Before your guests see the venue, flowers, or your dress, they see your wedding invitation. At Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, our expert Wedding & Events Team sees how a thoughtfully crafted invitation sets the stage for a seamless, elegant event.
Here’s a complete guide to help you send invitations that not only look beautiful but also make your guests excited for your celebration:
1. Timing Is Everything: When to Send Invitations
Your guests will thank you for giving them time to plan, and so will your RSVP list.
For local weddings, invitations should be sent out 8–10 weeks before the big day. If you’re planning a destination wedding, send them even earlier, around 3 months in advance, to allow for travel arrangements and accommodation nearby bookings.
If you’ve already sent save-the-dates, your guests will have the event on their radar, but your formal invitation is where the details unfold and anticipation begins.
Tip: Don’t forget to include an RSVP-by date, 3-4 weeks before the wedding to give your venue, caterer, and planner time to finalize numbers.
2. Crafting the Perfect Wording
Wording is where etiquette meets personality. Your invitation should reflect your tone as a couple – formal, casual, modern, or traditional, while still maintaining clarity.
What matters most is authenticity. Your invitation should sound like you, whether you lean toward poetic phrasing or straightforward simplicity.
Tip: Always double-check the spelling of names, titles, and venues; even one small typo can distract from an otherwise flawless presentation.
3. Addressing Your Invitations with Elegance
Proper addressing is one of the most overlooked parts of wedding invitation etiquette, but it’s also one of the most telling.
If you’re inviting a guest to bring a plus-one, be sure to indicate as so to avoid any questions or confusion. When in doubt, spell everything out. Avoid abbreviations (except for titles like “Mr.” and “Dr.”), and write addresses in full, for instance, “Street” instead of “St.” and “Avenue” instead of “Ave.”
Tip: Handwritten calligraphy adds an extra layer of elegance and personalization. Many couples find it’s worth the investment to make the invitation feel like a keepsake.
4. RSVP Etiquette: Making It Easy to Respond
RSVP management can be one of the trickiest parts of planning, but a clear, concise approach can save you endless follow-ups.
Include an RSVP card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope or a digital RSVP link. Specify a clear deadline and any additional details, such as meal choices or song requests.
It’s polite to phrase the RSVP request graciously: “Kindly reply by the 15th of June.”
Tip: If you’re hosting your wedding at Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, our Wedding & Events Team can help ensure your guest list and RSVPs dates align seamlessly with catering and event setup timelines.
5. Dress Codes, Details, and Clarity
Guests genuinely appreciate direction, especially when it comes to what to wear. Whether your celebration is black-tie, cocktail, or coastal chic, be sure to note the dress code on your invitation or a dedicated details card.
If your event has an age restriction (for example, adults-only or 21+), communicate this early and consistently. Include it on your save the dates, formal invitations, and wedding website. If you plan to offer childcare, provide clear instructions and deadlines so you can secure the appropriate caregivers and location.
Additional helpful information to include:
- Ceremony and reception start times
- Transportation details
- Links to local transportation providers or rideshare options near your venue
- Shuttle or trolley schedules and pick-up locations
- Directions or parking information
- Accommodation recommendations
- A link to your wedding website for ongoing updates
Tip: Keep your main invitation uncluttered. Use inserts or your website for extra information, so the design remains clean and elegant.
6. The Art of Thank-You Notes
Etiquette does not end when the celebration does! Sending handwritten thank-you notes is a timeless gesture that never goes unnoticed.
Aim to send them within three months after the wedding, personalizing each one with a brief mention of the gift or gesture received.
Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness, and it keeps the warmth of your wedding day alive just a little longer.
7. Common Invitation Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most organized couples can miss a detail or two. Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Forgetting to include return postage on RSVP cards
- Overloading your invitation with too much text
- Mixing design styles that clash with your wedding theme
- Sending invitations too late
- Not proofreading carefully before printing
Tip: Have at least two people review your final proof, ideally your planner and a friend who is not immersed in the details. A fresh set of eyes can spot what you might miss.
Setting the Tone for Your Wedding
From the moment your invitations arrive in the mail, your guests begin to imagine the beauty, joy, and elegance of your celebration. Thoughtful stationery and polished etiquette don’t just convey information; they tell your guests that they’re part of something meaningful.
At Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, we understand how each detail builds toward that perfect day; the one that feels effortless because it is crafted with care. From your invitations to your final send-off, our team is here to help you create a wedding experience that’s as graceful as it is unforgettable.
Ready to start planning your dream celebration? Explore our Wedding Planning Blog for more inspiration, or contact us to begin your planning journey.
Photo credit: Dragonfly Photography, Tiffany Von Weddings, Eva Alexandra Photography, Katie Kiely Photography