Paper Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide for Wedding Invitations

We guide you through the entire process – from the first Save-the-Date card to the concluding thank-you note. Learn which information must not be missing under any circumstances, how to find a modern language that fits you, and why the quality of the paper says more about your wedding than you might think. Make your post an experience for your guests.

Timing is everything in wedding planning. If guests travel from far away or marry during the holiday season, a Save-the-Date card is indispensable. This should be sent about 8 to 12 months before the date. This way, everyone can keep the date free, even if the details of the location are not yet fixed.

The actual invitation follows then about 3 to 5 months before the wedding. Set a clear deadline for the response (RSVP) – ideally 4 to 8 weeks before the date. This gives you enough time to report the final number of guests to the catering and the location and to finalize the seating arrangement. Those who invite too late risk many cancellations; those who invite too early run the risk of the card being forgotten. Digital channels can be used excellently for reminders here.

What absolutely must be in the invitation? The classic W-questions: Who, When, Where, and How. But there's more to it. Inform your guests about the dress code, any overnight stay options, and the desired gift path.

A pro tip for phrasing: find a language that corresponds to your nature. If you are celebrating a relaxed garden wedding, the text may also be relaxed and humorous. For a formal evening gala, the tone should be chosen more classically. It is also important to specify a contact person (best man/maid of honor or master of ceremonies) for surprises or questions so that you are relieved yourself. Avoid too many nested sentences – the most important facts should be recognizable at a glance.

How do you say it nicely? The topic of monetary gifts is usually solved today with a small rhyme or a charming remark (e.g., 'If you want to give us something: our household is complete, we would be very happy about a contribution to our honeymoon'). This is absolutely legitimate and often easier for guests than searching for a material gift.

More difficult is the topic of children. If you are planning an 'adults only' wedding, communicate this clearly but politely (e.g., 'We want to celebrate an exuberant party with you until the morning hours and ask for understanding that we are celebrating in a small circle without children'). For companions, the following applies: if only one name is on the envelope, only this person is invited. To avoid misunderstandings, address the envelopes as precisely as possible – this saves embarrassing inquiries.

In a digital world, a physical card is something special. The choice of paper says a lot about the value of your celebration. Heavy natural paper, noble deckle-edge, or modern acrylic cards – the possibilities are diverse.

Make sure the design remains consistent. The invitation is the common thread that should later continue in menu cards, church booklets, and place cards. At SavePaper.work, we recommend using the invitation as a template for all other printed materials. A uniform logo or a recurring floral element creates high recognition value. Also think about readability: curly fonts are nice for names, but a clear font should be chosen for important data like times.

So that you don't forget anything, here are the most important stages of your card journey:

1. Save-the-Date: early blocking of the date.
2. Invitation: with all details and response card.
3. Information Sheet: tips for arrival, hotels, and supporting program.
4. Menu and Drink Cards: for the tables.
5. Church Booklets / Timelines: for the ceremony.
6. Place Cards: for the seating chart.
7. Thank-you Notes: after the wedding (at the latest after 3 months).
   
   Check all texts several times for typos, especially names, dates, and addresses. Ideally, have a third person proofread – one quickly becomes blind to one's own texts.