This week on Martini Mondays with Chrissy, we dove into one of the most underrated (but oh-so-important) parts of wedding planning: invitations. And yes, we did it with cosmos in hand — because let’s be honest, martinis make everything better.
We’ve been chatting through all the big wedding planning checkpoints — budget, guest list, venues, music — and now it’s time to talk about how you actually invite everyone to the party. Spoiler alert: invitations set the tone for your entire celebration, so they deserve more love than being treated like an afterthought.
Timing is Everything
Back in the day, sending invitations six weeks before the big day was totally fine. Now? Brides are mailing them out three months in advance — which sounds organized but often backfires because people forget to RSVP. My advice: don’t stress about sending invitations too early. Eight or nine months before your wedding is plenty of time to order them, but you don’t need to pop them in the mail until closer to the date. And if you’re planning a destination wedding? That’s when save-the-dates are your friend. Otherwise, skip the extra spend and put your budget toward a killer invitation suite.
Save-the-Dates: Necessary or Not?
Here’s my hot take: save-the-dates are only truly necessary for destination weddings or out-of-town events. They give guests enough time to plan travel, take off work, and decide if they’re turning your wedding into a mini vacation. But for local weddings? Totally optional. Honestly, too many couples use them as an excuse to send out another glam photo of themselves — which, hey, no shade, but it’s definitely not a must-have.
Make It Beautiful, Make It Last
When it comes to the design, I’m with my mom (a former invitation pro!) — upgrade your paper. Please. Nothing makes me cringe more than flimsy invitations. Heavy, high-quality paper automatically elevates your look. And if you’re ordering online, remember that the sample you see is styled to look its best. Get swatches, upgrade where you can, and invest in details like letterpress or thicker cardstock if possible.
And yes, your invitation wording matters. Whether you’re going super formal (“Mr. and Mrs. request the honour of your presence…”) or keeping it casual, make sure it’s correct and polished. And for the love of all things chic — match your stamps. Nothing ruins a gorgeous invitation suite faster than a mishmash of random tulip and historical figure stamps.
Insider Tricks You’ll Thank Me For
- Order extra envelopes. At least 25. Mistakes happen. Calligraphers make errors. You’ll want backups.
- Number your RSVP cards. Tiny numbers in the corner will save you when people forget to write their names (trust me, they will).
- Consider QR codes — but be mindful. They’re practical, but don’t assume every guest knows how to use them (hi, Aunt Porsche).
At the end of the day, invitations are the first impression of your wedding. They set the tone, show your guests how formal or casual the event will be, and create a sense of excitement. Don’t waste money on extras that don’t matter — put your energy into making this one element beautiful, thoughtful, and totally you.
Next week, Chrissy and I will be diving into wedding décor — because after the invitations, that’s the next piece of the planning puzzle. And of course, we’ll have another martini in hand.
Kisses + Cheers,
Alexandra
