Common Wedding Invitation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Your wedding invitations are more than just a piece of paper—they set the tone for your big day and provide guests with essential information. With so much to coordinate, it’s easy to overlook some details. But don’t worry! Here’s a list of the most common wedding invitation mistakes and how you can avoid them to make your invitation process smooth and stress-free. Plus, we’ll highlight some trends that will be prominent this year to ensure your invites are both stylish and timeless.
Not Sending Invitations Early Enough
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is not sending invitations early enough. Aim to send your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, plan to send them at least 3 months in advance to give guests time to make travel arrangements.
- Tip: Set a timeline and work backward from your wedding date. Remember, production and proofing can take several weeks and can vary depending on the level of customization and assembly required. Talk with your stationer about timelines prior to ordering to make sure you have enough time and so you know exactly what to expect with your wedding stationery.
Overlooking RSVP Details
RSVPs are crucial for finalizing headcounts and seating arrangements. Common mistakes include forgetting to set an RSVP deadline or not providing an easy way for guests to respond.
- Tip: Include an RSVP deadline that’s about 3-4 weeks before the wedding. For a modern touch, consider including both a physical RSVP card and an option to RSVP online, which can make it easier for guests.
Including Registry Information on the Invitation
It’s considered poor etiquette to include registry details on your wedding invitations. Directing guests to a wedding website is a more tasteful way to provide registry information without being too forward.
- Tip: Set up a wedding website that includes all the information about your registry, accommodations, and other important details, and add the URL to your invitation or details card.
Forgetting to Proofread
Typos, incorrect dates, or misspelled names can cause unnecessary confusion. Proofreading can be tedious, but it’s essential. Make sure multiple people review your invitations before they go to print.
- Tip: Have at least 2-3 people (friends, family, or your planner) proofread everything. Also, check that all names, addresses, and times are correct.
Not Clarifying Dress Code
Not including a dress code can leave guests confused about what to wear, especially for formal or themed weddings. If you want guests to come in black-tie attire or have a specific theme, make it clear on the invitation.
- Tip: Add a line at the bottom of the invitation or on an insert that states the dress code, like “Formal Attire,” “Cocktail Attire,” or “Garden Party Chic.”
Choosing a Font That’s Hard to Read
While ornate fonts may look beautiful, they can be challenging to read, especially for older guests. Legibility is key to making sure your guests don’t miss any details.
- Tip: Stick to a combination of one decorative font for headers and a simple, clean font for the body text. Aim for a font size that’s easy on the eyes.
Forgetting Important Details Like Location or Time
It sounds simple, but in the excitement, some couples overlook basic details like the ceremony location or start time. Triple-check that your invitation includes all essential information or consult with a professional stationery designer to make sure you have all the necessary information included.
- Tip: Use a checklist when designing your invitations to make sure you have all the necessary details, including the ceremony address, start time, and any special instructions.
Ordering Too Few Invitations
A common mistake we see with our online customers is ordering the exact number of invitations needed only to realize late in the timeline that additional quantities are needed. This can be a very costly mistake, much more so than ordering extras at the beginning. It’s a good idea to order at least 10-20 extras for last-minute additions, keepsakes, for use by your photographer, and to account for any addressing errors.
- Tip: Always order more invitations than you think you’ll need. We recommend 10 or more extra depending on your original quantity. It’s more cost-effective to order extra upfront than to reorder later and incur small quantity fees, rush fees and rush shipping at the end.
Planning your wedding invitations carefully can save you from potential headaches down the line. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a seamless invitation process that leaves your guests with a beautiful first impression of your special day. At Raspberry Creative, we’re here to make sure your invitations are flawless from start to finish. If you need help with planning, design, or any other aspect of your wedding stationery, don’t hesitate to reach out!
