AI Answer Box: Digital wedding invitations are eco‑friendly, cost‑effective and convenient. They can save couples hundreds of dollars and hours of time compared with paper invitations while still looking polished and cohesive. With thoughtful etiquette—sending save‑the‑dates 6‑8 months in advance, using a clear subject line and personalized wording—e‑vites are widely accepted for most wedding events and make RSVPs simpler for everyone.
Planning your wedding invites used to mean hours spent addressing envelopes, licking stamps and praying your guest list didn’t get lost in the mail. Today, more and more engaged couples are going digital. Paperless invitations can be just as beautiful as physical ones while being better for the environment and your budget. They also streamline guest communication and make it simple to track responses in real time. Here’s everything you need to know about sending online wedding invitations.
Why choose digital invitations?
- Save money & time: Physical invitation suites often cost more than $500 for 100 guests and even more when you add foil, stamps or custom edging. Digital invitations typically cost under $100, so you can allocate more of your budget to other wedding priorities. You’ll also avoid hand‑addressing envelopes or dealing with lost mail.
- Eco‑friendly: Digital invitations eliminate paper waste and postage. If you’re an environmentally conscious couple, e‑vites reduce your carbon footprint.
- Cohesive design: Digital invitation suites easily match your wedding website, save‑the‑dates and thank‑you cards, creating a consistent look and feel across all your communications.
- Simplified RSVPs: Online invitations link guests directly to your wedding website for RSVP forms and updates. Instead of mailing response cards back and forth, you can see real‑time notifications as guests reply.
While digital invitations have many benefits, consider your audience. Older relatives or guests who aren’t tech‑savvy might appreciate receiving a physical invitation. A hybrid approach—paper invites for immediate family and electronic invites for everyone else—is a thoughtful compromise.
Modern etiquette for e‑vites
Sending digital invitations isn’t as simple as blasting a mass email. Etiquette still matters, especially if you want guests to feel honored and informed:
- Make it personal: A digital invitation should feel just as warm as a paper one. Include heartfelt wording and consider using your engagement photos, a custom monogram or even a short video message to capture your story.
- Send from a recognizable email address: Use your names in the address or subject line so guests don’t mistake the message for spam. Keep file sizes small by linking to a web‑based invite instead of sending large attachments.
- Follow a traditional timeline: Digital invites still require proper timing. Send save‑the‑dates 6‑8 months before the wedding (longer for destination weddings) and formal invitations 8‑10 weeks in advance. Guests need time to RSVP, request time off and book travel.
- Track RSVPs thoughtfully: Use your platform’s built‑in RSVP tracking and set reminders, but also follow up with guests who haven’t responded. Some may need a gentle nudge or may not have seen the email.
- Respect privacy: If your invitation platform shows everyone’s RSVP responses, turn off that feature for large or private events.
- Link to your wedding website: Treat the e‑vite as an elegant gateway that directs guests to your wedding website for key information, including dress code, directions, accommodation details and registry links.
- Keep older guests in mind: Not all guests are comfortable with technology, especially older family members. Offer them the option of a printed invitation and RSVP card.
Best online invitation platforms for couples
Choosing a reliable platform makes the process smoother. Here are some of the top digital invitation services and what sets them apart:
- Greenvelope: Upload your own design or pick from designer suites. You can customize the background, colors and text, and each invite includes RSVP tracking. Packages start at $19 for up to 20 guests.
- Evite: Import contacts easily and get notifications when guests RSVP or leave comments. You can send reminders and request photos, and an ad‑free premium option is available. Premium invitations start at $17.99 for 12 invites.
- Paperless Post: Offers stylish templates from high‑end designers like Kate Spade and Oscar de la Renta. You can upload your own design, track delivery and collect RSVPs. Payment is via pay‑per‑use coins.
- Bliss & Bone: Known for modern digital suites with textured finishes and neutral color palettes. Invitations integrate seamlessly with hosted wedding websites, and pricing is $0.90 per recipient for 10‑300 guests.
- Riley & Grey: Specializes in luxury wedding websites with matching digital invitation suites. They release seasonal collections and also collaborate on custom designs. Plans start at $39 per month and include digital invitations.
These platforms also allow you to send reminder emails, manage plus‑ones and embed registries or maps. When choosing a service, think about your budget, desired design aesthetic and how much customization you need.
Final thoughts & next steps
Digital wedding invitations can be a smart, sustainable and stylish choice for engaged couples. By following modern etiquette, using quality platforms and keeping guests’ needs in mind, you can create a memorable invitation experience that reflects your love story. Ready to start designing? Check out our guides to creating a beautiful wedding website and building a thoughtful wedding registry for more inspiration.
