I have been a professional wedding planner for close to 10 years. A question I get asked most by clients is, “Why are wedding invitations so important?”

Wedding invitations are often an afterthought in the planning process. Brides fantasize about their dress, the perfect photographer and spend hours tasting food from the best caterers. Wedding invitations are just a ‘fill in’ item in the planning process. In a recent article about what order you should book wedding vendors, wedding invitations were listed as ‘tier 3’ items. That’s the LAST tier in planning, right there with decorative lighting. The Knot lists hiring priority vendors as one of the first things to do after getting engaged, but wedding invitations are not mentioned anywhere.  I tend to disagree with this. Invitations should be a ‘tier 1’ item. In my years as a wedding planner, I have been an advocate of finding the perfect wedding invitation because they are so important.

But, why? Aren’t they just a piece of paper? They will get thrown away, won’t they? Why would I spend money on something that I send to other people?

Your wedding invitation is a keepsake for both you and your guests. There are so many wonderful ways to turn your wedding invitation into a timeless keepsake. You can create an ornament, a shadowbox; frame it, or anything you fancy. Your wedding guests are people that you love and care about, right? You would be surprised at how many of them treasure your invitation and turn it into a keepsake to display in their own home.

Will they get thrown away? More than likely, no. I still have wedding invitations from family members married over 10 years ago. I keep Save the Dates from each couple that I work with. Invitations are the first impression that guests have of your wedding. They set the guests’ expectation of your wedding. An elegant invitation on fine paper with beautiful calligraphy will signal your guests to expect an elegant, timeless wedding.  A bright colored, fun invitation with special photos of the couple means a fun and personalized wedding.

Why would I spend money on something I don’t keep, but send to other people? Your wedding is about you, but it’s not ALL about you! It’s about your guests. It’s about sharing your special day with those that you love and care about. The wedding invitation shows your guests that you want them at your wedding (obviously), but it also shows them that you put care and thought into what you were sending them. In a world full of e-mail, social media and technology snail mail is something of the past. Receiving a beautiful invitation in the mail is something your guests will treasure.
If you feel like wedding invitations are just another hassle to deal with during your wedding planning or a ‘minor’ detail I hope that you will consider these points. Your invitation is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding. It shows your guests you want them there and, I can promise you, it is something they will treasure for years to come!

Guest post by Allison Lancaster of Loving Living Lancaster.

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