Inviting a guest to a wedding used to be pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, the process has become a bit more complicated over recent years. From couples adopting new attitudes toward their nuptials to world events impacting the wedding industry in a number of unforeseen ways, there are plenty of new questions to consider before you toss your invites in the mail. If you aren’t ready for some commonplace threats, you could be in for a headache. Though the challenges might be a reflection of the times, a bit of preparation can help you meet whatever demands are placed on you.
The Uninvited
Once upon a time, inviting someone to a wedding was making a contract you could not break. To take back such a request would be a huge slap in the face and make the couple look bad in the eyes of friends and family. These notions are somewhat antiquated nowadays. In fact, uninviting someone to a wedding is a scenario that comes up more often than one might imagine. From problematic relatives to friends that fall out of touch, there are people who may not make the cut as you plan for your big day.
The key to uninviting someone is doing so with tact. No matter the situation that has led to this decision, you don’t want to make an uncomfortable moment even more tense. Try to speak to the person directly, but feel free to send a text or email if you feel it is the best way to keep your cool. This is your wedding, and you’re spending a lot of time and money on making it special. Don’t let obligation force you to bring someone into the fold who will spoil the mood.
The Change-the-Date Cards
Anyone who had a wedding planned in 2022 knows that the unexpected can easily happen. With gathering restrictions reshaping the way public and private events are held, countless couples have had to think on the fly when it came to making changes to their plans. In the last year, the change-the-date card has become quite popular. Essentially, this is a card you send out the same way you do your save-the-date mailers. The aim is to let guests know of adjustments to your event with plenty of notice.
There are no real rules or customs surrounding change-the-dates just yet. Still, you definitely want to get them out fast. Some couples will use stationery that fits the theme of their wedding, and others will expedite the process by sending an email to guests. However you go about notifying people, be sure to stay calm. If you don’t have a new date yet or are hesitant to put out any concrete details due to an uncertain future, make this clear to your guests. Being vague or selecting another date out of pressure may only complicate matters further.
The Digital Decisions
As mentioned, digital communication can be a good option when you need to make last-minute changes to your wedding plans. You don’t need to limit this to change-the-date cards, either. Plenty of couples are fully embracing the future by switching to invitations and save-the-dates that are sent out entirely online. Not only is this an efficient way of monitoring responses, it also is an eco-friendly trend that reduces the impact your wedding has on the environment. Plus, fewer people view digital invitations with disdain these days, so breaking tradition won’t be insulting the bulk of your guests.
As times change, so do the methods of planning a wedding. While sending out invitations shouldn’t cause you to lose sleep, you can do yourself a big favor by taking some basic setbacks into account in advance. Find peace of mind by strategizing a plan that meets the unique circumstances of your big day.
Taking on a task like DIY invitations requires a bit of forethought. Look over these suggestions and find the best possible way to do your invites yourself!
Weddings can cost an arm and a leg. For this reason, plenty of couples search for helpful ways to cut corners and save money throughout the process. Over the last decade or so, the idea of the “DIY wedding” has become somewhat popular. While you might not be able to do everything yourself, there are certain key elements that you can easily take on. Your wedding invitations, for example, might be an ideal DIY project, as creating them yourself can both help save some money and give you total control over what your invitations will look like.
Taking on a task like DIY invitations requires a bit of forethought. Look over these suggestions and find the best possible way to do your invites yourself!
Know All the Details
Invitations are important for a number of reasons. For the happy couple, they help to keep tabs on how many people have been invited to the event and how many people plan on attending. For the guests, however, they are responsible for providing a great deal of vital information related to the event. This includes the date, location, directions, and anything else the couple would like to share. Before you can make your invitations, you need to be sure you have all of these details set in stone and ready to share.
Figuring out the specifics takes a little time, but you should have them solidified somewhat early in the planning process. Beyond the information presented, you also want to have a few aesthetic ideas locked and loaded. Most couples opt to have their invitations reflect the “design theme” of their wedding. For example, if you plan on having the color blue featured in the decor at your venue, try to work this particular shade of blue into the invites to help create a more cohesive visual theme.
