Having a great time with friends and family on your wedding day all starts with the guest list and invitations. Your wedding guest list represents the people who will celebrate your special day with you, so it is important to take time and carefully craft it. In this blog we will talk through the process of creating a guest list with your partner, designing and sending invitations as well as some helpful tips along the way.

The Guest List

First things first, you must create a guest list. Begin by coming together with your partner and listing out all the people you would like to invite to your wedding. Try to write or organize this list by priority to help you in the process of narrowing down your list. Start with close family and friends, then move on to coworkers or acquaintances that you would also like to share your special day with.

Once this initial list is complete for both of you, it is important to have a discussion about your wedding budget and desired headcount. From there, begin narrowing down your list accordingly. And remember that around 70-85% of invited guests typically attend weddings, so it is ok to invite a little over your desired headcount as long as you are prepared to accommodate the possibility of more than 85% of your invitations being accepted. This crucial step will help you stay within your headcount and budget.

Save the Date VS Invitation

Save the dates are typically sent out to your guest list around 6 months prior to the wedding date! Save the dates are great to let your guests know if they need to make any travel arrangements, request time off, or attend to anything else that may impact their attendance. Keep it simple. All you need is your name, date, time, and city, so don’t worry if your venue isn’t booked yet. A nice touch is to add a QR code to your wedding website. This way guests can continue to stay up-to-date as new information is available. 

Besides the save the date, which is fairly minimal, the invitation is the first touchpoint that guests have with your wedding experience. Keep this in mind as you think about the design, typically you incorporate something similar to the theme of your wedding, your personality as a couple, or your styles. Invitations are traditionally sent around 4-5 months before the wedding date.

The Invitation’s Role

Your invitation should include, the date, time, location, and dress code, as well as where to find more information (this is where a wedding website really comes in handy) or who to contact with specific questions. It is vital to include information about how to RSVP on your invitations as well as when the opportunity to RSVP ends. When deciding on a deadline think of when those final headcounts are due, preferably at least 2-3 weeks before your wedding.

Your preferred mode of distribution is up to you whether it is mailing physical invitations or emailing virtual ones. Print invitations are classic and exciting mail that are always welcome by most people. Your invitation may even find a home on their fridge! A timeless keepsake for those who value sentimental things. Invitations can be self-made online, and sourced via Etsy, or you can hire a graphic designer or someone who specializes in stationery design.

You Sent Your Invitations. Now What?

Keep your RSVPs organized and follow up with guests that have not yet responded when the RSVP deadline is approaching. This will help make sure you have the most accurate headcount as your day approaches. If you do decide to use a wedding website, keep it updated as room blocks are established, transportation needs are understood, and any other general questions guests may have about your wedding.

Creating a wedding guest list, designing wedding invitations, and sending them out are all important aspects of wedding planning. You can make your wedding day a truly special occasion for you and your guests by following these steps and taking the time to ensure that everything is just right. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process!

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Are you ready to start planning your wedding? As a seasoned team of Atlanta wedding planners, we’re here to help you take away the stress of planning such a big day. Contact us for your complimentary consultation.

Photo Credit

Heartbrave Studios

Ben & Collen Photography

Ashley Nicole Photography

Andre Brown Photography