Call me old-fashioned, but I still love receiving a wedding invitation by post! Being able to display it on my fireplace is just the start of the excitement for attending such a special event. However, more and more couples are choosing to send their wedding invitations electronically. But is it really easier, more reliable, and cost-effective?
Firstly, let’s take a moment to recall why wedding invitations are so important. As I often say, your invitations are the first impression of your wedding day. They set the tone for your special event and provide guests with all the necessary details to ensure everything runs smoothly. A quality invitation can also become a sentimental keepsake to show your children and grandchildren in years to come. Those you choose to invite will feel honoured to be part of your day, and surely, the invitation should reflect that.
Many believe email invitations save time and money, but that isn’t always the case. How many emails do you receive in a day – or even a week? With billions of emails sent daily, a large percentage go unopened. Emails can often end up in the spam folder, as one comment on my Instagram feed put it: “I lose emails!” You’ll never know if your invites have been seen, read, or if they’re just sitting there, especially for guests who aren’t as tech-savvy, such as older generations.
When I asked on social media if people thought email invitations were acceptable, the majority preferred receiving a physical invitation. One comment said, “Always a lovely invitation in the post, no question. It’s something to get excited about and a lovely surprise. I always like to put my invites up so that I can be reminded there’s something lovely to look forward to.” Another stated, “I much prefer an actual invite in the post,” while one more said, “I love receiving an invitation through the post; it makes it more personal.” While one comment suggested that beautifully presented email invitations were acceptable, they don’t provide the keepsake value that a physical invitation does.
As mentioned earlier, a physical invitation is less likely to be lost, as it’s often displayed as a constant reminder. While there may be a few guests who need a nudge to send their RSVP, the majority will respond without prompting. With email invitations, however, you’re more likely to encounter non-responders, which leads to follow-up emails, calls, and messages – extra time and effort spent chasing up guests. And as the saying goes, time is money! If you choose to send email invitations, have you considered older guests who may not have an email account? This could mean sending invitations in two different formats, creating more work for you.
While creating wedding invitations takes time and comes with a cost, they are crafted to reflect your style, colour scheme, and theme, adding a personal touch to your wedding. A wedding invitation is something to treasure – a way to celebrate this exciting occasion with your own unique, personalised design. Some traditions are worth keeping!
If you’re looking for award-winning Welsh wedding stationery, get in touch to arrange a consultation or browse my online shop for ready-made designs.