Wedding Invitation Tips During COVID-19

During this crazy time some wedding invitation formalities and traditions will have to bend a bit to simplify the process. I hope these invitation tips will help ease your mind and the minds of your guests.

You've postponed your wedding, but the save the dates/invitations have already been mailed...

• There is absolutely no need to print and mail a whole new invitation suite. Create a “wedding postponement card”. It can be a 3x5in postcard (recipient address and stamp on front, new date info on the back). If you want it to feel more formal, simply include an envelope.
• Compose an email to your guests informing them of your new plans and include a link to your wedding website, but only do this if you have everyone’s email addresses. I do not recommend using social media to spread the word—it is very impersonal and posts/private messages can easily get deleted or lost.

Here are some verbiage ideas:

1. No matter the situation our love stays strong. Our wedding hasn’t been cancelled, but has been moved to NEW DATE. Please visit our website for updates.
2. Good things are worth the wait. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding to NEW DATE. We will be in touch when we have new plans.
3. Same party, different date. Due to the recent global pandemic, our wedding has been postponed to NEW DATE. More details coming soon or Please visit our website for updates.
4. Save the new date. In light of recent events, our wedding will now take place on NEW DATE. More details coming soon.
5. Distancing now to celebrate later. In order to celebrate safely with you, we have chosen to postpone our wedding celebrations to NEW DATE. For more information and to stay updated on our plans, please visit our website.

You’ve decided to elope...

• ​Let friends and family know you tied the knot by mailing an elopement announcement. Many photographers are offering reduced rates for elopements right now. Include a favorite photo or two on the announcement card and share a few little details about your special day. There’s nothing better than a love story!

You’re having this wedding no matter what...

• Mail your invitations out as close to the wedding date as possible. We are learning more about this virus every day, so no one is going to make a decision in June whether or not to attend your October wedding. Ask your venue when they need a final headcount and create your timeline based on that. Simplify the process by putting rsvps online (see below for rsvp tips). Give the post office about 10 days for mailing and your guests 14-21 days to submit rsvps.   
• Normally I am a huge advocate of rsvp cards via mail. This year though, I am recommending couples take the time to setup an online rsvp system on their wedding website. I think we have all noticed that the post office is running behind, so this solution will expedite your invitation timeline. If you know some guests will not be comfortable with this, include a phone number on the rsvp card so they can text or call in their rsvp. This also gives them a way to contact you should they have more questions.​
• Add a details card with COVID-19 related information to your wedding invitation suite. The safety and health of our friends and family is so important. Provide them with a list of the precautionary measures to be implemented at your event. This shows guests you are taking the current situation very seriously and could be the thing that changes a “no” rsvp to a “yes!”.

Please reach out if you have questions or need any assistance with your wedding stationery. You do not have to be my client—I'm happy to help!

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