Weddings are exuberant, momentous occasions. The invitations you send out should reflect this while following a few basic guidelines. Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow when designing and sending out your invitations.

Do:

Put in all of the necessary details.

Write down all relevant information in the invite: the address of the venue, your names, and the date and time of the event. Include at least two different ways for guests to RSVP, such as through mail, email, phone, or an online form. If you’re serving a few meal choices rather than a buffet, ask for preferences. Mention how you want guests to relate their dietary restrictions or needs as well. Guests will also want to know about the dress code, whether it’s formal, casual, or something more specific.

Think about the design.

The invitation design should reflect your personalities. If you joke around a lot, you could use playful language like puns. The invite should also match the tone of the wedding, such as casual and charming or elaborate and elegant, so guests have an idea of what to expect. A quaint and charming invitation, for instance, could use a simple black font and a conversational tone with minimal decoration, such as flowers printed along the side. In contrast, an elegant invite might be hand-delivered as a scroll, employ a cursive font in silver or gold, use formal language, and have a filigree or lace-like border.

Don’t:

Use outdated contact information.

People change their contact information often, so always double-check it for those you haven’t spoken to in more than a month. After all, you don’t want invitations to go missing. You can usually get updated information from mutual family members and friends, or you can contact them yourself.

Wait until the last minute.

Weddings are planned well in advance, so you should be able to send invites out at least a month before the event. This gives guests time to RSVP, buy attire and gifts, and arrange for lodging if none is available at the venue. It also lets you and your wedding planners know how many guests to expect so you can plan accordingly and have enough time to accommodate any specific requests or restrictions.

If you’re just starting to plan your big day, work with Envisions Weddings in Kahului, HI, to make it truly unforgettable. As Maui’s largest event coordinator with over 30 years of experience, they offer competitive packages that include venues, photography, catering, decor, and musicians. They’ll handle every detail to create your dream ceremony, taking the stress off your shoulders. View some of their incredible packages online, and call (808) 874-1000 to begin planning today.