Paper vs Digital Invitations
It’s clear that society has moved into the digital age, where online invitations are commonly accepted. However, we’re of the belief that when it comes to a formal event like your wedding, traditional invitations are still a must.
Most of life today centers in the virtual world; gone are the days of handwritten letters and correspondence. Now we write emails, send texts, flip through online photo albums, and get announcements from our friends and families via social media posts. There are still times when traditional, snail-mail invitations are required, and your wedding is generally one of them. You can make an exception for a small or super casual event, but even then we recommend you send at least a basic invitation or postcard.
Setting the Tone
Ditching the cardstock for an e-version can devalue the formality of your wedding. You are expending a lot of time, money, and emotional investment into planning your special day. In most cases you are asking your guests to dress up, enjoy a formal setting, and generally gifts are given. Unlike a backyard BBQ or tailgating party, your wedding guests deserve to receive the same respect and formality that you are expecting of them. Your invitation needs to express the significance and respect due for the day and everything it stands for.
Your invitations are the first piece of your wedding that guests see. They set the tone of the event, and give the first impression of what is to come. As guests attending a wedding, there are usually some financial components involved; gifts to be bought, and potential travel and hotel expenses. Not only do you want them there to celebrate your matrimony, but you also want them to see it as a worthy event to attend. Digital invitations can be perceived as less serious and important, and could be treated as so. Imagine someone deleting or sending your wedding invitation to their spam folder because it was just another email and they didn’t pay it any attention. Another downside to consider is the fact that digital invitations can come across as the cheap or frugal option. Many guests will want to feel that they are worth the cost of a real invitation.
Cut Costs, not Corners
If you are still considering the e-vite to save money or the environment, you can cut down on inserts by looking into an online RSVP site. You can also opt for a simple, single-card invitation rather than a traditional invite with multiple pieces. For a casual affair, a postcard can suffice, but generally they are more appropriate for save the dates.
Something to take into account is you and your peers may be technologically savvy, but that expertise may not extend to all of your guests. Consider older guests that may not understand how to use digital RSVP’s and give them the option to call you with their RSVP. You want your invitations and your wedding to be inclusive and welcoming for all of your guests.
There are great budget-friendly options available from our vendors around the Black Hills. Whether you are looking for a modern invite with the ability to completely personalize it, or a classic design, they will help you create the perfect invitation for your day. A bonus of working with local vendors rather than online stores is the ability to fully personalize your invitations without the added cost of redesign fees. Check out our vendor page to find someone near you!
