At some point, the process of arranging invitations to even a small wedding may leave you feeling as busy as a branch office of Canada Post. If you're just starting out, here's a guide to help you plan and prepare for all your wedding-related mail.
Save-the-date Cards
These short-and-sweet announcements can be sent in advance of formal invitations, usually three months or so before the wedding. Though not obligatory, sending a short note or card to ask friends and family to reserve the date is particularly useful if you are planning a destination wedding or expect to invite many out-of-town guests.
Wedding Invitations
For a formal wedding, invitations should be sent about six weeks prior to the wedding. However, for very informal weddings or perhaps a second wedding, it's acceptable to mail invitations as little as two weeks prior to the event. Keep in mind that if any of your guests will be travelling a long way to attend, it's thoughtful to give them more notice by mailing invitations earlier.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
If you will be gathering with your family and the wedding party for dinner following a wedding rehearsal, a simple phone call to invite everyone is usually just fine. But if you're planning a formal wedding or some of the invited guests are from out of town, a written invitation is a thoughtful and personal touch. Mail these invitations three to four weeks in advance.
Wedding Announcements
Simple cards to announce your marriage, these should be printed, put in envelopes, addressed, sealed and stamped before the wedding, but not sent until immediately after. If you plan to be out of town right after the wedding, assign someone else to drop these in the post on your behalf.
Post-Wedding Brunch Invitations
Usually a relatively small event for close family or relatives visiting from out of town, invitations for a day-after brunch can be printed on separate cards and inserted into the wedding invitations of those you would like to attend. Otherwise, you can send them out on their own, three to four weeks before the event.
Thank-you Cards
An important gesture to show your appreciation, send a thank-you card as soon after you receive a wedding gift as possible. If you receive a gift before the wedding, it's okay to open it and send the thank-you card ahead of the event. Some people choose to wait until after the wedding to open gifts, but it's still thoughtful to call or write to the gift-giver to at least acknowledge that the parcel arrived safely. Then, follow up with a proper thank-you after the wedding when you've opened it.
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