Long before anyone sees the decor or tastes the food, they see your invitation. It sets the tone, tells guests what to expect and, done well, saves you dozens of phone calls about dates, venues and dress codes. Here is how to get it right.
Printed, digital or both?
Most couples now use a mix. Printed cards still matter in many families, especially for elders and close relatives, while digital invites reach everyone else quickly and cost far less.
- Printed cards feel personal and traditional, and many families still deliver them by hand to close relatives. They take longer to produce and cost more, especially boxed cards with sweets or gifts.
- Digital invites, whether a designed card, a short video or a simple wedding website, are quick to share on WhatsApp and easy to update if plans change.
- A practical mix: print a smaller number of cards for elders and close family, and send a digital version to everyone else.
What to include
- The names of the couple and, in many families, the parents or grandparents who are hosting
- Every function guests are invited to, with date, time and venue for each
- A map link or QR code for each venue
- Dress codes or colour themes, if you have them
- An RSVP date and one contact person for questions
- Travel and stay details for out-of-town guests, or a link to them
If not every guest is invited to every function, use separate insert cards or separate digital invites, so nobody turns up to an event they weren't expecting to attend.
When to send them
- Save the date: three to six months ahead for destination weddings or peak-season dates, so guests can book travel and leave.
- Order printed cards: about three to four months before. Design, proofs, printing and boxing can take several weeks.
- Send invitations: about six to eight weeks before for out-of-town guests, and four to six weeks before for local guests.
- Reminders: a short message a week before, with locations and timings, is always appreciated.
Wording that works
Keep it clear. Start with a blessing or greeting if that is your family's tradition, then who is inviting, whose wedding it is, and the details. Check spellings of every name with the people concerned, and decide early whether you are writing in English, a regional language or both.
For digital invites, put the key details in the message text as well as the image or video, so guests can find the date and venue without opening a file.
Mistakes that cause reprints
- Not proofreading enough. Ask two people who aren't involved in the design to check every name, date, time and address.
- Counting guests instead of households. You usually need one card per family. Print 10 to 15 percent extra for late additions and keepsakes.
- Locking the design before venues are confirmed. Wait until every booking is final.
- Forgetting delivery time. Hand delivery across a city takes days. Plan who will deliver which cards.
Keeping costs sensible
Paper, printing method, foil, laser cutting and boxes all add to the price per card. Choose one special detail, such as a good paper or a single foil element, rather than all of them. Seed paper and plain cards with a beautiful digital invite are popular, lower-waste alternatives.
Find invitation designers on WedVue
Browse invitation designers on WedVue, look at their printed and digital work, and ask for a timeline and a sample before you place your order.