Space and Design of the Invitations
While being able to design your own invitations can be a huge help when it comes to your finances, there is also a good amount of work involved. After you’ve decided on a theme and have all your information ready to go, you need to think about how you would like to word the invitation. This can be tricky, especially because you only have so much space to work with. In order to avoid overcrowding the card with text, print out a sample on your home computer and see how the text reads.
You are also going to need to take RSVPs into consideration. Many couples include self-addressed envelopes for guests to mail back with their RSVP information. If this isn’t in your budget, don’t feel like you absolutely must include this envelope. To save money and time, you may want to offer guests the chance to RSVP by phone, through email, or online. The RSVP information exists so you have an easier time knowing how many guests to anticipate at your event, so find a method that makes the most sense for you and your partner.
Get an Early Start
Finally, you want to get as early a start as possible on creating your invitations. The moment you have information like the date and venue ready to go, you can begin making a template of what you’d like the invites to look like. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can get the completed product in the mail and hear back from guests about how many heads to expect. Starting early also gives you plenty of room for trial and error, which can be a huge help when you have little or no experience with design.
Creating your own invitations for your wedding can be a great way to limit your spending and save a small chunk of change. Explore your options, and see what you can accomplish with your own creative mind.
Wedding invitations are a great way to let guests know what attire and colors they should wear.
With wedding season almost upon us, couples are starting to mail out invitations. You’re probably thinking about your summer wardrobe budget, and trying to decide what you need to shop for over the next few weeks. In a standard wedding invitation, many brides will tell the guests what attire they are expecting, but this information may need some decoding. Here are some of the most common identifiers for dress codes at the event, to help you avoid feeling over- or underdressed.
White Tie
This is the most formal wedding. Think red carpet, Hollywood awards, your most special outfit. Most men think that the black tuxedo is the most formal outfit they could wear, but a white tie event takes it up a notch. A black tailcoat, white starched shirt, and high-waisted black trousers are required, but a formal military uniform is acceptable at a white tie event. It’s almost impossible to be overdressed for a white tie wedding, so wear that evening gown and tiara you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Black Tie or Black Tie Optional
Black tie for men means a tuxedo. Women have more options at black tie events, but some experts recommend neutral hues when it comes to choosing colors, such as champagne, navy, or black. An evening gown is appropriate, but a tea-length dress can also work. Make sure the fabric is elegant enough to look formal. If the word optional is included, men can get away with a black or dark suit with a white shirt. Dress it up with a pocket square, but think timeless and classic. Women can go with a cocktail dress, provided it isn’t flashy or too sexy.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
This type of wedding is a bit more festive and modern. Go with a trendier look, with sparkle and panache. However, semi-formal does not mean informal. Leave the jeans and khakis at home. For men, a tie is optional. Feel free to wear a light-colored shirt with a suit. Women can wear a cocktail dress appropriate for the season or even a dressy skirt with a stylish shirt. If the invite says, “beach formal,” get out the linen suit for men, or formal sundress with sandals for women.
Casual Attire or Informal
While this dress code does indicate an “anything goes” idea, it’s still better to choose more formally than you might for a simple party. Jeans and tank tops are really unacceptable, even though that may be your casual attire. Think casual business dress when it comes to an informal wedding. Remember that this day is special, even though the event may be low-key. Take the time to be well-dressed in a nice outfit. When the pictures are later revealed on social media, you’ll be glad you look your best.
Added Tips for Wedding Apparel
Most people still believe that white should not be worn to a wedding, unless requested by the couple. Brides are choosing all shades of white, such as ivory and ecru, so stay away from any shade. Know the environment where the wedding is being held to really understand what to wear. When in doubt, check with the family of the bride and groom. Men can also take the invitation to their tailor or the tuxedo rental business, which can help in choosing the correct attire.
If the invitation doesn’t specify dress code, you can get an idea of what should be worn by taking note of the time of day and place of the ceremony. Morning weddings tend to be a little less formal than evening weddings. When the venue is a religious site or church, don’t dress in an outfit which may be revealing or too short. Men should probably wear a suit or dress pants.
