Guest Post by Maddison Wallace | Head of Content, Paperlust
We live in a time when getting messages to people is quick and easy – send a simple text message, email or create an event on social media. With such useful technology at the touch of a button, do physical invitations matter anymore? Why do we still send paper invitations to big events, and is it really necessary?
The answer is yes! There is absolutely a reason that we still send physical wedding invitations, engagement party invitations, baby shower invitations and invitations to important gala events.
Here are three very good reasons why it’s still a good idea to send paper invitations for your next special occasion…
The fact that we usually rely on digital communication is precisely the reason paper invitations are still so popular. Getting a physical invitation stands out from the normal sea of Facebook events, alerting guests to the fact that this is an important event and they should take notice. It’s a way of marking the event as a milestone. This also lets guests know how important it is to you that they attend which makes them more likely to prioritise your event over others.
There are practical reasons that paper invites are the best choice for an important occasion.
How many times have you missed a notification on social media or had an email bounce because of a small typo? Getting in touch online is easy when it works, but it can be unreliable. This is a big problem for invitation emails because inbox spam protection algorithms find attachments and images on emails suspicious, especially if you’re emailing someone you don’t regularly email or who has not emailed you before. Physical invitations are much more likely to find their way to the intended destination.
If someone has gone to all the trouble of printing and sending a traditional invitation, most people recognise that traditional rules of etiquette apply. They are far more likely to RSVP if they have been formally invited, since it indicates that the event is somewhat formal and an accurate number of attendees is required. While an email or online event might not prompt a firm decision, a paper invite definitely does, especially if an RSVP card is included in the envelope.
Once your guests have sent their RSVP, they still have the paper invitation on hand as a physical reminder of the upcoming event. Invites usually end up on fridges, on pinboards, or sitting on benches where the mail gets opened. Wherever they get put, it’s usually in sight and serves as a visual reminder which helps guests remember to attend. Even with all the good intentions in the world, it’s easy to forget about an upcoming event that you read about once online.
Okay, now to the obvious: paper invitations are gorgeous, and they’re fun! A special occasion is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to the best of everything, and invitations are no exception. People send paper invitations because they like paper invitations. They look and feel luxurious, and they make a guest feel extra special. That’s reason enough to go paper, in our eyes!
If you’re planning an event and thinking about whether or not to send out paper invitations, make sure you’re taking all these things into consideration. There are very good reasons why physical invitations are still so popular in this digital age.
This was a guest post by Maddison Wallace, Head of Content from Paperlust, a place where print design lovers and independent creatives unite. Maddison is a communications professional who loves words and drinking cups of tea.
Sending your wedding invitations is one of the most exciting wedding planning milestones because it means your special day is fast approaching.
But before getting the word out to your loved ones, you’ll need to decide exactly what kind of invitations you want to send. Will you go traditional with paper invitations, or take the modern route with digital invites?
It’s no secret we’re big fans of digital invitations here at WedSites, but we understand they may not be the right choice for every couple. So, to help you make a decision, we’ve rounded up the pros and cons of sending digital wedding invitations below (plus, an alternative option you may not have considered!).
Photo by WedSitesIn today’s modern world, many couples are opting for digital invitations as opposed to their traditional paper counterparts. Here are a few reasons why online wedding invitations have become just so popular:
They’re Affordable
Traditional invitation suites can take a decent chunk out of your wedding budget. You’ll need to factor in costs for paper, printing and postage – not to mention additional features like insert cards and return envelopes. Repeat the process for your save the dates, and you can see how the average couple can spend anywhere from $750 to $1500+ on their wedding invitations!
Alternatively, digital wedding invitations can be designed and sent online for free or a small fraction of the cost. If you’re looking for an easy way to trim your wedding budget, switching to digital invites could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
They’re Eco-Friendly
As well as being friendlier on your wallet, digital wedding invitations are also friendlier on the environment. Your invitations will be sent virtually to your loved ones, reducing unnecessary paper waste. If planning a sustainable wedding is important to you, this is definitely something to think about.
Photo by WedSitesThey Won’t Get Lost Or Damaged
When sending traditional invitations in the mail, there’s always a small chance they could be lost or damaged due to circumstances outside your control. On the other hand, digital invitations will be emailed directly to your guests – giving you one less thing to worry about.
You Can Track RSVPs Online
Some digital invitation platforms also include handy tracking features to streamline the RSVP process. Here at WedSites, our digital stationery is trackable so you can quickly see at a glance who’s received, who’s opened and who’s yet to respond.
You also won’t need to spend any extra time chasing down late RSVPs either. We’ll send automatic reminders to any overdue guests on your behalf!
It’s Convenient For Your Guests
Not only are digital invitations a breeze for you to organize, but they also make it easier for your guests to respond! Instead of making an extra trip to the post office, your loved ones can simply RSVP online at the click of a button. This usually means you’ll receive RSVPs much quicker, so you can begin finalizing your seating chart and confirming dietary requirements with your caterer.
Photo by The Happy BloomWhile digital wedding invitations are a fantastic option for many couples, there are a few things you’ll need to consider:
They’re Less Traditional
Digital wedding invitations are undoubtedly a less traditional option. If you love the idea of your guests receiving a physical invitation in the mail or want to set a more formal tone for your wedding, online invitations may not be the best option for you.
Certain Guests May Be Offline
Depending on your guest list, some of your loved ones may be offline – particularly when it comes to elderly guests. Certain guests may have more difficulty navigating digital invitations and the online RSVP process, so you’ll need to consider printing them an invitation or communicating with them over the phone.
You Won’t Have a Physical Keepsake
Because your invitations are being sent virtually, it means you won’t have a physical keepsake to hold on to. If you want to turn your invitations into a special memento (for example, framing your stationery suite or asking your photographer to capture a flat lay photo), traditional invitations may be a better option for you.
Photo by Tanya MenoniIf you’ve weighed up the pros and cons of digital invitations and can’t come to a decision, consider this alternative: the hybrid wedding invitation!
Using a mix of both digital and traditional stationery is the perfect way to get the best of both worlds. A happy medium could be sending digital save the dates, following this up with a traditional paper invitation, and directing guests to RSVP online via your wedding website.
A hybrid wedding invitation means you’ll still get the benefits of streamlining the RSVP process and keeping your guests’ details together in one place, but you’ll also have a physical keepsake that your photographer can capture, too.
Photo by WedSitesHere at WedSites, we have a beautiful range of digital stationery and online wedding planning tools for couples just like you. Sign up for your free account with WedSites to get started, or learn more about streamlining your wedding planning with digital stationery.