Send Invitations: How to Do It Right for Your Bristol Wedding

When you send invitations, the official request that tells guests when, where, and how to join your wedding celebration. Also known as wedding invites, it’s not just a formality—it’s the first real step in shaping your guest experience. Too many couples treat it like an afterthought, but how you send invitations affects everything: RSVP rates, venue planning, catering numbers, and even how relaxed you feel on the big day.

Timing matters more than you think. If you send invitations, the official request that tells guests when, where, and how to join your wedding celebration. Also known as wedding invites, it’s not just a formality—it’s the first real step in shaping your guest experience. Too many couples treat it like an afterthought, but how you send invitations affects everything: RSVP rates, venue planning, catering numbers, and even how relaxed you feel on the big day.

Timing matters more than you think. If you wait until six months out, you’re already late. Most Bristol couples send save the date, a preliminary notice sent 6–12 months before the wedding to help guests plan travel and time off first, especially if they’re hosting out-of-town guests or booking a popular venue like The Georgian House or The Clifton Hotel. Then, formal wedding invitations, the detailed, printed or digital card that includes RSVP instructions, dress code, and venue address go out 8–10 weeks before. Miss that window, and you risk guests saying yes too late—or not at all.

It’s not just about dates. Where you send them counts too. Digital invites save money and time, but paper ones still win for emotional impact. If you’re going the traditional route, don’t forget postage. A single stamp might seem small, but for 100 guests, that’s £60 gone before you even get to the cake. And don’t skip the RSVP deadline. Set it 3–4 weeks before your final headcount. That gives you breathing room to chase down stragglers and adjust your menu.

And what about the design? You don’t need gold foil and hand-calligraphy to feel special. A clean font, a meaningful color, and a clear layout do more than flashy graphics. Look at what’s working for Bristol couples: minimalist cards with local landmarks, subtle textures, or even custom maps to the venue. Your invite should match your vibe—rustic, modern, vintage, or bold—but it should also make it stupidly easy for guests to say yes.

Some people stress over wording. Keep it simple. No need for archaic phrases like "request the honour of your presence." Just say: "You’re invited to celebrate our wedding on [date] at [place]." Include the RSVP link or card, dress code, and any special notes—like if kids aren’t invited or if parking is tricky. Clarity beats creativity every time.

And don’t forget the envelope. It’s the first thing people hold. If it’s wrinkled, misaddressed, or looks like it came from a template, it sets the tone. Double-check names. Misspell "Sarah" as "Sara" and someone might feel like an afterthought. That’s the kind of thing people remember.

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Some couples send invites early and keep it casual. Others wait till the last minute and make it an event. But whether you’re planning a backyard ceremony in Clifton or a grand ballroom in the city center, how you send invitations shapes the whole story. The best ones don’t just inform—they make people feel like they’re part of something real.

Below, you’ll find real advice from Bristol couples who’ve been there—on budget-friendly invites, last-minute fixes, how to handle tricky family requests, and what to do when your printer jams at 2 a.m. No fluff. Just what works.