Wedding Invitation Etiquette

I would give people approx. 3 mos notice

gift registration should be handled by the maid of honour I think

you should send a self addressed stamped env with invitation unless you leave instruction to call or email their confirmation

bridesmaids usually buy their own dresses and should know this. you can help the situation by including them in the selection process because it is their money
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By Sara on Dec 25, 2009

1. about 2 months
2. word of mouth or you can set up a wedding website (theknot.com has a good one) where you can put that info on the website. put the web address on a separate card and put it with the invites.
3. yes it would be rude
4. usually they do know, but a good way to make sure of this is to ask them what their comfortable price range would be so you have an idea when you are looking for their dresses.
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By {B2B 9.5.09} {MOH 10.10.09} on Dec 25, 2009

1. Send invitations 2 months prior
2. I have seen several invitations say where they are regisited, its just how you include it (A lot of people list at the very bottom, registered at: )
3. I would recommened sending self addressed envelopes
4. They should know they have to pay, I wouldnt tell them to
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By mE on Dec 25, 2009

6-8 weeks before the wedding day

You send the registry info with the shower invitation. You can put a little card or slip of paper in there with the info on it.

Yes.

Tell them.
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Plain and simple

By daVIDica on Dec 25, 2009

Send out invites 3 months before wedding, I assume you have spread the word by mouth to as many people as you can anyway.
I am in UK so I dont know anything about being registered but if you mean a wedding gift list then its normally mentioned separately with the invitation.
We never sent out RSVP cards but just a phone number as most people said they were coming as soon as they got the invitation.
I bought all 5 of my bridesmaids outfits, my chief bridesmaids, my matron of honour and my ring bearers too.
I dont understand the concept of them buying their own outfit when they are doing something for you, surely its only right to buy for them.
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By miabella on Dec 25, 2009

1- invites should be received by the guests no later than 8 weeks out
2- nah people put registry info in the invites all the time now. just don’t print it on the actual invite. insert a separate card.
3- very rude not to include a SASE. also people won’t rsvp quickly like you want them to if they have to find an envelope, write it out, find a stamp…people are lazy! make it idiot proof for them or you’ll find yourself making calls a week before the wedding to find out who’s coming
4- they should know they are paying for their own gowns but if they’ve never been in a wedding they may not know the drill. don’t come out and tell them all pushy like, just work it into conversation like, by the way the bridal shop said that your balance is due by X date.
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By D4Pres2012 on Dec 25, 2009

1- Invites should be sent out 8-9 weeks before the big day if you didn’t send out save the dates

2- Where you’re registered can be placed either in the bridal shower invites, as well as invites. I have never received a wedding invite that didnt have a registry inside

3- Yes, it would be very rude to not include a self-addressed stamp and envelope. Remember, these guests are already responsible for buying a gift, most buy a new outfit ( at least ladies do) and take time to travel for the wedding. You don’t want to have to make people find out where the invite goes, buy an envelope, and stamps. I myself, never have stamps in my home unless its around the holidays (for cards) because I never mail anything. PLEASE include a self-addressed envelope with a stamp.

4- Some bridesmaids might not know, so you could send out a friendly email reminding the ladies of when the dresses need to be bought by. I’m sure you can figure out a clever way to say this so you don’t sound rude.
References :
I am engaged and planning a wedding

By Girl Ginger on Dec 25, 2009

1. the standard is 8 weeks
2. if they ask you, tell them. otherwise you are SOL.
3. yes. very rude.
4. it should be assumed that they buy their own.
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By NiCoLe on Dec 25, 2009

I would send them out at least two months ahead of time, so you can get them back and let your venue know the final count. People will ask where you are registered if they want to give a gift. I don’t know about rude, but it would seem like something was missing if you didn’t give out envelopes with a stamp. Plus if you give the guests everything they need I think the will be more likely to get the RSVP back in time. Bridesmaids should know, but I would mention it to clear up any confusion. Good luck!
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By soontobeshaw on Dec 25, 2009

1. 6-8 weeks
2. Registry cards are usually sent with the shower invitations. If you didn’t have a shower, talk to your family and friends to see if they would like to help you with one.
3. Yes! You’ll only be asking for touble later when you have to call all those people and ask why they never sent the RSVP back. Don’t make extra work. Also, save money by making your RSVP a postcard. I did it, worked out great.
4. It’s assumed, but be gentle in reminding them. For instance say, "Megan, What do you think about these dresses? I’m trying to pick something pretty, but affordable so you don’t have to max out your credit card to be in my wedding!"

Congratulations!.
References :
More wedding attiquette here:
ourmarriage.com/html/wedding_etiquette.html
wedding.theknot.com/wedding-questions.aspx
http://www.frugalbride.com/dosanddonts.html

By TINA BC on Dec 25, 2009

I am sending my invites out about 5 weeks before the big day.

My mother insist that you must send a stamped envelope for the rsvp or else you wont get any back. You could say regrets only call ——–.

