September 2022

Most people are familiar with the dangers involved in navigating the murky waters of event dress codes. But unfortunately, when it comes to events with complex dress codes, most people can be utterly clueless.

One such event is a wedding.

If you’ve ever attended a wedding, you know that your clothing choice is among the most critical factors for a prosperous and peaceful day.

Black tie optional dress codes are particularly challenging because they do not explicitly tell you what you should or should not wear. It is not easy to determine partially formal or partially informal outfits. Therefore, to demystify the optional black tie dress code.

What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?
Black Tie Optional Etiquette
Black Tie Optional Outfit Ideas for Women
Black Tie Optional Ideas for Men
Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?

Black tie optional dress codes are like coded communication that dressing up would be desired but is not compulsory. For example, guests may choose to wear their most formal clothing, such as an evening gown or tuxedo, but they could also opt to wear a formal suit or cocktail dress.

Typically, a black-tie optional dress code means the wedding party and the couple will wear black ties. Therefore, it is polite for visitors to dress in a way that reflects this level of formality, but it is not compulsory.

However, since a good number of people will be in formal clothing, you do not want to be in clothes that are too casual. In summary, if we were to put black tie optional on a sort of scale, ten would be for full formal, and the lowest you could go was a five at casual formal. The general rule is to be smart and not too casual. That is all.

Black-tie optional is a deliberately ambiguous specification that offers excellent liberty. With this dress code, you can probably assume that the bridal party and most close family members will wear floor-length gowns and tuxedos.

The other guests will be in varying degrees of formality, never too casual and sometimes fully formal. While some people will embrace the chance to dress up, others will be content to don a more casual suit or midi dress.

Black Tie Optional Etiquette

Now that we know what it is, here are some basic rules to guide you on the best options for this kind of dress code-

Ties

We will start with ties because this is an outfit must-have for men. Therefore, having a tie and a shirt will be half the equation. But, of course, you should not wear a tie on top of a shirt not meant for ties or without a coat of some sort.

If you are going for a dark suit, be mindful of the color of your tie. For example, you shouldn’t wear black bow ties with dark suits. Therefore, a necktie or bow tie in a color other than black would be preferable, such as burgundy, navy, dark forest green, or very dark plum. Do not do black on black.

Colors

Except for whites and pastels, any color is appropriate for black tie optional events. However, even in that spectrum, men are expected to dress in dark colors. However, you may go lighter than is typically allowed if the wedding organizers specifically say so.

Dark colors are not necessary for ladies, and they have a wide variety of choices regarding the color of their dress. Unless you have to color-coordinate with the rest of the wedding party, any solid color dress of choice is appropriate.

Dress Length

In contrast to an entirely black-tie wedding, full-length evening gowns are preferred but not required. A midi-length dress is also suitable; however, anything over the knee is too informal.

Slits are also acceptable, but you should avoid anything too close to the hip. A mid-thigh slit would be high enough, keeping you feeling good while elongating your frame perfectly. You also probably need the split on a long dress to avoid seeming swallowed up by the material.

Men should also avoid shorts and pants that hover over their ankles as these are too casual.

Prints

Wearing vivid flower print or bright-pattern gowns may be inappropriate because they are often more informal than a black tie optional occasion demands.

In addition, while black tie or optional black tie parties call for a classier look, cocktail etiquette allows more colorful outfits. Therefore, your cocktail dress may not be the best option.

Women should consider some print alternatives, though, if it’s warm outside and the black tie optional event takes place during the day. Keep the prints understated and the florals in darker hues to maintain the classy look. You can also consider geometric and other abstract patterns if you are unsure how casual your printed dress looks.

Shoes

Expect to wear either black or brown formal shoes. Other hues may complement your attire, so you have several possibilities. However, ensure that the shoes are formal enough to go with your suit without being out of place.

We recommend matching your socks to your dress and avoiding brightly colored socks unless you’re positive the bride and groom will enjoy your sense of taste.

Women can wear any heels but avoid flats because they are too casual for this event. The good news is that the heels do not have to be extra high, and anything two inches above will do.

Any shoes you will be wearing should preferably be as silent as possible. Noisy or flashy shoes may draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

Black Tie Optional Outfit Ideas for Women

A simple, flattering gown in a single solid color is the safest option for women. Keep it at the knees or below, and feel free to explore slits, so you do not feel consumed by longer gowns. As for the color, stick to intense jewel tones such as ruby and emerald. Keep the brighter colors for daytime black tie optional events and the prints for warmer weather.

Remember to keep jumpsuits long and flowy if you want to explore them. That’s all! There is no rule against it; it is the best option if you do not feel like or want to wear a dress. Of course, you can also try a suit but stick to the same rules for men. It is that simple.

Black Tie Optional Ideas for Men

A suit in dark blue, navy blue, gray, or classic black would perfectly suit men or anyone who opt to wear a suit. However, unless it’s a summer wedding and the bride and groom allow for lighter, summery colors, guests should adhere to dark, muted colors for their suits or tuxedos. Keep it simple with a white button-down shirt to finish the look. You cannot go wrong with this.

What Should You Not Wear to a Black Tie Optional?

Although black tie optional is a little more liberal than other dress codes, there are indeed some things you should avoid at all costs-

Not Having a Tie

For men, you must have a tie. There are no two ways about it! It can be a bow tie or a necktie. Whichever it is, it just has to be part of your clothes. The outfit becomes too casual for the event when you do not have a tie.

Anything Overly Casual

Wearing sneakers, t-shirts, sundresses, or anything else you might typically wear is not advised. The wedding planners who spent time and effort making this a formal event may find it disrespectful if you arrive in an overly casual outfit. In addition to appearing rude, it is a glaring faux pas that will show you did not understand the assignment.

Short-Dresses

As mentioned in the Dress Length section, avoid micro minis and other short dresses above the knee. These outfits are fun but too casual even for a relatively warm venue. However, there is nothing to worry about since most black tie optional events are held in the evening.

