ANSWERS #005
Q. Am I giving too much information on my wedding invitations?
A. There’s no such thing as too much info, just too many inserts and a chaotic main invite.
The goal is to be helpful without overwhelming your guests or your budget. Here’s how to strike the balance:
Use a Website for the Fine Details — Include a main invitation, RSVP card, and a details card. The details card should direct guests to your website, where all the logistics live (transportation, dress code, parking, FAQs, etc.). You do not want the main invite to look crowded, so keep it streamlined.
Consider Your Guest Demographic — If you have older guests or those less likely to go online, it’s worth adding more printed details. If your crowd is tech-savvy, keep the card simple and rely on the website and maybe even consider an online RSVP to save yourself some paper and some stamps.
Be Strategic About Hotel Info — You can’t force people to book your room block, but you can make it convenient. Tell them where the shuttle pick-up is and note that they’ll need to get themselves there if they stay elsewhere.
Watch Your Printing Budget — If you’re doing letterpress or other premium printing, more pieces mean more money. Streamline where possible and put extra details online. You might also consider saving the pricier printing for the main invite onlyl.
Photo by Beatrice HowellQ. Should we have the photo booth during cocktail hour and the reception, or just the reception?
A. Reception only, and here’s why.
Photo booths are fun, but they’re billed by the hour. To get the most value, here’s how I recommend timing it:
Reception Only — This is when guests are more relaxed, more likely to use it, and already in the party mindset.
Set It Up Before Dinner — If the booth is in the same space as dinner and dancing, it must be set up before guests enter. You don’t want someone wheeling in a backdrop during toasts.
Avoid Paying for Inactive Time — If you start during cocktail hour, you’re paying for hours when the booth is barely used (people often aren’t ready to jump in until after a drink or two). Plus, you risk guests leaving dinner during speeches to go take pictures.
Consider the Layout — If the booth is in a separate room, it can be set up during dinner, just make sure it’s ready to go once dancing starts.
Photo by For The PhotoQ. The ceremony venue I love is only available from 12–2 PM, but I want a proper evening dinner. What should I do?
A. Embrace the gap, just like generations of religious weddings have —If your dream venue only offers midday hours, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a brunch wedding. Here’s how to make it work:
Build in a Longer Break — Plan your reception for 5 or 6 PM. That gives guests time to relax, change, or explore…especially if they’re local or staying at a nearby hotel.
Use the Time Wisely — You and your wedding party can take photos, freshen up, or even grab a bite before the reception. That pause between events can be a gift.
Help Guests Fill the Time — Include ideas in your wedding weekend guide or website: coffee shops, local attractions, scenic walks, or nap-friendly hotel recs.
Photo by Annie McElwain and Raya CarlisleQ. Should we do welcome drinks from 5–7 PM before the rehearsal dinner? A. No, flip it. Dinner first (or separately), then welcome drinks later. Here’s why I don’t recommend a 5 to 7 PM welcome event for all guests: Guests are still arriving Many people will be flying or driving in that day, checking into hotels, and just getting settled. Expecting them to make a 5 PM event is unrealistic and stressful. Better Flow = Drinks After Dinner Host your rehearsal dinner for your VIPs (wedding party, immediate family) earlier in the evening, then open things up for welcome drinks and dessert from 7 to 9 PM or 8 to 10 PM. With this schedule everyone has time to arrive, freshen up, maybe grab dinner, and then join you. It Feels More Inclusive A later event means more guests can actually join and feel welcomed, instead of rushing or missing out altogether.
Photos by Olivia Rae James