When it comes to ordering wedding invites, you don’t want to over-buy them and you don’t want to run up short. So, how do you know who exactly gets a wedding invitation?

In this blog post, we’ll tell you whether every guest vs household receives a wedding invite. Also, we’ll cover why you shouldn’t send a save-the-date card to a guest unless they are invited to the wedding.

Let’s do it!

The Difference Between Save the Dates and Invitations

First, it’s important to know the difference between save the dates vs invitations. A save the date is an informal card sent to guests to announce your wedding date. In a way, a save the date is an informal invite.

Here’s exactly what goes on a save the date (as outlined, it’s very general.)

Here’s an example of a save the date:

A save the date tells your guests:

► when the wedding will take place
► they ARE on the guest list
► a formal invitation will follow in the upcoming months

❗ Never send save the dates to guests unless they’re 100% on the guest list. ❗

Every guest who is invited receives a save the date.

An invitation tells your guests:

► all the necessary details: ceremony venue, reception venue, start times, cocktail hour, who is hosting, dress code, etc.

Every guest who is invited receives a wedding invitation. (This is PER household, not per individual guest).

Here’s an example of a wedding invitation suite:

Timeline + Formality

Moreover, the timeline for sending save the dates versus invitations is very different:

► A save-the-date is sent 6 to 8 months before the wedding (or 8 to 12 months for destination wedding)

► An invitation is sent 6 to 8 weeks prior to the wedding

There is a big difference in formality, too.

→ A save the date is casual and not required, although it is highly recommended. A save the date should always be sent if you’re planning a destination wedding.

→ An invitation is formal and mandatory.

Now that we have that cleared up, let’s talk about who receives an invitation.

Bride-to-be, Laura, asks us about whether all guests get a wedding invitation if they’ve received a save the date. She writes,

“Do I have to invite every guest who received a save the date? Does every guest receive a wedding invitation?”

Great question, Laura!

• Every invited guest should receive a save the date and a wedding invitation (one per household)

→ Send ONE save the date / invitation per household
→ All guests 18+ should receive their own invitation

You do NOT send an invitation to each guest on your list, but rather each household.

If a guest is bringing a plus one whom you know and they live separately, send the invitation to the guest whom you know best and include their guest’s name on the invitation.

• If you’re not sure yet about inviting a particular guest, skip sending them a save the date and send a wedding invitation

Now we get into the tricky etiquette about plus-ones. Here’s a helpful guide: Who Gets a Plus One at a Wedding: The Proper Etiquette.

TL;DR

Each guest (household) should receive a wedding invitation to your wedding, plus a save the date if you’re sending them.

DOs vs DONTs

→ If you DO send a save the date to a guest, YOU MUST send them a wedding invitation.

→ If you DO NOT send a save the date to a guest, DO send them a wedding invitation.

Now that you know who receives an invitation, it’s time to order yours! Make sure you order early enough to allow for printing, shipping, and assembly. Shop the latest designs at Minted: the new collection is gorgeous!

Hope it helps!

xo
Emma

This is a sponsored post.