Light Colored Suits

The majority of black tie optional occasions take place at night. As a result, light-colored suits in shades of light gray or khaki will stand out, as a black tie is an optional event. Stick to the colors recommended in the Colors section of this article.

Shorts

Never wear any kind of shorts to an optional black tie event. Especially for men, even if it seems like a ‘smart’ outfit, avoid it at all costs. Some short ensembles in magazines are marketed as fashionable, and although they probably are, they do not suit black tie optional events.

If you are going to wear a jumpsuit, keep it long. If possible, flowy too.

However, Flowiness does not compensate for length and vice versa, so avoid tight, shiny jumpsuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few more things you should know about black tie optional, based on the questions we get the most-

What is the Difference Between Black Tie Optional and Black Tie Invited?

Black tie optional and black tie invited mean the same thing. You will also find ‘black tie encouraged. All these simply mean that it would be great if you black tie outfits and several people will be in them at the event, but you do not have to. Likewise, a black-tie invitation does not mean that only people wearing black tie outfits will be allowed at the venue.

Can You Wear a Gray Suit to Black Tie Optional?

On most occasions, no. This standard is mainly because most black tie optional events take place at night or in the evening, making lighter colors inappropriate. But if the event is during the day or the organizers allow it, then of course. However, to be on the safe side, stick to darker colors.

Can I Wear a Suit to Black Tie Optional?

Yes, you can wear a suit to a black tie optional event. Only remember that you will have to adhere to the color requirements. Women can also wear a women’s suit while sticking to the conditions stipulated for men. In most cases, it would be best for them to button up instead of wearing a tie.

What Color Should I Wear With a Black Suit to Black Tie Optional?

For the shirt, you can never go wrong with white. It is probably the best option. Instead, you should avoid black neckties and bow ties and go for deep jewel tones. However, there is nothing wrong with going black on black. If possible, match with the color scheme of the wedding, if any.

It is official! You and your significant other have agreed to tie the knot. You are so excited that you want to stay in the engagement bubble for as long as possible, but it’s impossible to stop yourself from rushing to tell your family and friends. As expected, you’ll start receiving endless questions.

When is the big day? Have you decided where to have the wedding? What will you wear? Is it a destination or a local wedding?

With pressure mounting, you’ll have to start planning for a wedding. The big problem is how long before the wedding you should start.

Most wedding planners and experts argue that an average of 8 to 16 months is enough to plan a wedding. However, the timeline is subject to many things, like your schedule, budget, and the kind of wedding you want.

Each wedding will need various periods for preparation.

This article explores when to start planning a wedding, what to do first, and the conversations you need to have immediately.

When to Start Planning

There is no generally established amount of time to plan a wedding. Each wedding and couple are different in many ways meaning that the time to start preparing will vary. Some will elope immediately, while others will need time to prepare.

Of course, some have been planning their wedding day from the first day they saw each other.

Our advice at Curated Events is to take some time and bask in the joy of getting engaged. This ‘engagement honeymoon’ period will help you and your partner to think deeply about what you want in your nuptials.

You need to figure out many things before you start planning a wedding. First, you’ll have to know the period and under what budget you are working.

Your time dictates the speed you spend accomplishing tasks, and the budget governs what you can afford and what vendors to approach. You must agree with your partner based on financial power to avoid conflicts.

What to Do First

A wedding entails more than exchanging your vows and cutting cake. It includes various activities and things you must get right—the different tasks required to make your special day great need different strategies and time to accomplish.

Here are some things you need to do first.

Book a Venue

You’ve always seen yourself saying I do on a sandy beach during sunset or in your favorite holiday hotel. Whichever the case, you’d do anything to get the venue booked for your wedding.

If you love a venue, chances are it is incredible, meaning other people will also want to use it. Due to this, you need to move first to ensure that the venue is open on the wedding day.

Getting the perfect venue can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t get your first choice venue or date. So ensure you start the search immediately after you settle on a venue.

You also need to find out the menus provided at the venue to decide what to serve your visitors.

Find a Wedding Dress

One of the highlights of a wedding is the wedding gown. Every bride wants their wedding gown to stand out and be the talk of the town for a long time. You have probably been dreaming of it since you were a kid and have gone through numerous Pinterest pictures before.

Getting the wedding dress fitted and delivered on time is critical, even if you know what you want.

Lateness will force you to either shop in a hurry, pay very high prices, or go for something off the rack. Most wedding dress designers need around five to six months to customize a wedding dress and deliver it in time. They’ll also need time to alter it for the perfection you need.

We are sure you’ll not want an unfitting or off-the-rack wedding gown.

Hire Vendors

If you intend to treat your guests to a memorable wedding with unique foods, drinks, decor, and entertainment, you’ll want to book the vendors way before your wedding day.

For example, suppose you want to serve a special Italian delicacy from a celebrity chef or get the services of the best wedding florist. In that case, you need to confirm they are available on your wedding day. To do this, book them around a year before the wedding.

Other vendors you need to book first for your special day include-

• Wedding Planner
• Wedding Cake Baker
• Videographer/photographer
• Hair and makeup stylists
• Transport services
• Wedding officiator
• Send Save the Dates

If your wedding involves more than just you, your partner, officiator, and witnesses, you must send the dates to your friends and family.

While your loved ones want to show up on your big day, people get held up, and emergencies occur. As a result, they must mark their calendars and set reminders before the day.

Additionally, wedding guests from far away need to make early travel arrangements or miss the wedding. You’ll also need to book a room for them as soon as you decide on the venue.

Choose the Wedding Party

A wedding party is essential. They plan the bachelorette and bachelor parties and are the support system in the planning and execution process.

Therefore, identifying your wedding party in advance is essential. You’ll give the individuals a heads up so that they can save the date and prepare while also knowing who won’t be available.

