Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Invitations

Planning your wedding invitations can be exciting but overwhelming. This guide shows when to send them, what to include, and how to design and address them properly.

When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?

Send invitations 6–8 weeks before the wedding. If you're mailing Save the Dates, send those 6–8 months ahead.

• Custom designs: Allow 2–3 extra weeks


• Out-of-town guests: Send 10–12 weeks ahead


• Destination weddings: Mail invites 12–16 weeks before

How to Finalize Your Guest List

• Create your guest list with your partner to avoid errors or double-counting.


• Account for households (not just individuals)


• Helps you plan meals and seating charts


• Essential for ordering the correct number of invites

How to Budget for Wedding Invitations

Invitation costs depend on design, paper, print method, and embellishments.

Budget Tips

• Order extras to avoid reprints


• Use flat printing over letterpress to save


• DIY options are affordable for small weddings


• Postage can increase for thick or oddly shaped invites

How to Choose Your Invitation Design

Should You Include Photos?

Yes. Especially if you skip Save the Dates, include engagement photos on the main invite.

Match Your Wedding Theme and Colors

Keep style, tone, and color palette cohesive with your event. Match fonts and layouts with formal or casual settings.

Choose Unique Shapes and Sizes

• Standard: 4.5"x6.25". Alternatives include:


• Square or circular cards


• Magnet invitations


• Folded booklet styles


• Check postage rates before finalizing.

Focus on Readability

• Avoid low-contrast text


• Use no more than 2 fonts


• Keep body text size readable (12pt or higher)


• Always proofread

What Should You Write on Wedding Invitations?

Include essential details such as:

• Names of the couple


• Wedding date and start time


• Venue name and full address


• Hosts (e.g., “Together with their families…”)


• A request line: “Invite you to celebrate…”

What to Include in the Wedding Invitation Suite

The suite may include 3–5 accompanying cards, depending on your wedding.

RSVP Card

• Include response deadline


• Add entrée choices for meal selection


• Provide return envelope or RSVP website

Directions and Lodging Card

• Add ceremony and reception maps


• Suggest 2–3 local hotels

Rehearsal Dinner Card

• Only for invited guests


• Include time, date, dress code, and RSVP method

Reception Details Card

• Use if your reception is at a different location


• Mention meal service and timeline


• Add “Adults Only” line if needed

Attire Suggestions

Specify dress code to avoid confusion. Examples:

• Formal / Black Tie


• Cocktail Attire


• Garden Party

Wedding Website and Registry Card

• Include your URL on a separate enclosure.


• Avoid listing gift registry on the main invite


• Link to your story, schedule, and accommodation info.

How to Address Wedding Invitations

Formal Addressing Examples

• Mr. and Mrs. John Smith


• Dr. Jane Adams and Mr. Brian Adams

Informal Addressing Examples

• The Smith Family


• John & Jane Smith

Return Address Tips

• Place it on the back flap of the envelope


• Use a consistent font and style


• Always include your return address to avoid lost mail

Ready to Make Wedding Invitations Easy?

Let’s simplify your wedding invitation process. Whether you need help designing, wording, or organizing your stationery, we’re here to support you.

Contact Red Soda Band today to pair stunning live music with a beautifully coordinated wedding invitation suite. We’ll help you make your entire event – from save-the-dates to the final dance – unforgettable.