A wedding invitation is both a practical guide for guests and the first hint of the style of the day. Here is what to include, when to send save-the-dates and invitations, how to set up an e-invitation or a wedding website, plus ready-to-use wording: classic, modern, humorous, from the parents and for an intimate wedding.
More on this topic: wedding wishes in your own words, wedding gift ideas, wedding dress codes.
Essentials: the couple’s names, the date and time of the ceremony, the addresses of the ceremony and reception, a request to RSVP by a certain date and a contact for replies. If the ceremony and reception are in different places, give times for each and say whether transport is provided.
If needed: a dress code or colour palette, whether children and plus-ones are invited, gift wishes and a link to a wedding website with the schedule, accommodation for out-of-town guests and a map. Addressing each invitation personally (“Dear Olena”) makes it warmer.
To describe the style and colours of the day clearly, see our guide to wedding dress codes.For more party planning guides, see how to plan a party.
A save-the-date goes out 4–6 months ahead, especially for a summer wedding, a holiday weekend or a destination wedding. The full invitation follows 6–8 weeks before the day. Ask for replies 3–4 weeks ahead so you can finalise the menu and seating with the venue.
Paper or digital? Older relatives appreciate printed invitations, while friends prefer a digital one with an RSVP button. Many couples combine both: a beautiful card for parents and grandparents and a wedding website link for everyone else. Hand-deliver invitations to grandparents if you can.The hen party usually takes place two to four weeks before the wedding — see our hen party ideas.
More couples now send digital invitations instead of paper cards: an image or PDF in a messenger, an animated video or a dedicated wedding website. A website can hold the day’s schedule, a map, the dress code and colour palette, a gift wish list and an RSVP form — guests reply in one click and the couple sees a live list. Digital invitations save money and time and are easy to update if plans change. Still print a few paper ones for older relatives, who will enjoy holding and keeping them.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen often get a separate “proposal”: “I can’t imagine this day without you — will you be my bridesmaid?”, handed over in person with a small gift such as chocolates, a candle, a bracelet or a flower.
Ukrainian-style invitations combine embroidery patterns, wheat ears or guelder rose with the traditional words “Father asked, mother asked, and we ask you to come to our wedding.” Couples once visited relatives in person with a korovai or wedding buns — a tradition many still revive for the eldest guests.
Delivering. Hand invitations to parents, grandparents and close relatives in person; friends and colleagues can receive them in person, by post or by messenger with a short note. Families with children get one invitation listing everyone by name.
Replying. Accept or decline by the RSVP date: “Thank you for the invitation! We’d be delighted to come — [names]” or “Thank you so much; sadly I can’t make it, but congratulations from the bottom of my heart.” If the invitation does not include a “+1”, do not bring a guest without asking the couple.
Guests often ask which flowers to bring, and the invitation can gently hint at the colour palette. For the newlyweds themselves, a bouquet the morning after the wedding, once the bustle is over, is a lovely gift.
See white roses and wedding flowers.
Save-the-dates 4–6 months ahead, the full invitation 6–8 weeks ahead, with an RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding.
The couple’s names, the date, time and addresses of the ceremony and reception, an RSVP deadline, a contact and, if needed, the dress code and a wedding website link.
Yes, especially for friends and colleagues. For older relatives, a printed invitation or at least a phone call is better.
Address the invitation to exactly who is invited (“Dear Olena and Andrii”) and add a polite line: “We are celebrating with adults only and thank you for understanding.”
The couple’s and guests’ names, date and time, ceremony and reception addresses, dress code, contacts and the RSVP deadline; optionally gift wishes and the day’s schedule.
Digital is faster and cheaper and can include an RSVP form; paper feels more special and becomes a keepsake. Many couples send paper to older relatives and digital to friends.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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