Planning your wedding is such an exciting time – but let’s be honest, it also comes with a lot of decisions. One of the first big ones? Your invitations. As the person behind the designs here at Indy Bee Crafts, I’ve seen so many couples stress over the details — and I get it! Invitations are the first real “glimpse” your guests will get of your big day, so naturally, you want them to be just right.
That said, I’ve also seen a few common mistakes pop up again and again. I make sure these don't happen for my clients but if you aren't booking with me here is the blog post to read! The good news? They’re very easy to avoid once you know what to look out for.
Here are 7 of the most common wedding invitation mistakes I see — and my tips to help you steer clear of them:
1. Sending Invitations Too Late (or Too Early)
Timing is everything. Too early, and people forget. Too late, and guests might not be able to make it.
💡 My tip:
Aim to send your invites around 4-6 months before the big day, and save the dates about 12 months in advance, especially for summer weddings or destination celebrations.
2. Forgetting to Include Key Details
It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many couples miss important bits of info like the venue address, start time, or even an RSVP deadline (when they don't book with me. I make sure all my couples have everything they need!).
💡 My tip:
Triple check everything! I always recommend including:
-
Who’s getting married (yep, names!)
-
Date and time
-
Venue and address
-
RSVP instructions
-
Dress code, if any
Bonus: I can help you lay all of this out neatly, so nothing gets left behind.
3. Not Allowing Enough Time for Proofing and Printing
Designing and printing wedding invitations isn’t something to rush. Mistakes happen when we’re under pressure — and trust me, you don’t want that stress.
💡 My tip:
Start your stationery journey at least 4–6 months before your wedding date. That gives us time for proofing, printing, and any last-minute tweaks without the panic.
4. Overloading the Design with Too Much Info
You want to be helpful, but cramming everything onto one card can make it look cluttered (and hard to read!).
💡 My tip:
Use additional inserts for things like accommodation, gifts, or directions. This keeps your main invite elegant and easy to follow. I can help design a beautifully coordinated suite that flows together.
5. Skipping an RSVP Deadline (or Making It Too Late)
Without a deadline, guests will delay — and suddenly, you’re chasing 30 people two weeks before your wedding!
💡 My tip:
Set your RSVP deadline for at least 4–6 weeks before the wedding. That gives you time to confirm numbers with your caterer, make your seating plan, and finalise those on-the-day details.
6. Not Considering Guest Names or Personalisation
Addressing guests as “Guest” or missing names altogether can feel impersonal — and it might even lead to confusion over who’s invited.
💡 My tip:
If you’re using personalised invitations, let me know early on so I can plan your layout accordingly. Or consider individual guest name printing for a truly custom touch (which I offer!).
7. Forgetting Postage Costs and Weight
This one sneaks up on a lot of people! Wax seals and layered card can push your invites into the “large letter” category.
💡 My tip:
Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office before buying your stamps. It’ll save you unexpected costs — and keep everything arriving on time.
Final Thoughts From Me
Your invitations should feel exciting, not stressful. They’re the first little piece of your wedding that your guests get to hold — so let’s make them beautiful, intentional, and perfectly you.
If you’re ever unsure about something, don’t worry – I’m here to guide you every step of the way. From design choices to wording questions, I’ve got your back 💛
Thinking about starting your invites soon? Drop me a message and let’s chat about your vision!