In a world advancing so rapidly in a digital direction, it's hard to decide whether you want to splurge on the postage and costs associated with a physical invitation or simply go digital. Here are some questions to ask yourselves and things to consider when deciding to go paper or digital.
Do you have to go paper or digital?
Some people think communications have to go one of two ways. Either all paper or all digital. The reality is some wedding guests are more comfortable on social media and are okay with having the communications sent out electronically, and others want something they can physically hold. All in all, it comes down with what makes the most sense for you, your fiance and your guests. It also doesn't have to be one or the other, there is always an opportunity to hybrid where half is done digital and the other half is paper.
Examples of how to hybrid your wedding communications
Save the date - Get these out as soon as you have secured a date. I always recommend getting save the date magnets. It will immediately go on the fridge and guaranteed to be a reminder so guests don't forget.
Will guests keep your invitation as a keepsake or toss it in the trash?
In a more minimalist society, digital communications are becoming increasingly more popular. The benefit of having a paper invitation as it acts as a keepsake for your guests for years to come. Think about your wedding guests and what will be more well received.
How do I get the addresses of my friends and family without awkwardly texting them or sending them a Facebook message?
It's always awkward to have to send someone a message asking for their address to send them a wedding invitation or Save the Date. Here are some simple things you can do to try and eliminate the awkward ask
- Ask your parents / Grandparents, it's a generational thing to know their address and Mom and Dad can definitely be life savers when it comes to this
- Are you having an engagement party? At the sign in of your engagement party have a book where you ask guests to write their name and address to thank them for coming. Then use these when you are sending out your Save the Dates and Invitations.
- Did you have a housewarming party? If you purchased a house before your wedding, you can have a sign in book ( similar to the engagement party) where your guests fill in their names and addresses when they arrive
- Send the initial communication out digitally and request they visit a web link and provide their mailing information
Can you afford mailing out invitations?
Postage and printing can be very expensive. If you are on a budget and would prefer to spend your money on another element of your wedding, I promise you noone will give you a hard time about it. If they do, ask them if they would like to donate to the postage fund and you will mail them an invitation.