Invitations - Mail or E-Mail?

Invitation Packet

More and more often, I have clients ask for my thoughts on email invitations and R.S.V.P. cards for their weddings. With technology what it is and everyone from Baby Boomers to Millennials carrying a smart phone 24/7, It is easy to think that email responses for wedding guests would be the logical choice in todays day and age.  Many couples are opting to send invitations with R.S.V.P. responses automatically entered into their wedding website. This makes counting easy and for many, has become an obvious alternative. Since we are in the age where we don't even go to the post office anymore it would be logical to want to collect responses in some electronic form.

I must say, that although I can understand why couples today are opting for electronic gathering of guests names, I happen to disagree with this option.  Before you close this post in total disagreement, let me explain why.  

First and foremost, this is a once in a lifetime event that as you know, is no backyard BBQ. Even if your wedding is in the backyard and you are serving BBQ this is no every day event. Between the dress, officiant, bridesmaids, linens, flowers, suits or tuxedos, entertainment, cake and catering, this makes this event a formal affair regardless if you are wearing 4-inch designer stilettos, or cowboy boots. Weddings average $25,000, and millennials are spending upwards of $75,000. With all the details that go into your wedding to make it the day of your dreams, why would simplify the event with an Evite? Is the move to electronic R.S.V.P about cost or convenience? If so, let us analyze this situation.

R.S.V.P. cards are typically the size of an A2 envelope which is a 3"x5" card, give or take 1/8" here or there. Postage for this size is a standard stamp which today I believe is $0.59.  If you are mailing 100 invitations, that would equate to $59 for the R.S.V.P. envelope and stamp.  In a budget of $25,000, the $59 for stamps is 0.00236% of the entire wedding budget. I can assure you, I can save you more than $59 with my tips that will more than pay for printing and mailing R.S.V.P. cards.  As well, is saving $59 worth the casualness of the email?

I am sure, some of you are saying that it is much easier to collect the R.S.V.P.'s and know the guest count in real time, which helps with catering, or you get responses faster, or more people will respond, etc. All the reasons for why electronic versions seem to be more practical. But I ask you this. Is shopping on Pinterest, magazines, visiting bridal shop after bridal shop looking for the perfect dress to say yes to, just a dress? Again, this is no everyday affair.

If you think that managing mail in R.S.V.P cards is too much trouble I would definitely opt to include a QR code in the invitations. Many sites help limit the number of guests who can R.S.V.P and that benefit can save much confusion. Your invitation is typically the first impression to what is to come. You only have one chance to leave a first impression.