It also provides enough time to get their wedding outfits ready on time. We assume you’ll have a theme and want them to dress in a specific way.

Plan your Honeymoon

Are you planning to head for your honeymoon immediately after your wedding? We won’t judge; who doesn’t want to spend some time away with their partner immediately after the ‘I Dos’?

However, if you want a smooth honeymoon, you need to plan it as early as the venue. If you have a specific destination in mind, you need to book the hotel rooms in advance and book the flight and local tour guide if you are going out of town.

We recommend you do this around six months in advance.

The One Conversation to Have Immediately

I just got engaged!

Once the ring is presented, the idea of marriage is now on the table. While we suggest that you enjoy the excitement and joy for a while before starting to plan a wedding, there is an important issue you and your partner must deliberate on; will yours be a long-term or short-term engagement?

Engagement periods differ from couple to couple. Each period has advantages and will not affect the planning period if you are well prepared. Nevertheless, deciding how long you’ll remain engaged gives you an idea of when you want your wedding to take place.

You don’t have to settle on the actual date immediately.

If your wedding is more than 18 months away

If you decide to have a long engagement period of more than a year and a half, you’ll have an easier time preparing for your wedding. You can take the first few months to enjoy and bask in the engagement and start your wedding plans slowly and comfortably with less pressure and stress.

With 18 months notice, you’ll likely find and book your perfect venue and vendors.

You’ll also have enough time to discuss and agree on what you want for your wedding day. You can even try your hosting skills through a small engagement party!

If your wedding is a year or more away

Most couples will say their ‘I dos’ within a year of their engagement. Over here, we think that is the perfect duration to plan a successful wedding.

Start by taking a few weeks to live in the moment and appreciate your engagement. Shortly afterward, you can slowly jump into the planning process with a clearer mind.

Take a task at a time and avoid juggling things; you’ll get tired quickly, confused, and eventually frustrated. Instead, start with the small things, like determining your budget and the number of people you intend to host.

List down the venues you’ll want, starting from the most preferred, and start researching. Chances are very high that you’ll find your first or second choice open, depending on the location.

After you settle on the venue, you’ll need to start looking at the vendors immediately. Remember to also look at the venue’s policy on vendors.

If your wedding is in less than a year

If you intend to move from ‘Will you Marry me?’ to ‘Do you accept..?’ within 12 months, you can still have a stressless planning duration.

You could have settled for a year for many reasons; your preferred season to wed is coming up, or you just don’t have the patience to wait for more than a year. Whichever the case, you still have time to make things perfect.

Take a week or two to yourself before jumping into preparation mode. You could even take a short vacation out of town before coming back to prepare.

You’ll need to decide on a date and check out the venue you want immediately, as less than a year is a short time.

You may have to be prepared to settle on your second, third, or fourth option as someone may have already booked the venue for the same day. You may also want to contact your vendors immediately.

If your wedding is six months away

Six months is a short time frame to plan a wedding, but it is doable. Around a fifth of couples will usually take half a year to move from ‘just engaged’ to ‘just married.’

While the time frame is short, you can take a week or two off without compromising much time.

However, to avoid stress, you’ll have to start planning almost immediately and get to know that you may miss your preferred venue and vendors.

Start by researching for venues starting from your top choice; you never know, the venue may be open. You’ll also want to check their catering options; if the menu and services match your needs, they are the easiest option. Also, get in contact with other vendors as soon as possible to prepare them for the big day.

If your wedding is three months away (or less than that!)

If you want to get married immediately after your engagement, you may have to start making arrangements immediately. It doesn’t mean you avoid taking some time off; a week should be enough but begin as soon as possible.

You can plan a wedding in a matter of days if you have the urge and will. First, however, you must be ready to make a lot of concessions, like using a venue not on your list and having fewer guests than you would want.

Nevertheless, three months is long enough to plan and execute a successful and memorable wedding.

Final Thoughts

Weddings are unique, and everyone will want the day to be smooth and successful. As such, you’ll have to prepare sufficiently and on time.

You have to book your preferred venue, contact vendors, get the wedding gown and outfits, and invite guests. The time you take to do this will vary as each wedding has its own needs.

We recommend you take around a year if time permits. However, you can plan a wedding in as short as a month if that is what you desire.

One of the primary purposes of having a wedding is for people to witness your promise to each other. Naturally, therefore, the guests need to make it there.

Most importantly, your nearest and dearest family and friends must be there. You need to do everything you can to compromise with them and work out a date and time that is convenient for everyone. Therefore, your invitations need to be sent in good time.

Inviting guests to your wedding may seem straightforward, but it can be time-consuming, expensive, stressful, and complicated.

You must decide who to invite, send save-the-dates and formal invitations, and ensure that everyone RSVPs. But one thing that makes the process a lot easier is having enough time to handle all that comes with it.

But how do we know when the best time is to start sending out invitations and save the dates? Let’s explore this question further.

What Are Save-the-Dates?
When To Send Save-the-Dates
When To Send Wedding Invites
When to Send Other Wedding Related Invites
How Early is Too Early for Wedding Invitations?
When Not to Send Save-the-Dates
Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Save-the-Dates?

Everyone is familiar with the basic wedding invitation, but not everyone knows what a save-the-date is.

Many people omit save-the-dates from their wedding plans, so it is understandable that most people only vaguely know anything about them. So, we need to start by adequately defining what they are.

A save-the-date welcomes your guest to mark the date on their calendar. It is a straightforward concept.

While it does provide some information regarding the wedding, the purpose of this card is to allow guests to plan ahead of time and to inform them that you will deliver a formal invitation at a later date.

They are thus a precursor to a formal invitation. They often serve as a placeholder for the invitation, letting guests know to clear their schedules or avoid committing to other events on that day. They are a fantastic way to let people you care about know that they are being invited to your wedding for sure.

But is all this truly necessary?

