It might be a question more common in weddings held many years ago, since it's a bit of an old-fashioned tradition nowadays, but plenty of people still wonder, when planning their celebration, whether they should send out invitations or wedding announcements, as some couples used to do. But first, let's refresh our memory: what exactly is a wedding announcement?
Although they're not used as much anymore, it used to be common to distinguish between invitation cards and, when to send wedding invitations, and announcements, which were the way the couple and their closest family let the rest of their loved ones know about the wedding, without expecting them to attend the celebration. In other words, they were used so that friends and family would hear the news from the couple themselves, rather than through other channels.
These wedding cards were sent out purely as a courtesy, to let people know who couldn't be invited but who were still close enough to deserve this small gesture. These announcements included more concise information. Usually, it was enough to include basic details about the wedding, such as the couple's names, the date and the location of the wedding — many didn't even include the location of the celebration or the reception. What's more, this style of wedding card doesn't include directions or maps.
So, wedding invitations can hold more detailed information about the celebration itself, while announcements, at most, add a brief, concise note about the couple and an address for sending congratulations once the good news is known.
When should you use wedding announcements?
If in doubt, it's best to go with classic wedding invitations, since it's the most widespread and accepted style of card today. That said, you can still turn to announcements, which are essentially just a courteous way of informing certain loved ones when it's not possible to invite everyone you know to the event. This can be especially useful for smaller, more intimate celebrations, with few guests, in more limited spaces such as gardens or outdoor venues that don't usually host this type of event.
It can also be a lovely way to include family members you're not as close to and friends you don't see as often, but with whom you still want to share, in some way, in the celebration.
Another possible use for wedding announcements
Thanks to the flexibility these pieces allow, they've traditionally been sent at different times to the regular invitations. Many couples used to send them alongside the wedding invitations, so the two would overlap. That said, it was also common to send them right up until shortly before the celebration.
So, while invitations are sent a few months in advance, couples would sometimes send announcements just a few weeks before the wedding. That said, the best approach, if you choose to use this option, is to be clear well in advance about who you want to invite and who you want to let in on the big news. Once you're aware of this inevitable distinction, you can decide who gets which one.
Above all, don't neglect the style
Whichever option you go for, it's best that, if you use both wedding announcements and invitations, they all follow the same style. And, of course, that these cards match the overall style of the celebration and your style as a couple. If you go for a traditional format, make sure the rest of your wedding elements are in the same tone.
What matters most is that your invitations are well thought out, that they use the best materials, that the techniques say something about you rather than being the same as always, and that, thanks to their unique designs, whoever receives them will want to keep them forever. It's a keepsake that will last a lifetime. So, take it from us: this one-of-a-kind quality only comes from taking care of every single detail.
Lastly, don't forget that we also have a range of other wedding products available for you. As specialists, you'll find everything from hangers to personalised hangers. Not forgetting our signature wax seals.
Love, Marmarina
