5 common wedding invitation mistakes & how to avoid them

When you're doing something for the first time, you're bound to make some mistakes. Luckily you can learn from the errors of others and avoid making the same mistakes as them with your wedding invitations! Here are some of the most common mistakes I come across when couples are getting their wedding invitations designed.
1. Sending out the wrong information
You need to worry about ensuring all the details are correct.
How to avoid this mistake: When you receive your draft wedding invitation, carefully check EVERYTHING. Get a detail-orientated friend to double check them for you too - fresh eyes spot mistakes a lot faster.
2. Ordering the wrong number of wedding invites
I get plenty of couples coming back to me requiring extra copies of their wedding invitations because they've miscounted guest numbers, some have gone missing in the post, or they forgot a guest!
On the other hand, it can be a really expensive mistake to order too many wedding invitations. Remember that most of your guests will be in "couples". I.e. if you are having 150 guests, you do not need 150 invitations.
How to avoid this mistake: Before you get your wedding invitations printed, write a comprehensive guest list and get your families and partner to chip in with their guest lists too.
3. Information Overload
Striking the balance between enough information and too much information is a tricky one to navigate. The more information you give your guests, the less likely they are to read it all. On the other hand, if you want to go for minimal information, be aware that some people will be really confused!
How to avoid this mistake: If you want to share lots of detail, then set up a wedding website and load it all up there. Keep the essential bits on your wedding invitation and direct guests to visit your website for more information.
4. Having a really early RSVP date
If you have a three month (or longer) RSVP date, your guest's plans may change - work things come up, relationships break up, travel arrangements go awry. It's annoying not having final numbers for your own sanity (and your budget), but I assure you, it'll upset you off more having people ring a couple of weeks out saying they can't make it any more.
How to avoid this mistake: Your RSVP date should be a month to six weeks before your wedding. If you are concerned about wedding guests not being able to come, send a "Save the Date". These are traditionally sent approx 1 year to 6 months prior to a wedding.
5. Sending out Save the Dates when budget is an issue
My main thing is stationery, so of course I'm a huge advocate for Save the Dates. However If you're scrambling to fund your wedding, don't bother with the extra expense of Save the Dates. Yes, they are useful, and fun, and I recommend them to a lot of people, but they are a nice-to-have.
How to avoid this mistake: If you're on a tight budget, send an email to key guests, or give them a call to ensure they know your wedding date has been set. It's free!
To read the post in full, with more detail on each point, visit the post at www.bemyguest.co.nz/5-common-w...
If you want more information on writing your wedding invitations, or wedding etiquette, find the ebook at www.bemyguest.co.nz/product/we.... It's $7NZD if you want to grab it straight away - or if you're a member of Southern Bride, you'll receive it for free about six months out from your wedding. Sign up for Southern Bride at www.southernbride.co.nz