Inviting a guest to a wedding used to be pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, the process has become a bit more complicated over recent years. From couples adopting new attitudes toward their nuptials to world events impacting the wedding industry in a number of unforeseen ways, there are plenty of new questions to consider before you toss your invites in the mail. If you aren’t ready for some commonplace threats, you could be in for a headache. Though the challenges might be a reflection of the times, a bit of preparation can help you meet whatever demands are placed on you.
The Uninvited
Once upon a time, inviting someone to a wedding was making a contract you could not break. To take back such a request would be a huge slap in the face and make the couple look bad in the eyes of friends and family. These notions are somewhat antiquated nowadays. In fact, uninviting someone to a wedding is a scenario that comes up more often than one might imagine. From problematic relatives to friends that fall out of touch, there are people who may not make the cut as you plan for your big day.
The key to uninviting someone is doing so with tact. No matter the situation that has led to this decision, you don’t want to make an uncomfortable moment even more tense. Try to speak to the person directly, but feel free to send a text or email if you feel it is the best way to keep your cool. This is your wedding, and you’re spending a lot of time and money on making it special. Don’t let obligation force you to bring someone into the fold who will spoil the mood.
The Change-the-Date Cards
Anyone who had a wedding planned in 2022 knows that the unexpected can easily happen. With gathering restrictions reshaping the way public and private events are held, countless couples have had to think on the fly when it came to making changes to their plans. In the last year, the change-the-date card has become quite popular. Essentially, this is a card you send out the same way you do your save-the-date mailers. The aim is to let guests know of adjustments to your event with plenty of notice.
There are no real rules or customs surrounding change-the-dates just yet. Still, you definitely want to get them out fast. Some couples will use stationery that fits the theme of their wedding, and others will expedite the process by sending an email to guests. However you go about notifying people, be sure to stay calm. If you don’t have a new date yet or are hesitant to put out any concrete details due to an uncertain future, make this clear to your guests. Being vague or selecting another date out of pressure may only complicate matters further.
The Digital Decisions
As mentioned, digital communication can be a good option when you need to make last-minute changes to your wedding plans. You don’t need to limit this to change-the-date cards, either. Plenty of couples are fully embracing the future by switching to invitations and save-the-dates that are sent out entirely online. Not only is this an efficient way of monitoring responses, it also is an eco-friendly trend that reduces the impact your wedding has on the environment. Plus, fewer people view digital invitations with disdain these days, so breaking tradition won’t be insulting the bulk of your guests.
As times change, so do the methods of planning a wedding. While sending out invitations shouldn’t cause you to lose sleep, you can do yourself a big favor by taking some basic setbacks into account in advance. Find peace of mind by strategizing a plan that meets the unique circumstances of your big day.
Taking on a task like DIY invitations requires a bit of forethought. Look over these suggestions and find the best possible way to do your invites yourself!
Weddings can cost an arm and a leg. For this reason, plenty of couples search for helpful ways to cut corners and save money throughout the process. Over the last decade or so, the idea of the “DIY wedding” has become somewhat popular. While you might not be able to do everything yourself, there are certain key elements that you can easily take on. Your wedding invitations, for example, might be an ideal DIY project, as creating them yourself can both help save some money and give you total control over what your invitations will look like.
Taking on a task like DIY invitations requires a bit of forethought. Look over these suggestions and find the best possible way to do your invites yourself!
Know All the Details
Invitations are important for a number of reasons. For the happy couple, they help to keep tabs on how many people have been invited to the event and how many people plan on attending. For the guests, however, they are responsible for providing a great deal of vital information related to the event. This includes the date, location, directions, and anything else the couple would like to share. Before you can make your invitations, you need to be sure you have all of these details set in stone and ready to share.
Figuring out the specifics takes a little time, but you should have them solidified somewhat early in the planning process. Beyond the information presented, you also want to have a few aesthetic ideas locked and loaded. Most couples opt to have their invitations reflect the “design theme” of their wedding. For example, if you plan on having the color blue featured in the decor at your venue, try to work this particular shade of blue into the invites to help create a more cohesive visual theme.