I think bridesmaids know that they have to buy the dress but you could politely ask how much their budget will allow.
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By April on Dec 25, 2009

1. How early before the wedding should invitations be sent out?: 6-8 Weeks before

2. They say it’s rude to send where you’re registered in the invitation.. So how do people know? Word of mouth. You can also put your registries on your wedding website and put the website address on your invitation or direction card. trust me, they find out

3. Would it be rude to not send a stamped and self-addressed envelope with the RSVP cards? Yes

4. Do bridesmaids already know that they buy their own dresses, or should I tell them? Most usually do
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By Molly SH on Dec 25, 2009

1. If you didn’t do save the dates (neither did I) then send them out 8 weeks in advance so people have time to take off work, get a babysitter, book a hotel, etc.
2. As far as putting where you are registered in the invite…well I am from a small town and everyone I know puts where they are registered at, but the person who is doing my invites said she doesn’t suggest doing so. If they want to know, they can either contact you, OR if you have a wedding website (you can create one for free at sites such as theknot.com) you can put somewhere in your website where you are registered at. OR, the majority of people register at target, so most people will just look there anyways
3. If you expect to get the RSVP cards back, you need to address them and put a stamp on them. Even though it adds up on cost, people will just leave them sitting on their table waiting to go buy a stamp, and you will never get it back
4. Bridesmaids should know they have to buy their own dresses (common sense)
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By MissSara on Dec 25, 2009

1- You should send out your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Any sooner and you risk the invitations getting lost on people’s kitchen counters and forgotten about. Any later and you risk the possibility of the guests already having plans for that day.

2-People will know where you’re registered in one of two ways: they will either call up your parents, MOH, bridesmaids, etc. and ask where you are registered, or they will receive the registry info from your MOH and bridesmaids when they send them the bridal shower invitation. another way they could find out is if you have a wedding website, because it’s perfectly acceptable to post registry info on there.

3- Yes, you must send a stamped, self-addressed RSVP card. One way to cut down on the expense is to have RSVP postcards instead. Postcards only need about half as much postage as a regular envelope.

4- Most bridesmaids assume that they are responsible for the cost of their wedding attire, but if you suspect for any reason that one of them expects you to pay for it, just tactfully let them know that the cost is their responsibility as one of their bridesmaid duties. (Like you could say, "I picked out this dress because I thought it would be an option that all of the bridesmaids can easily afford.")

Good luck!
References :
Bride-to-be Sep. 5

By fizzygurrl1980 on Dec 25, 2009

1. About 8 weeks before the wedding. Your RSVP date should be 2 weeks before the wedding.

2. If you are looking for proper wedding etiquette, it is very rude to put the registry information on the invitation or in the envelope. As others suggested, I would make a website. It would also be included with your shower invitation should your MOH or family throw one.

3. It is considered proper etiquette to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the invitation.

4. Once you’ve chosen a few dresses based on what will look good on all of your bridesmaid, I would just let them know that the dresses are between $xx and $xx. This will give them the ability to start saving.
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Wedding Planner

By bijou_azul on Dec 25, 2009

You send out invitations at least 8 weeks from your wedding date. You don’t put were you registered on the invitations, instead you put a small bussiness size card with " "the couples is registered at "target"

A return RSVP envelope is a must. This is for your sanity, Most people will open the invite and respond as soon as they get it, because they have everything right there in front of them. Then you will get it and not have to wonder if they are coming or not. This is the one thing that drives all my brides crazy.

Most bridesmaids will look up stuff as soon they are asked to be in a wedding, however most girls all ready know the info.

Have a great day.

sTacey
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3 Months before the wedding

Send out your invitations. Be sure to include everyone who received a save the date magnet or card. Double check the postage required to ensure that the invitations reach your guests.

http://www.weddingcram.com/wcplanner/planning_timeline.htm

By Stacey S on Dec 25, 2009

1. Invitations are to be mailed 4-6 weeks (though I’m doing it 6-8 weeks before just to be safe). If people don’t RSVP by the time you need your final count or a week or two before, call and confirm by phone or email.

2. I wonder that too lol, usually by word of mouth (either the mother of the bride or MOH)

3. Yes, it’s generally considered tacky

4. It’s ASSUMED they know, but i’d let them know in advance when you ask them to be your bridesmaid.
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By aniyunwiyakamama on Dec 25, 2009

1. if its a destination wedding 6 months if not no later that 2-3 months
2, myrsvplive.com offers personalized RSVP systems that your guest can call into to rsvp, select meal preferences and to hear gift registry and other information about your wedding. all guest responses will be automatically updated to your private online guest-list.
3. if you use a system like this there will be no use for RSVP envelopes and stamps
4 believe it or not you may have to tell them-never expect that they already know.
References :
http://www.wikihow.com/RSVP

By Kristin M on Dec 25, 2009

1. I would say 3 months since you didn’t send save the dates.
2. Do not include registry info in the invites. If you registered at myregistry.com (that’s where we did) use their eCards or have your maid of honor use them to let people know.
3. Yes, include a stamped, addressed envelope for RSVPs (it’s hard enough to get people to actually send them back, so every little bit helps)!
4. Bridesmaids should be expecting to buy their dress, but just in case, have your mom or someone give them a heads up about the exact cost (try to be reasonable!).

By Leslie on Dec 28, 2009