INVITATIONS & RSVPS
Sending Out Wedding Invitations & RSVPs:
Expert Tips from Tasha Rae Designs
There’s something truly magical about planning a wedding, especially when it comes to the little details that make your day uniquely yours. Invitations are one of those special touches that set the tone for your celebration, and we believe they should be as thoughtful and intimate as the love you’re sharing. That’s why I sat down with Tasha from Tasha Rae Designs, who has been a partner in creating beautiful stationery for our styled shoots and welcome packages. Together, we’ve gathered some tips to guide you through sending out your wedding invitations and RSVPs.
Save the Dates: The Early Bird’s Invite
Save the Dates are a lovely way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding. Tasha recommends sending them within a year of your wedding date. Include your names, the town and date of your wedding, and, if you have it, a link to your wedding website. Even if your website isn’t fully complete, letting your guests know where to find updates is a thoughtful touch.
When to Send Your Invitations
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding invitations. You want to give your guests enough time to prepare, but not so much that the invitation gets lost in the shuffle. Tasha suggests sending your invitations 6-10 weeks before your wedding date.
If your wedding has some special circumstances, like being a destination event or during a busy holiday season, we recommend sending your invitations a bit earlier, around 10-12 weeks in advance:
Destination Weddings: For those planning a destination wedding, giving your guests 10-12 weeks’ notice ensures they have ample time to make travel arrangements, like booking flights and hotels. After all, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to join you on your big day.
Weddings During Busy Seasons: If your wedding falls on a popular date or holiday weekend, it’s a kind gesture to send your invitations early. This gives your guests the opportunity to plan and prioritize your special day.
Guests Who Need Travel Arrangements: If many of your guests will be traveling, sending out invitations 10-12 weeks ahead helps them organize their journey, so they can be there to celebrate with you.
Setting the RSVP Date
Your RSVP date is just as important as the invitation itself. We suggest asking for replies 4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalize your guest count and provide accurate numbers to your vendors. It’s all about making sure your day runs smoothly and that everyone who loves you is accounted for.
Consider the Holidays
If your invitation mailing date falls within the holiday season, be mindful of when you send your invitations. Tasha advises mailing them out the weekend after Thanksgiving or waiting until after Christmas. You’ll want to avoid sending them during the first week of December, as they could easily get lost in the flurry of holiday cards.
Postage and Weight
One of the often-overlooked details is ensuring your invitations are properly weighed and sized. Before sending out your invitations, take a full set to the post office to determine the exact postage required. The post office can measure weight, thickness and dimensions, ensuring you avoid any surprises. Also, keep an eye out for any upcoming postage increases and plan accordingly, especially when including reply postage.
Why Hire a Local Stationer?
We believe in the beauty of local craftsmanship, which is why we love working with Tasha and other local stationers. Hiring someone local not only means you’ll have something truly personalized and special, but it also supports the wonderful community of creatives around you. Plus, after designing your invitations, you can rely on them for any day-of stationery needs too. Remember, your invitations are the very first impression of your wedding that your guests receive – make it as beautiful and meaningful as the day itself.
At the end of the day, sending out wedding invitations and RSVPs is about more than just logistics; it’s about sharing the excitement of your upcoming celebration with those you love most. With these tips from Tasha Rae Designs, you’ll be able to handle this part of your planning with ease and grace, knowing that your guests are just as excited as you are for the big day.
And to our wonderful guests – please, don’t forget to send in your RSVP! It’s so important to the couple and their planning. Even if you’ve already told them you’re coming, sending that formal RSVP helps them finalize their plans and make sure everything is perfect.
If you’re looking for personalized, beautifully crafted stationery, I can’t recommend Tasha at Tasha Rae Designs enough. She’s been an incredible part of our team, and I know she’ll bring your vision to life with the same love and care that you’re putting into your wedding day.