But, this pre-invitation notification is still necessary. Furthermore, if you’re planning a destination wedding during a busy travel period, such as a holiday weekend, or in a faraway place, such as a distant tropical island, sending a save-the-date is an expected courtesy.

Many of your guests will need to make travel and hotel arrangements, so it’s best to assume your guests will need time to budget and prepare for it. And if we can set all seriousness aside for a minute, save-the-dates are a fun way to drive up excitement for your wedding!

Most guests will be fine with an invitation-only, and others will probably already know about your wedding and any unique plans.

Although it seems straightforward, and generally is, most things to do with weddings have an extra layer of protocols to follow.

Questions such as when they are sent and which circumstances are appropriate for their use quickly confuse people. Let us change that in this guide.

When To Send Save-the-Dates

Save-the-dates are given out before wedding invitations and should be sent between six and 12 months before the wedding. Sending the save-the-date 12 months in advance is customary if your engagement is longer than a year.

Anything beyond this may make your guests forget about the event. Also, consider that you can never be sure what the future holds, and people have finite control over the events in their lives the further away it is. Therefore, the longer there is to wait between a wedding and a save-the-date, the more likely the guests will not be able to tell for sure if they can make it, even if they promise to.

If you are going for 12 months, remember that you can email event reminders to ensure that your guests don’t forget. It’s best to keep your wedding at the forefront of their minds.

Many people postponed their weddings due to the pandemic and are rescheduling as more and more places open up.

If you’re planning a wedding in the aftermath of the pandemic, you might want to send out your save-the-dates a little earlier. Dates are being picked up rapidly with so many couples postponing and rescheduling all at once, and it may be vital to let loved ones know your date sooner so that they may save it and prevent missing your special day.

When To Send Wedding Invites

Finding the best time to send out wedding invites can be a tricky balancing act. But only allow at most three months between them and the save-the-date. After that, you should send invitations eight to 12 weeks before the event (two to three months out).

Set a date on the card for attendees to RSVP by so you can have a headcount, but expect some people to miss that deadline.

If you’re worried about not having enough time, send out your invitations at least 16 weeks (four months) before the wedding.

Always follow up with people who have not replied, just in case someone forgot to RSVP.

When To Send Other Wedding Related Invitations

Weddings are not just about the ceremony and the reception. There are many events leading up to and after the main event. Therefore, it is important to specify who will be invited to which event, let them know in the save-the-date, and then customize an invitation for each special event.

Here are a few common wedding events you should not forget to send invitations for:

Bridal Shower Invitations

Depending on how many out-of-town guests you invite, you should send bridal shower invitations 6–8 weeks in advance.

Give visitors who live far away plenty of time to make travel and lodging arrangements. Doing so can save money, especially if they live relatively far from the event location.

Engagement Party Invitations

Engagement party invitations can be simple—an e-invite is sufficient, especially if you intend to send guests bulky paper invitations for future wedding-related activities.

Your invitations should be sent out as soon as possible after your engagement since you want the happy news to be fresh in their minds and you to hold the party before wedding-planning woes kick in.

Generally, it is a good rule to organize an engagement party within two to three months of getting engaged and send out invitations three to four weeks before the event.

Bachelor(ette) Invitations

Most bachelor or bachelorette parties require guests to travel. As a result, you should send your invites six to eight weeks in advance, so your out-of-town guests have enough time to book their vacation accommodations without incurring lake-booking fees or surging airfare.

Day-After Events

We recommend including a separate card with your wedding invites for day-after activities, such as brunch or send-off parties. Out-of-town visitors can then use that information when booking their journey home.

If you cannot include this information with your initial invitations due to a last-minute decision, an e-invite sent six to eight weeks in advance would suffice. Remember your traveling guests.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

If your rehearsal dinner guest list includes a lot of traveling guests, you should send out formal invitations six to eight weeks in advance. If, on the other hand, it’s a modest and relaxed celebration with only local attendees, you can send e-invites four weeks in advance.

Remember you should always send those rehearsal dinner invitations after the wedding invitation.

How Early is Too Early for Wedding Invitations?

As mentioned above, you can send invitations anywhere between eight and 16 weeks before the wedding. Sending out invitations earlier might seem like a bright idea to finish preparing sooner, but in the end, it might make it harder to decide how many guests to invite and finalize booking with vendors.

Sending wedding invitations too early can be a problem. Many brides want to send out invitations early to check their numbers with vendors and reduce stress. But often, even the vendors are unwilling to commit.

What usually happens is that guests forget to reply and leave their invitations in a stack of mail. Or, as we have mentioned, they cannot commit to a date so far out. Other times, someone might say “yes” to the RSVP but subsequently forget about it because too much time passes between the RSVP and the event.

Also, it may be too soon for wedding vendors to find reservations. So most of your effort will be in vain because only very few people will be capable of bookings.

When Not to Send Save-the-Dates

You do not need to send save-the-dates if:

• Your wedding will be happening soon after the engagement
• Your wedding will be happening locally, and only people nearby will be invited
• No significant planning from the guests will be required

Remember, you may still want to send save-the-dates, and nothing is wrong with that! But you should remember that they can be a lot of work to manage.

If you ultimately choose to leave them out, send out your wedding invites a little earlier than you would have if you had sent out save-the-dates. Do this advance distribution regardless of whether there are special plans and a destination wedding or not.

You might want to lean toward 16 weeks before the wedding when sending out invitations. This way, visitors are given a little more notice and time to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequent questions we get about save-the-dates and wedding invitations:

How Long Should I Give Guests to RSVP to My Wedding?

Assuming you’ve sent out your invites in plenty of time, at least six to eight weeks before your wedding, give your guests four or five weeks to respond. This gives folks plenty of time to decide whether or not they want to attend your wedding and make the required travel arrangements.

What Should I Do If I Forget to Send Out a Wedding Invitation?

