Invitation Etiquette

With technology as a common source and times changing, there are always questions that people ask about the do's and don'ts about invitations. Many believe that invitations are not important. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, the fact of the matter is that your invitation sets the mood of your wedding before your guests even attend. Here are some frequently asked questions that I get from brides and grooms.

Q: Do I need to order an invitation for every guest?
A: Absolutely not. Don't forget that many people that are on your guest list are couples or families, therefore, you will only need to order 1 invitation for 2 or more guests. I would say that you will need to order 65% of the amount on your guest list.

Q: Can I send my invitations through the internet?
A: It is improper to send an invitation through e-mail or internet, especially because it is an unreliable source of contact. People might not receive your e-mail or message. However, you may send out of town information, directions, hotel information, and other things through the internet.

Q: When should I send out our invitations?
A: 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

Q: Can I let my guests know I am registered in my invitations?
A: This is not proper etiquette. Registration information is never proper to enclose in your invitation. You may add it to your wedding website (if you have one), or you may tell them if they ask you. You can also use your close family members (mom, sisters, etc.) to spread the word if people ask them as well.

Q: I want to have a small wedding and I only want to invite certain people. How do I limit my guest list?
A: The proper etiquette is to send the invitations only to those who are being invited and an announcement following the wedding to those who were not. If you do not want to be approached by certain people that you see often (co-workers, acquaintances, etc.), try to discuss your wedding plans more privately and not openly.