There are few things more enjoyable than receiving a pretty invitation in the mail. Whether for a grand occasion like a wedding or a simpler celebration like a kid’s birthday party, there’s no denying the joy that comes with a thoughtful piece of paper that’s been stuffed into an envelope, stamped, and sent on its merry, snail-mail way. Even so, paper invitations aren’t always the most practical or cost-effective option. We have our own ideas, but we took the question to our readers for their extra-Southern insights: When is it okay to send an evite instead of a paper invitation?
The Short Answer
While a few vocal respondents declared that an e-vite was never appropriate, one reader summed up the general consensus succinctly: “Informal—yes, formal—no.” In other words, e-vites are just fine for casual gatherings, but special celebrations still warrant their paper counterparts.
When To Send An E-vite
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While they may not have the nostalgic appeal of true snail mail, the digital route is admittedly convenient. “I like how an e-vite or text can’t get lost or delayed in a holiday shuffle,” wrote one reader. “Plus, by doing a family, casual, blue-jeans-Christmas e-vite on a group text, nobody can play like they didn’t get invited! It’s right there! There’s your confirmation upon receipt with the date and time of the text!”
E-vites and the like are also a smart choice if you’re pressed for time and working to keep costs low. Paper invitations take much longer to design and order and often cost a pretty penny, while companies like Paperless Post and HiNOTE make email and text invites an inexpensive breeze. Plus, such brands make a concerted effort to offer plenty of artful and aesthetically pleasing options, so your digital invitation can still feel fun and thoughtful.
That said, be sure to consider the crowd you’re inviting, as some groups may be more tech savvy than others. “A good host or hostess takes their guests’ preferences and comfort levels into account,” wrote another reader. “This consideration varies depending on the type of event and the guests’ familiarity with technology.”
When To Send A Paper Invitation
Taylor Cline Photography; Design: Adelaide Art & Fine Papers
Call us old-fashioned, but we’ll always love receiving a paper invitation for any kind of celebration—especially those formal or noteworthy occasions. Wrote one reader, “Weddings, graduation celebrations, anniversary receptions, and important birthdays like Grandma’s 100th birthday get paper invites.”
Events like these typically require more advance planning, giving the hosts more time to pull paper invitations together. The significance of the celebration may justify spending a little more money to make the invites feel extra special, too, particularly since the invitations can serve as framable mementos for the guests of honor.
Another acknowledged that a printed invitation is a nice change of pace from our screen-dominated lives, even if the price tag rings in a bit higher: “I went back to sending written Christmas cards this year because I am so tired of everything being on the computer…somehow it is just nicer to think someone took the time to sit down and write a message in a card,” she wrote. “Yes, it is more expensive… It cost twice as much for postage as the very pretty cards I purchased cost, and I do have a limited budget, but I still like to send cards and invitations by mail.”
Of course, at the end of the day, we’re always happy to receive an invitation at all, whether it’s delivered by text, email, snail mail, or carrier pigeon. And regardless of how it arrives, you can be sure we’ll RSVP accordingly!