Although it may seem like a big blunder, it is pretty easy to fix! Simply give your loved one a call and explain what happened right before you offer to send them an invite.

When Should I Add a +1 on a Save-The-Date?

Guests who are married, engaged, or cohabiting should receive a plus-one. Give each member of your wedding party a plus-one. Consider inviting people who have been with their partner for so long that it would be odd not to, even if you are unfamiliar with their spouse.

You could also do this for single parents, especially those who are always with their children or whose children are minors.

One of the first aspects of your wedding planning that visitors will see is the invitations.

Invitations are your first chance to showcase your style and convey the mood of the wedding to your guests.

Every couple is a lovely fusion of traditions and values. Each aspect of their connection that makes it unique should be reflected in the invitation suite’s finer aspects.

Our guide covers a range of wording options to create a luxury feel in addition to reflecting your sentiments to move and delight your guests. We will start by discussing the best high-end wedding stationery for your luxury wedding for an elegant first impression.

1. Luxury Wedding Invitation Stationery
2. Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette
3. What Information to Include in Wedding Invitations
4. Wedding Invitation Wording Examples
5. Wedding Invitation Frequently Asked Questions

Luxury Wedding Invitation Stationery

We all know wedding invitations are not just envelopes with a card inside. Of course, they can be, but it’s also about paying attention to detail.

There are several design options, so you do not need boring invitations to be classy. Here are the essential items your invitation suite should not go without.

Invitation: The invitation is the most crucial piece of the entire suite. This document contains all the information for your guests and includes all the specifics for your big day. The host line, request line, bride’s and groom’s names, date and time, the name and address of the venue, and a reception line are all included on the invitation.

RSVP card: The second-most significant card in the suite is the response card or RSVP. This component asks the guest if they will be in attendance at the ceremony or not. If relevant, a response title, reply by date, m-line, accepts/regrets, and meal selections are all included on this card.

Large enclosure: The large enclosure is used for extra but essential information such as travel info or a schedule of events. It can also be used as a map or to organize smaller pieces of information. Essentially, you can use the large enclosure for any extra information that will not fit in the invitation card.

Small enclosure: The small enclosure is usually used for reception information, but it also works well for websites, registers, parking directions, and appropriate attire.

Belly band: A 1.5” belly band holds all the pieces together within the envelope. This piece is personalized with your choice of color and the couple’s names.

Envelope: The envelope is what will protect all the items in the invitation suite. You can either have a single or double envelope. Although the single envelope is the more popular option, it does not offer as much protection as the double envelope.

Therefore, the double envelope is preferable if your invitation suite is a little bulky or if you are sending out invitations to distant places.

Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette

Elegant weddings tend to be more traditional. As such, they follow specific rules of etiquette, which you cannot forget in the wording of the invitation letters. Here are the basic rules you should follow:

Prioritize Concise Communication Over Flamboyance

Be as brief as possible. Your guests must have access to all the necessary information they require to attend your wedding. Therefore, there is no need to fill your invitations with text that could distract them and make them miss anything crucial.

Clarity is paramount, so only provide the pertinent information and save the rest for your wedding website or insert cards. In this case, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Include the Names of the Hosts

The name of the person hosting or paying for the wedding is traditionally included in the wedding invitations.

Today, these hosts could be the couple themselves, parents, the community, church, or a combination of these. It’s polite and expected to thank everyone who helped make your special day possible, either by name or in the form of a brief sentence. We will explain this in the Wedding Invitation Wordings Examples section below.

Reflect the Luxurious Essence of Your Ceremony

Express the mood and formality of the occasion with the language used in your wedding invites. Since you want guests to dress elegantly, opt for traditional wording. Avoid contemporary and lighthearted word choices because you don’t want to sound casual.

If you don’t want to explicitly state that you are aiming for a more sophisticated vibe for your wedding, choosing the right type of phrasing is essential.

Separate Extra Information From the Invitation Card

You should not include specific details in a wedding invitation suite. Your registry information, for instance, should never be featured. Instead, send an insert card with a link to your wedding webpage.

Additionally, you can use an insert card for information that does not fit your wedding invitations, such as certain venue etiquette.

What Information to Include in Wedding Invitations

What counts as extra information? What details must never be missing on a wedding invitation? Although it seems simple, poor sifting of what should and should not be on your wedding card could give the wrong impression.

Here’s the most crucial information to include in your wedding invitation:

The Host Line

You should mention the event hosts in the opening line of a wedding invitation. If more than one party is hosting, you should only include names if you want official invites. You can skip this line if the couple is hosting the wedding themselves.

An Explicit Request to Attend

The most important part of your invitation is the request to attend. Let the person you invite know precisely what they are being invited to and who is inviting them. Use their name to make it feel personal, and to let them know their presence, in particular, will make the event complete.

Although this part will be made up of a few simple phrases, you must be careful to ensure that you hit all the relevant points with just enough words. Be concise as possible, but do not forget to pull on those heartstrings.

The Couple’s Names

The couples’ names must be written out in a bold and different font, or just in bold. Make them pop out because these are the most important people of the day. The bride’s name is often written first, but this is not a rule set in stone.

The Venue

When describing the location of your wedding, be as exact as you can by mentioning the state and zip code as well as the venue’s name and complete street address. Include the country’s name if your wedding is in a foreign country.

To avoid your guests getting lost, visitors must know precisely where they are supposed to be. Specific venue information will give them enough time to plan any necessary travel and lodging. Even if you plan to provide transport, let them know where they will be taken.

The Date and Time

Be as formal and concise as you can when announcing the wedding date and time. Allow no room for misinterpretation.

While figures are frequently used on modern invitations, traditional wedding invitation language calls for the date and time format to be spelled out in full. You will still come across as elegant in this situation by using a little modern formatting.

Make sure the typeface you chose is legible if you’re using figures because some fonts make certain numbers look similar. You could also use figures and words to ensure everyone interprets the right time.

