Planning Tips :: 5 Tips for Wedding Invitations

#TuesdayTips
Happy Planning!

1. Don't forget the postage!
I have heard soo many brides say it...."I didn't think about postage!" Postage is an added expense to your budget. Remember these invitations have to be mailed...and the heavier they are, the more expensive that will be. It's also customary to stamp the RSVP envelope for your guests to easily and quickly return the RSVP cards to you.

2. Don't list your registry on your invitation!
It's truthfully not good etiquette to list on your formal wedding invitation where they should buy you a gift. However, it is acceptable to add an enclosure card directing guests to your wedding website (where they will find things like the date and time, photos of you, directions to the wedding, time line for the wedding, bridal party introductions, and oh yes...where you're registered for gifts.)

3. Do number your RSVP cards.
I've seen a lot of RSVP cards over the years, and a lot of times handwriting isn't the best. I've gotten to where I suggest numbering each RSVP card, and keep a list or spreadsheet of what guest is what number. That way, if you receive and RSVP with non-legible scribbles, you can refer to your list to see who the scribbles belong to.

4. Do order a few extra invitations.
Order extra invites just in case...as an insurance policy....for when it dawns on you that you forgot to invite your future groom's Aunt Paula! Be prepared for any oopsies by ordering some extras from the start. 

5. Do order a lot of extra thank you cards.
You'll have showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinner, wedding day gifts, mailed gifts, and a time period after the wedding where you'll probably receive gifts. Order more thank you cards than you do invitations because you'll be sending a lot more of those. You should those who helped you and those who sent you gifts (and remember the postage!)

Etiquette :: A Few Rules for Wedding Guests

Wedding season is in full effect, and many of you are attending weddings for the first time. Believe it or not, it's really easy to be the annoying wedding guest. If you're new to attending weddings on your own as an adult, or you haven't planned your own wedding to understand what NOT to do, you may not know even you're being the annoying guest! Take a glance at these suggestions of what to do and what NOT to do in order to make yourself a great wedding guest!

Photo by Michéll Events

Do I have to attend?

No. Believe it or not, you can say no. Say it's out of town and the time off work and expenses just aren't feasible, it's perfectly OK to say you can't attend. Be sure to send the RSVP card back indicating you can't attend. Very important!

What's the deal with plus one?
If you're married, it will either say both of your names or "and family" to notate children included. If you're single, your invitation will either say your name only or it will say your name "and guest". If it doesn't say "and guest"...don't bring one. Don't call on the phone and ask if you can bring one. Don't just go ahead and add a plus one on the RSVP card when you send it back in. Guest count plays a major part in a large event like a wedding, and they can only accommodate so many people as far as seating and meals. An extra person is not a happy surprise for the bride and groom.

Do I have to send back the RSVP card?
Yes. Whether or not you get a plus one, whether you can attend or not, no matter what....send back the card either way! They're counting on a firm answer to plan for things like meals and seating charts and they are charged for everyone who attends, so your yes or no answer is a very important thing. Take a few minutes to send back the RSVP card! Not only that...send it in a timely fashion. If you respond late, you may be seated at the extra table where you don't know anyone but that's the only place since they had to cram you in to the seating chart at the last minute.

Photo by Z Media

Do I have to bring a gift?
No. But you should at least give a card. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to look up a registry, go shopping, do gift wrapping, etc... It just means you need to acknowledge the bride & groom are starting a new life together and you're helping them along the way. A card with cash or a check in it is also perfectly accepted as a wedding gift. No set amount established and no shopping required.

If I'm not attending, do I still send a gift?
Per the rules of etiquette, no. Per the rules of friendship, yes. Completely stay within your budget of course.

It's an open bar. Do I tip the bartender?
Yes. While the bride and groom (or other party) are picking up the bar tab, the bartenders are still in a service capacity and still appreciate tips. Please remember to tip your bar staff. If unsure who or where to leave the tip, leave it with the catering or bar manager and they can dole it out appropriately.

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Dress Code? OMG what's that?
Black Tie: Tuxedoes, long gowns and formal dresses.
Black Tie Optional or Formal: The same as above, but you can swap a tuxedo for a nice, dark suit, and a long dress for a simpler dress with accessories.
Cocktail Attire (Semi-Formal): Dark suits and party dresses for all! (Nice pant suit is acceptable for women as well.) If no dress code is specified, consider this the default.
Dressy Casual: Wear a cool tie, pick some fun, bright accessories; either way, definitely dress like you're ready to party. Casual, but a step up!
Casual: Jeans or khaki's are ok. Be presentable!

Honeymoon Gift Registries

Honeyfund, the #1 wedding and honeymoon online registry, allows your wedding guests to contribute a monetary gift towards your honeymoon. They recently did a study on current wedding budgets and honeymoon plans, and some of the findings I've read have surprised me! 84% of wedding guests preferred contributing a honeymoon gift rather than a boxed gift. That's great news, because only 1 in 4 couples go on their dream honeymoon and this makes it possible for more couples to experience it!

• Nearly 20% of honeymooners report altering travel plans and 10% anticipate a decreased budget due to current domestic and international political climate.
• Half of Honeyfund users are spending less than $15,000 on weddings, excluding honeymoons, while just 15% of couples spend $30,000 or more on their weddings (the national average is $35,000)
• 84% of wedding guests prefer giving a honeymoon contribution, experience, gift card or cash over a boxed wedding gift.

See more info on the Honeyfund study at WeddingMarket.