Wedding invitation cards announce your ceremony and reception, set the tone for the event, and collect RSVPs. Order them 4 to 6 months before the wedding, mail them 6 to 8 weeks ahead, and include names, date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP details.
Prerequisites
- Final guest list with mailing addresses
- Wedding date, time, and venue names
- Budget for cards, envelopes, and postage
- Style or theme preference
What to Include on the Invitation Card
Each card carries core details. Guests need to know who is hosting, who is getting married, what happens, and when. The invitation itself does not need every event, but it must cover the main ceremony and reception.
- Host names (for example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company")
- Couple's full names
- Date and year
- Time of ceremony
- Venue name and address
- Reception details if at a different location
- Dress code
- RSVP instructions with a deadline
How to Order Wedding Invitations
- Choose a stationer or online printer.
- Select paper, size, and print method.
- Provide exact wording to the printer.
- Approve a digital proof.
- Order 10 percent extra for mistakes and last-minute guests.
- Receive and inspect the shipment.
Wording Rules
Traditional wording follows a set order: host names, request line, couple names, date, time, venue, and RSVP. Modern wording can be less formal, but clarity matters. Use full names and spell out dates and times unless the design uses a numeral style.
Who hosts
If parents host, list their names first. If the couple hosts, start with "Together with their families" or use the couple's names first.
RSVP line
Give a specific deadline. Include a phone number, email address, or website. "Kindly respond by May 1" works for most weddings.
Timeline
- 6 months before: finalize guest list and order invitations.
- 4 months before: approve proof and order postage.
- 8 weeks before: assemble and address envelopes.
- 6 weeks before: mail invitations.
- 2 weeks before: follow up on missing RSVPs.
Assembly and Mailing
Insert the invitation card, RSVP card, and any reception card into the inner envelope. The printed side of the invitation faces the back of the envelope. Seal, stamp, and sort by ZIP code. Square envelopes often need extra postage.
- Hand-cancel if you want to avoid machine marks.
- Use a kitchen scale to check weight.
- Mail at a post office if you need help with postage.
Digital and Save-the-Date Options
Send save-the-dates 6 to 12 months before the wedding. Digital invitations work for informal events but may not suit formal weddings. For a hybrid approach, mail printed invitations and collect RSVPs online.