The Dress Code

Dress code information isn’t compulsory, but it can be beneficial. Some people prefer to allow the tone of the card to do the speaking for them when it comes to this aspect.

If you feel many guests may misinterpret the dress code, you can state it in the lower corner or center it at the bottom of the invite. You can also put this information on your wedding website or on a details card.

Reception Details

Lastly, let visitors know if the ceremony and reception will be held at the same venue. You can simply say, “Reception to follow,” if that’s the case. If it’s somewhere else, you can mention it on the invitation or on a separate details card.

Wedding Invitation Wording Examples

What exactly will a wedding invitation look like, since we have covered all the dos and don’ts? Let’s put all we have learned to practice by giving some examples.

Couple Hosting

When a couple chooses to host their wedding, use this format:

The honor of your presence is requested at
the marriage of
Helen Byers
and
Marty Smith
Saturday, 9th July
2022
05:30 P.M
Castle Gardens
900 Third Avenue
CityVille, Green State
Reception to follow

The places used here are all fictional. In the actual invitation, use real place names.

Couple’s Parents Hosting

In some weddings, both the bride and the groom’s parents will host the wedding-

Mr. & Mrs. Byers
and Mr. & Mrs. Smith
request the honor of your company
at the marriage of their children
Helen Byers
&
Marty Smith
Saturday, 9th July
2022
05:30 P.M
Castle Gardens
900 Third Avenue
CityVille, Green State
Seattle, Washington
Reception to follow

Bride’s Parents Hosting

Alternatively, and most traditionally, the bride’s parents will host the wedding on their own:

Mr. & Mrs. Byers
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Helen Byers
to
Marty Smith
Saturday, 9th July
2022
05:30 P.M
Castle Gardens
900 Third Avenue
CityVille, Green State
Reception To Follow

Groom’s Parents Hosting

When the groom’s parents host the wedding, use his format:

Mr. & Mrs. Smith
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of
Helen Byers
to their son
Marty Smith
Saturday, 9th July
2022
05:30 P.M
Castle Gardens
900 Third Avenue
CityVille, Green State
Reception To Follow

Couple and Parents Hosting

There are also occasions when both parents and the couple host the wedding. Most people struggle with formatting this kind of invitation, but here is a simple example-

Together with
Mr. & Mrs. Byers and Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Helen Byers
&
Marty Smith
request the honor of your company
at the celebration of their union
Saturday, 9th July
2022
05:30 P.M
Castle Gardens
900 Third Avenue
CityVille, Green State
Reception To Follow

You can replace the part after “Together with…” with any party that contributed towards the hosting of the wedding.

Wedding Invitations Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions we get about luxury wedding invitations.

What Should Not Be Included in Luxury Wedding Invitations?

Do not use any unnecessary words or informal word choices. Be as concise as possible. Avoid using discriminatory language such as ‘Adults Only’.

Simply imply these standards because stating them will make the guests associate you with negativity, even if they agree. Also, there may be logical explanations for non-compliance, and you may come across as uncompassionate by setting complex rules.

Do Luxury Wedding Invitations Have a Specific Color Palette?

There are no restrictions. Your invitations should simply match your wedding’s color scheme. If your colors are bold and you worry about getting the right aesthetic, stick to neutral colors and a few scattered hints of the overall color scheme.

Your wedding photos how you preserve the special day for eternity. You cannot afford to risk losing the one chance to take epic photos when you, your new spouse, and your loved ones look their best. So wedding photos simply have to be perfect!

Photos are only as good as the skills of the photographer that took them. So a fantastic photo gallery for your wedding starts with a fantastic photographer. But here’s the catch: almost everyone labels themselves as the best photographer!

The good news is that strategic interviewing is a clever way to find the best of the best. You will find all you need to confirm a potential photographer’s legitimacy by asking the right questions. You will also narrow down to one who understands what you want and can help you achieve it to perfection.

The purpose of asking these questions is also to see how best you can facilitate their creative process. For example what they will need if they come with assistants and so forth.

Therefore, the best questions to ask a wedding photographer before booking them are.

How long have they been a professional wedding photographer?

The first thing to ask them about is their experience.

How many years have they been in photography? Do they have any specific experience in wedding photography?

The longer they have been in the business, the better they will be at their craft. It would also mean they have a few good tricks up their sleeve from working for so long.

This does not mean you should write off all newcomers. On the contrary, new talent brings fresh air to any industry. Use different means to see if they are the photographer you need. For beginners, ask them to show you their previous work. Or ask any of the other questions in this guide.

If they can show you their wedding gallery

The next best way to gauge a photographer’s expertise is to look at their work. Ask them to show you a gallery or even their entire portfolio. It will save time to look at their wedding shoots, but it will give you a better idea by pursuing their whole body of work. Or at least most of it.

Most photographers will be proud to show you their work. Look for how diverse it is or if they can capture the aesthetic you are looking for. For example, in their wedding photos, see whether or not they look like something you would want for yourself.

If they have any reviews from previous customers

Who have they ever worked for before? Do not restrict yourself to photographers that work with celebrities.

As we have already mentioned, other independent or upcoming photographers are often uncut gems. But look to see if they have any real clients.

What did those clients have to say about the service? You have established they are a legitimate professional, but did their clients enjoy the work? Look for reviews about the photographer and whether or not they are usually recommended.

Was the photographer easy to work with? Ask the people who worked with the photographer how they were, if possible. For example, what was their temperament and manner like, and ask about some memorable moments they enjoyed with the photographer.

Whether they have a social media presence

Another smart way to get the feel of a photographer is to see their social media pages, especially their Instagram. Instagram is the platform for creatives, especially visual artists. Look at their photos’ quality and the general aesthetic of their page.

Often, a photographer will post the best of the best on their page. So what their Instagram or other social media page looks like will show you the best you can expect them to deliver.

