Planning a wedding involves many details, and sending out your wedding invitations is one of the most critical steps. This guide will walk you through the best timing to send your invitations, how to manage RSVPs, who should get a plus one, and how to politely exclude children from your big day.
When to Send Your Wedding Invitations
Timing is crucial when it comes to wedding invitations. Sending them out too early might lead to guests forgetting the date, while sending them too late can cause scheduling conflicts. Here’s the perfect wedding invitation timeline:
Save the Dates: Send these out 6-8 months before the wedding. This is particularly important if you’re planning a destination wedding or if your date falls during a busy time of year.
Formal Wedding Invitations: These should be mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to plan their attendance and make any necessary travel arrangements.
RSVP Deadline: Set the RSVP deadline for 3-4 weeks before the wedding. This allows you time to finalize your wedding headcount for the venue, caterer, and other vendors.
RSVP Etiquette: Making It Easy for Your Guests
Managing RSVPs can be one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning. Here’s how to ensure a smooth process:
Include an RSVP Card: Along with your invitation, include a pre-stamped RSVP card. This makes it easy for guests to respond quickly.
Online RSVP Options: Many couples opt for a wedding website where guests can RSVP digitally. This is convenient and allows you to track responses in real-time.
Follow-Up: If you haven’t received an RSVP by your deadline, don’t hesitate to follow up. A quick call or email can clear up any uncertainties.
Who Gets a Plus One?
Deciding who gets a plus one can be a sensitive issue. Here are the general rules:
Married or Engaged Guests: Anyone who is married, engaged, or in a long-term relationship should be given a plus one.
Single Guests: If a single guest won’t know many people at your wedding, it’s courteous to offer them a plus one.
Wedding Party Members: Bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of your wedding party usually receive a plus one as a thank-you for their participation.
Budget Considerations: If your wedding budget is tight, it’s okay to limit plus ones. Just be consistent and clear in your communication to avoid hurt feelings.
How to Politely Exclude Kids from Your Wedding
Choosing to have an adults-only wedding is entirely your decision, but it’s important to handle the situation with tact. Here’s how:
Address Invitations Properly: When addressing your invitations, only include the names of the adults invited. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith” instead of “The Smith Family.”
Add a Note: Include a note on your wedding website or with the invitation, such as “We love your little ones, but this is an adults-only event.”
Spread the Word: Use word of mouth to let close family and friends know about your decision. They can help pass the message along to others.
Offer Alternatives: If many of your guests have young children, consider providing information about local babysitters or offering a childcare service at the venue.
Conclusion
Sending out wedding invitations, managing RSVPs, deciding on plus ones, and excluding children from your wedding are all crucial steps in the wedding planning process. By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll ensure a smooth experience for both you and your guests, leading to a wedding day that’s as stress-free as possible.
This approach not only covers essential topics like RSVP etiquette and wedding invitation timing but also ensures that your guests feel respected and included, no matter your decisions on plus ones or children.
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