Getting wedding announcement etiquette right can be tricky. Many couples wonder what to include, who to send them to, and when to mail them out. Announcements are a wonderful way to share your big news with those who couldn’t attend your special day, especially if you eloped or had a small guest list.
Wedding planner Allison Davis emphasizes that announcements are perfect for couples with intimate weddings or elopements, allowing you to spread the joy. This guide covers the essentials of wedding announcement etiquette, including timing, wording, addressing, and common mistakes to avoid. Read on to confidently share your happy news!
Key Takeaways
- Purpose: Announcements let people know about your marriage, especially those who couldnโt attend.
- Timing: Save-the-dates go out 6โ8 months before the wedding, invitations 6โ8 weeks prior, and announcements within three months after.
- Content: Include both names, wedding date, location, and optionally parents’ names or photos.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid including registry info, sending late, or unclear wording.
- Format Options: Choose between mailed announcements or digital options like emails, social media posts, or wedding websites.
What is a Wedding Announcement?
A wedding announcement is a formal way to share news of your recent marriage, often used by couples who had a small ceremony or eloped. Allison Davis, a respected wedding planner, highlights that announcements can be a thoughtful way to include everyone in your celebration, even if they couldnโt be there in person:
“Wedding announcements are a thoughtful way to include everyone in your celebration, even if they couldn’t be there in person.” โ Allison Davis
Announcements can be shared in print (like newspaper announcements) or as mailed cards directly to friends and family. Both methods help couples spread their joyful news and keep loved ones informed of their new marital status.
Key Elements of Wedding Announcement Etiquette
Proper wedding announcement etiquette includes several important aspects:
1. Timing of Sending Announcements
- Save-the-dates: Send 6โ8 months before the wedding, or 9โ12 months if itโs a destination wedding.
- Invitations: Mail 6โ8 weeks before the wedding day. For destination weddings or holidays, give guests 10โ12 weeks.
- Announcements: Send them shortly after the wedding, ideally within three months.
2. Details to Include in the Announcement
- Begin with the couple’s full names, followed by the wedding date and location.
- Optional details: Hostsโ names and photos.
- Keep the announcement concise, consistent with your wedding stationery, and styled to reflect your wedding’s tone.
3. Addressing and Mailing Guidelines
- Use proper titles (like โDr.โ or โJudgeโ) and list both names for couples.
- For families, place children’s names on a separate line.
- Consider hiring a calligrapher or using a high-quality pen for handwritten envelopes.
- Be mindful of cultural preferences for addressing names to show respect for your recipients’ backgrounds.
4. Who Receives the Announcement
- Family: Send to relatives who werenโt at the wedding.
- Close friends: Share with friends who couldnโt attend.
- Colleagues: Notify work friends and bosses.
- Neighbors: Inform neighbors, especially if youโre moving.
- Community members: Share with members of clubs, churches, or other social groups.
- Out-of-town friends: Send announcements to distant friends.
- Guests who RSVPโd but couldnโt come: Keep these friends in the loop.
- Extended social circle: Let acquaintances or friends-of-friends know about your marriage if desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls when sending your wedding announcements:
- Incorrect timing: Make sure the ceremony start time is correct on invitations.
- Missing key details: Include the date, time, location, and RSVP information on invitations.
- Lack of RSVP instructions: Set a clear deadline for responses.
- No pre-addressed RSVP envelopes: Include stamped return envelopes.
- Registry info on invitations: Keep registry information off the invitation.
- Unclear wording: Use full names to avoid guest confusion.
- Poor invitation wording: Choose clear, typo-free wording.
- Sending invites too late: Aim for 6โ8 weeks in advance.
How to Send Wedding Announcements
Sending wedding announcements can be done in two main ways. You can mail printed cards or send digital notices to share your happy news.
Mailed Announcements
Mailed announcements remain a popular choice for sharing wedding news. They offer a personal touch and create a lasting keepsake for recipients. Here’s a guide to mailing your wedding announcements:
- Choose high-quality stationery that matches your wedding style.
- Address envelopes by hand or use printed labels for a polished look.
- Include the couple’s names, wedding date, and location in the announcement.
- Add parents’ names if desired, especially for formal announcements.
- Use clear, easy-to-read fonts for the text.
- Proofread all details carefully before printing.
- Mail announcements within three months after the wedding day.
- Send to those who weren’t at the wedding but are important to you.
- Use proper postage to ensure delivery.
- Consider adding a photo from your wedding day for a personal touch.
- Avoid including registry information in the announcement.
- Write a short, heartfelt message for a warm personal touch.
- Use formal or informal wording based on your style and recipients.
- Double-check addresses to avoid returned mail.
- Mail announcements in batches to manage the task easily.
Digital announcements offer another option for sharing your wedding news with loved ones.
Digital Announcements
While mailed announcements remain popular, digital options have gained traction. Online wedding announcements offer a quick and eco-friendly way to share your happy news.
- Email announcements: Create a personalized message with wedding details and photos. Send to your contact list for instant delivery.
- Social media posts: Share your marriage update on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Include a special photo and brief message about your big day.
- Wedding websites: Build a site with your love story, wedding info, and photos. Send the link to friends and family as your announcement.
- E-cards: Use online services to design and send virtual wedding announcements. Many offer customizable templates for a unique touch.
- Video announcements: Create a short clip announcing your marriage. Share it via email or social media for a personal touch.
- Digital photo cards: Design a photo card with your wedding details. Send as an email attachment or through photo sharing sites.
- Text messages: For a casual approach, send a group text to close friends and family. Include a photo and brief message about your nuptials.
- Blog posts: Write about your wedding on a personal blog. Share the link as your announcement to friends and family.
- Online newspapers: Some papers offer digital announcements. Submit your wedding news for online publication.
- Messaging apps: Use apps like WhatsApp or Messenger to create group chats. Share your wedding news with multiple people at once.
Conclusion
Wedding announcements share your joy with loved ones. They need careful planning and proper etiquette. Timing, wording, and recipient lists matter greatly. Avoid common mistakes like sending too late or forgetting key details.
Choose between mailed or digital formats based on your style. Proper announcements spread happiness and keep everyone in the loop about your big day.