Their level of engagement is also a good measure, but do not be too swift to judge a photographer based solely on that.

However, how they relate to people will give you an idea of how easy they are to work with. Plus, a bad photographer will have a hard time getting positive engagement.

How would they describe their wedding photography style

After seeing their work for yourself, the next step is to hear it from them. This question helps you see how self-aware they are. A self-aware artist will know their capabilities and how best to translate your wishes into your photos.

Even if a wedding photographer has the best skills and products in the industry, they might not be the best choice for you and your spouse if their aesthetic and style don’t meet your wedding’s aspirations. Ask them to describe their photographic style to you, in addition to looking at their website and social media pages to make sure it’s a good fit.

Most importantly, you want to make sure that your personalities mesh well since you will be spending the entire day with them! You will not always get the complete picture simply from seeing their photos.

How would they describe their photo editing style?

Closely related to a photographer’s general style is their editing style. It may seem redundant to ask this after asking the previous question, but editing is usually a different process.

Your wedding images’ final appearance will depend on the wedding photographer’s editing technique. Note whether their look is vibrant, classic, or moody.This step is an excellent time to ask about any further photo editing services you might be interested in, such as color correction or retouching.

Whether they have any specialties

Ask your photographer what their special skills are.

Knowing your photographer’s strengths will help you see how best to work with them. For example, if they are highly talented in night photography, they will be an excellent choice for your wedding’s evening outdoor party. If they are great with edits and you are a fan of that, then they may be the best choice.

At this juncture, it would also help to ask them what they don’t do or do not recommend. Knowing this will allow you to understand the limits and what to expect.

What is it like to work with them on the day of the wedding

Your wedding photographer is one of your VIP wedding providers. They’ll be there by your side every step of the journey, documenting the magic. As a result, you must feel at ease with your wedding photographer, which is more important than you may think.

Do your personalities complement each other well? The finest wedding photographer is ultimately someone you can communicate easily with. If they can take in the beautiful feelings of the day and have as much fun as you are, all the better.

You may get a better sense of the wedding photographer’s attitude, their shooting style, and how it will be to work with them by asking them to guide you through the itinerary of the wedding day. While some may focus on posing ideas, others might want to take more unstaged, natural photographs. There is no right or wrong answer. What matters is that the photographer’s aesthetic suits your vision and that you both feel at ease.

If they have a backup plan in place

Every professional takes every measure possible to ensure a task they were supposed to do, gets done. Your photographer should have one too.

Weddings are unpredictable. It’s comforting to know that the wedding photographer has a fallback plan in place if something should happen and they are unable to capture your wedding. The logistics and backup gear for photography are the same. Your wedding coordinator is invaluable in communicating with the photographer to make sure they are on the same page for Plan B!

How much their wedding packages cost

If you have gotten this far with your photographer, they are probably the one for you. The only thing you need to settle on is the price.

Wedding photographers’ pricing ranges broadly depending on whether you want an engagement session, how many hours of coverage you desire, whether you get an album from them, etc. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $18,000.

What their wedding packages include

Allow them to say what exactly their packages entail. It is advisable to have the fine details of this so that you do not end up with unsatisfactory images or a bill you did not expect.

Many photographers are open to bargaining or even have special offers for their wedding packages. The most important thing about this step is to have an honest conversation with them.

Secondly, ask them if they have any special services, such as photo booths.

When you will receive your wedding photos

Finally, ask them when you should expect your wedding photos.

Before sending you the final product, your wedding photographer will probably take their time editing the pictures. However, knowing when that period will be crucial, so you don’t have to check your inbox, building anxiety constantly.

You can also inquire about the photographs’ delivery specifications, such as whether they will be high-resolution, unwatermarked, etc., and whether they will provide teasers or sneak peeks soon after the major event.

Knowing these details is essential, so you are not disappointed in the process and can manage expectations!

FAQs

Here are some other things to ask your potential photographer that may get overlooked:

Will they give you a press release with the contract?

According to federal legislation, wedding photographers have the exclusive right to the photographs they capture at your wedding; thus, they are permitted to use them for promotional purposes.

However, in addition to the contract, photographers will also provide the couple with a print release. If you purchase this print release, you may utilize the wedding photos for private purposes.

Do they have videographer partners or recommendations?

Most photographers have preferences on videographers they work with, so it’s great to ask.

Will transport to the venue be added to the overall price?

Confirm with the photographer what exactly their price entails. For example, some may request traveling allowances to far-off places or even have it as a standard price within their packages.

Remember that most photographers require a meal in their contract, and it’s important to include them in your vendor meal count.

Planning weddings is complicated. But most people still struggle to see the importance of a wedding planner. 

The main reason is that although planning a wedding is hectic; we assume it just needs a little organization. So it can’t be that hard, right?

Some people are not accustomed to that level of stressful planning, while others may find it a piece of cake. So should you risk seeing if you can manage it on your own?

There is also the concern of whether a wedding planner can truly capture your vision..who knows your family’s history and unique love story more than you do? Others may be concerned that a wedding planner is a luxury they can simply do without and save the charges.

In this post, we will investigate this question deeper. Let’s first start by understanding who a wedding planner is and what they do.

The Different Types of Wedding Planners

A wedding planner is any person in charge of planning, designing, and smoothly executing a wedding. However, depending on their expertise and your agreement, their roles may either increase or decrease. Here are the different types of wedding planners you can choose.

Full-Service Planners

They are involved with the wedding ceremony and celebrations from beginning to end. That is why another name for them is “full-service” planners. 

They identify and hire vendors, book locations, take care of invites, create a floor plan and timeline, and oversee everything on the wedding day. They are often hired as far out as a year in advance.

They take care of every little thing, and often they even help choose the wedding’s aesthetic. You want to hire a planner so you can lean on their expertise and experience.

Partial-Service Planners

They are often referred to as “month-of” planners and typically get involved four to six weeks before the major ceremony. 

