We chatted about the initial bridal invitations in the last blog, but now it’s time to get to the nitty gritty…
Wedding Invitations
Traditionally, the wedding invitation will include both the primary invitation and a RSVP response card, although many couples resort to more modern measures to collate their acceptances, like text message, phone call or even Facebook!
Who gets one?
This one’s pretty obvious: invitations go to those you want to invite to the ceremony and reception. Sometimes if it’s a smaller reception, the bride and groom will invite more people to the ceremony and less to the reception, explaining that they want to include more people in their special day than they have the money to cater for. Other couples send invitations in rounds; giving the spots of those who can’t make it in the first round to those next down the list in the second round.
When should they go out?
Your wedding invitations should give your guests plenty of time to prepare. That said, you also don’t want to send them so far in advance that your guests forget all about your wedding. The general rule of thumb is six to eight weeks prior to the wedding.
When should you expect and RSVP?
Generally, the venue will want to finalise numbers no less than a month in advance, so plan your RSVP date accordingly.
Wedding Invitations for International Guests
If you have a large proportion of your guests travelling across the pond, you should take extra consideration to give them ample planning time. If you can, give them no less than two months’ notice. Our recommendation would be to send them 12 weeks (three months) in advance to allow for guests to accumulate leave from work, save their pennies for flights and accommodation and book their trip for your big day. This, of course, means that you need to have many of the aspects of your wedding planned sooner than if your guests were all coming from close by. But, don’t worry, this just means you’ll be able to enjoy the months leading up to the wedding more as there will be less to do!
Bridal Shower
This is traditionally the Maid of Honour’s domain and she will often host the occasion but she may enlist the help of the other bridesmaids to ease the load.
Who gets one?
Bridal showers are traditionally an all-girl event. You shouldn’t invite anyone who is not on the guestlist for you wedding but, by the same token, there’s pressure to invite all the females attending the wedding to the bridal shower as well.
When should they go out?
These invitations should go out between six and eight weeks before the event, paying heed to the interstate travellers who may need to plan ahead. Ensure the RSVPs are collected by one person to avoid confusion and mistakes caused by double-handling.
