wedding! This will give you plenty of time to get your seating together.
Don’t: Include Registry Information
While gifts are a customary part of weddings, it’s essential to maintain tact and etiquette. Avoid the temptation to include your registry information directly on the invitation. Instead, share this information through your wedding website, which can be conveniently accessed by your guests. This keeps the focus on the joyous occasion without seeming overly transactional. Plus, here in NJ physical gifts are usually given at the shower while wedding gifts are typically monetary.
Do: Add Personal Touches
Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have into your big day. This is the perfect opportunity to let your personality as a couple shine through so be as funky, elegant, or chic as you want! Also, keep in mind the grander the invitation the more expensive. Designing custom invitation suites can range anywhere from $1,000 to over $2,500 depending on the number of pieces, so budget accordingly and consult your planner and a professional stationer to make your vision come to life!
Don’t: Explicitly Mention Children
While it’s understandable that some couples may prefer an adult-only celebration, it’s crucial to navigate this topic with sensitivity. Avoid explicitly stating “no children” or “leave your kids at home” on the invitation, as it may come across as harsh. If necessary, communicate this preference through subtle means such as addressing the invitations specifically to the adults in the household.
Do: Clearly Communicate the Details
Provide your guests with the essential information they need to know. Clearly state the date, time, and venue of the wedding, along with the dress code for the day. A well-organized and informative invitation ensures that your guests can plan accordingly, making the overall experience stress-free and enjoyable.
Don’t: Add Too Much Information
While it’s essential to provide the necessary details, avoid overwhelming your guests with excessive information on the invitation. Keep it simple– who, what, when, and where – and save additional details for your wedding website or supplementary enclosures. The goal for your wedding invitation is to make it as easily digestible yet visually appealing as possible.
RSVP Food For Thought!
While we love how pretty mail-in RSVPs are, online RSVPs can be a smarter option because you can collect more info from guests in a more organized and quick fashion. Also, consider adding questions about guest’s accommodation and transportation plans which will help you make better decisions like size of shuttles and number of trips needed.
To Put A Bow On It!
Designing beautiful yet efficient wedding invitations is an often overlooked part of the wedding planning process. By incorporating these do’s and avoiding the don’ts, you’ll create invitations that not only captivate your guests but also set the tone for a memorable celebration. At Well-Dressed Events, we’re here to guide you through every step of the wedding planning process. For more wedding tips and information, contact us! Happy planning!