They might help you identify a particular vendor, but more often than not, they serve as your point of contact for the ones you’ve already hired. They also confirm logistics, set schedules, assist with seating arrangements, and take care of other last-minute duties and details. 

On the wedding day, they oversee everything and help give you peace of mind.

Day-of Planners

Day-of planners often just step in on the event day and are not involved in creative decision-making. 

They serve as the event manager for the big day and occasionally the rehearsal, directing the wedding guests and vendors where to go, keeping everything on schedule, and fixing issues.

Specialty Planners

Specialty planners concentrate on a particular facet of the celebration, such as the schedule or finding the ideal location. 

The “design and decor” consultant, more appropriately known as a “wedding designer,” is one example. This specialist focuses on the aesthetics of the wedding, including the color scheme, decor, style, lighting, and floor plan. 

They will work with the vendors and supervise setup and cleanup, but they won’t be involved in the boring details or the overall timetable. 

You can, therefore, also have a planner solely responsible for ensuring the schedule runs smoothly. The categories of planners here are pretty vast.

What’s the Difference Between Wedding Planners and Wedding Coordinators?

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Misusing these terms could make you not get the wrong person and confuse you even more about whether or not you should have a wedding planner.

So, first of all, a wedding planner is involved in planning and organizing a wedding from the very beginning. 

As a result, they assist couples in creating a budget, locating and hiring vendors, organizing and setting a schedule for the ceremony and reception, and managing all aspects of the wedding day. 

A wedding planner offers a wide range of services. Therefore, they will fall under full-service and partial-service wedding planners.

The services of a wedding coordinator are relatively limited. They participate less in the wedding’s design, budget, and vendor selection because they are involved later in the process. 

They serve as the venue’s and the vendors’ point of contact. They also create a timeline for the activities of the wedding day and are present to oversee them, ensuring that everything goes according to plan. They fall under the category of a professional month-of or day-of wedding consultant.

What Does a Wedding Planner Do?

We have covered different types of planners already. Therefore, we will focus on what a full-service planner offers. This exhaustive list will help you see what a wedding planner’s maximum potential is-

Coordinate Design

When couples hear “wedding planner,” they frequently assume organization and planning. 

But even more than that, most full-service wedding planners also include design services to assist couples in choosing color schemes, creating floor plans, selecting décor, renting items and lighting, and creating an overall aesthetic that permeates the entire event. If your wedding planner does not provide these services, they can quickly put you in touch with someone who does.

Oversee Wedding Finances

Depending on your package and contract agreement, a wedding planner will not only guide pricing and projections but will also keep track of when your deposits and other payments are due, ensuring that no deadline is ever missed. 

Even though they can be expensive, a wedding planner will provide expert advice to help you save money.

Offer Fashion Advice

Your planner can advise if you want an unbiased perspective when looking for your wedding dress, suit, tuxedo, or accessories. 

They will look at things through a professional lens, unlike your friends and family, who probably just want you to be happy. They will also have the best suggestions for blending the outfits with the theme and venue setting.

Schedule and Coordinate Wedding Meetings

A competent wedding planner is never behind schedule. They are, therefore, in the most excellent position to oversee the planning of meetings with vendors or the wedding location, facilitating them, and carrying out the decisions made. 

Meetings are usually extremely hectic, and getting someone to handle them is a blessing.

Vet Vendors

Another responsibility your wedding planner has is finding, vetting, and settling on the best vendors for your big day. 

Most of them already know the best and most affordable and competent vendors. Wedding planners also ensure all vendors have a backup, just in case of anything.

Plan the Guest Experience

It’s all about the experience during the wedding weekend. Your wedding planner can ensure that your guests have an unforgettable experience. 

While you sit back and savor the memories, they’ll arrange for things like transportation, hotel room blocks, day-of transportation, and welcome bags.

Manage Emergencies

Anything can happen on your wedding day. The rain could start unexpectedly, the cake could get destroyed at the reception, and even your dress or suit could rip. Any kind of unimaginable and terrifying catastrophe could strike. 

A wedding planner has backup plans for every one of these possible scenarios. If they don’t, they will work to find one, so you don’t have to deal with the stress on your special day.

Do I Need a Wedding Planner?

We have now covered everything there is to expect regarding wedding planners! But if it’s still a little unclear whether or not you should hire a wedding planner-

Get a Wedding Planner If

• You want a stress-free wedding day 
• You can comfortably afford it
• You are a busy person who can’t dedicate time to planning
• You are not too busy, but you have too little time for your wedding
• You have no idea where to start but need help with attention to detail
• You want  a destination wedding
• You’re hosting your wedding at an uncommon or novel venue
• You want a weekend wedding that involves many sub-events.

Do Not Get a Wedding Planner If

Couples who are highly organized, prefer to be hands-on, and enjoy researching and digging into specifics would likely find a planner more stressful than helpful. 

Avoid wedding planners if you feel uncomfortable with strangers interfering with your ideas.

A wedding planner may not be necessary if your wedding is intimate or the logistics are straightforward. However, it shouldn’t be a problem because it will be similar to planning a small party.

If you are lucky, you may get a venue that provides a wedding planner. The venue will include their charges in the reservation fees but at a lower price. In this case, you will not need to hire any planner unless you want a specialty planner for something.

Whether or not you should really hire a wedding planner depends on your needs as a couple.

How Much Should Be Spent on Wedding Planners?

The typical fee for full-service planners is roughly 20% of the overall cost of the event. The celebration here refers to the venue and the vendors. 

Almost half of the correspondents in this study felt that spending on a wedding planner was a waste of money. Wedding planners can be expensive. 

Due to their diversity, it is easy to pick the wrong one for your needs. All these issues contribute to the dissatisfaction people feel about wedding planners. To feel the value for money, you must ensure you get the experience you are looking for. 

After reading this article, you will be in an excellent position to make the right decision.