Space and Design of the Invitations
While being able to design your own invitations can be a huge help when it comes to your finances, there is also a good amount of work involved. After you’ve decided on a theme and have all your information ready to go, you need to think about how you would like to word the invitation. This can be tricky, especially because you only have so much space to work with. In order to avoid overcrowding the card with text, print out a sample on your home computer and see how the text reads.
You are also going to need to take RSVPs into consideration. Many couples include self-addressed envelopes for guests to mail back with their RSVP information. If this isn’t in your budget, don’t feel like you absolutely must include this envelope. To save money and time, you may want to offer guests the chance to RSVP by phone, through email, or online. The RSVP information exists so you have an easier time knowing how many guests to anticipate at your event, so find a method that makes the most sense for you and your partner.
Get an Early Start
Finally, you want to get as early a start as possible on creating your invitations. The moment you have information like the date and venue ready to go, you can begin making a template of what you’d like the invites to look like. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can get the completed product in the mail and hear back from guests about how many heads to expect. Starting early also gives you plenty of room for trial and error, which can be a huge help when you have little or no experience with design.
Creating your own invitations for your wedding can be a great way to limit your spending and save a small chunk of change. Explore your options, and see what you can accomplish with your own creative mind.
Wedding invitations are a great way to let guests know what attire and colors they should wear.
With wedding season almost upon us, couples are starting to mail out invitations. You’re probably thinking about your summer wardrobe budget, and trying to decide what you need to shop for over the next few weeks. In a standard wedding invitation, many brides will tell the guests what attire they are expecting, but this information may need some decoding. Here are some of the most common identifiers for dress codes at the event, to help you avoid feeling over- or underdressed.
White Tie
This is the most formal wedding. Think red carpet, Hollywood awards, your most special outfit. Most men think that the black tuxedo is the most formal outfit they could wear, but a white tie event takes it up a notch. A black tailcoat, white starched shirt, and high-waisted black trousers are required, but a formal military uniform is acceptable at a white tie event. It’s almost impossible to be overdressed for a white tie wedding, so wear that evening gown and tiara you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Black Tie or Black Tie Optional
Black tie for men means a tuxedo. Women have more options at black tie events, but some experts recommend neutral hues when it comes to choosing colors, such as champagne, navy, or black. An evening gown is appropriate, but a tea-length dress can also work. Make sure the fabric is elegant enough to look formal. If the word optional is included, men can get away with a black or dark suit with a white shirt. Dress it up with a pocket square, but think timeless and classic. Women can go with a cocktail dress, provided it isn’t flashy or too sexy.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
This type of wedding is a bit more festive and modern. Go with a trendier look, with sparkle and panache. However, semi-formal does not mean informal. Leave the jeans and khakis at home. For men, a tie is optional. Feel free to wear a light-colored shirt with a suit. Women can wear a cocktail dress appropriate for the season or even a dressy skirt with a stylish shirt. If the invite says, “beach formal,” get out the linen suit for men, or formal sundress with sandals for women.
Casual Attire or Informal
While this dress code does indicate an “anything goes” idea, it’s still better to choose more formally than you might for a simple party. Jeans and tank tops are really unacceptable, even though that may be your casual attire. Think casual business dress when it comes to an informal wedding. Remember that this day is special, even though the event may be low-key. Take the time to be well-dressed in a nice outfit. When the pictures are later revealed on social media, you’ll be glad you look your best.
Added Tips for Wedding Apparel
Most people still believe that white should not be worn to a wedding, unless requested by the couple. Brides are choosing all shades of white, such as ivory and ecru, so stay away from any shade. Know the environment where the wedding is being held to really understand what to wear. When in doubt, check with the family of the bride and groom. Men can also take the invitation to their tailor or the tuxedo rental business, which can help in choosing the correct attire.
If the invitation doesn’t specify dress code, you can get an idea of what should be worn by taking note of the time of day and place of the ceremony. Morning weddings tend to be a little less formal than evening weddings. When the venue is a religious site or church, don’t dress in an outfit which may be revealing or too short. Men should probably wear a suit or dress pants.
