Wedding invitations are more than just a piece of paper—they’re your guests’ first taste of the day you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration on the Causeway Coast or a lavish soirée in the Wicklow mountains, your invites set the tone for what’s to come.
From design inspiration to wording tips and when to send them, this guide is here to help you create invitations that feel authentically you—with a little Irish sparkle, of course.
1. When to Send Wedding Invitations (And Save the Dates!)
Let’s kick things off with some good ol’ logistics. Timing is everything when it comes to wedding planning—especially when you’re inviting guests to travel across counties (or across oceans!).
Save the Dates:
- Destination or weekend-long wedding? Send these 8–12 months in advance.
- Local or one-day affair? Aim for 6–8 months before the big day.
Wedding Invitations:
- General rule: Send them 10–12 weeks before the wedding.
- Hosting during peak season or a holiday weekend? Go for 12–14 weeks to give guests plenty of planning time.
Top Tip: If you’re having a summer wedding in Ireland (hello, outdoor ceremonies and wildflower crowns!), get ahead of peak-season post delays.
2. What to Include in Your Wedding Invitations
You’d be surprised how often people forget to add the basics. Here’s your must-have checklist:
✅ Names of the couple
✅ Date and time
✅ Ceremony & reception location (include Eircode/postcode!)
✅ RSVP details (deadline, method, dietary notes)
✅ Dress code (if any)
✅ Wedding website (if you’ve got one)
Optional extras:
- Accommodation details
- Transport options
- Weekend itinerary (if it’s a multi-day event)
Pro tip: If you’re planning a wedding on one of Ireland’s offshore gems like Inis Mór or Rathlin Island, be super clear about ferry or flight info.
3. Design Inspo: Invitation Styles We’re Loving in 2025
Ireland’s wedding scene is full of style-savvy couples, and wedding invitations are reflecting that. Here are some of the hottest invitation trends we’re seeing across the island:
✨ Minimalist Magic
Clean lines, luxe paper, and soft neutrals. Think elegant serif fonts and creamy cardstock with subtle gold foil. Perfect for a sleek city wedding in Dublin or Belfast.
🌿 Botanical Beauty
Watercolour florals, wild ivy borders, and pressed flower accents are perfect for garden weddings or countryside manors like Ballyfin or Castle Leslie.
🎨 Illustrated Ireland
Custom sketches of your venue (like the Cliffs of Moher or Kilruddery House) are majorly on-trend. Local Irish illustrators can capture your setting with personality and flair.
🧡 Bold & Playful
Brights are back! Terracotta, rust, sage, or even citrusy tones work beautifully for barn weddings or festival-style celebrations. Pair with fun fonts and coloured envelopes for extra wow.
4. Eco-Friendly Invitation Options
With more couples going green, sustainable wedding invitations are having a moment. Here’s how to keep it stylish and Earth-friendly:
Go Digital
Platforms like Paperless Post or Greenvelope offer chic designs minus the paper waste—and they’re perfect for tech-savvy guests.
Choose Recycled or Seed Paper
Printed invites can still be eco! Recycled card, soy-based inks, and seed paper (which guests can plant later!) make a beautiful, guilt-free statement.
Local Irish Printers
Support local and cut your carbon footprint by working with Irish stationers who use sustainable practices—like Appleberry Press or Dusty Boy Designs.
5. How to Word Your Invitations Without Stressing
Wording your invitations can be surprisingly tricky. Formal? Casual? Somewhere in between? Here’s how to strike the right tone:
Formal (classic and traditional):
Mr. and Mrs. John Murphy
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Aoife Murphy to Cian O’Neill
Saturday, the 5th of July 2025
at 2 o’clock in the afternoon
Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny
Modern (simple and chic):
Aoife & Cian
are getting married!
Join us for the celebration
Saturday 5 July 2025, 2pm
Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
Fun & Informal:
Time to party!
Aoife + Cian are tying the knot
and you’re invited!
5 July 2025 · 2PM
Mount Juliet · Dress to dance!
Include RSVP instructions clearly—especially if you’re asking for song requests, allergies, or dinner choices.
6. Digital vs Print: Which Type of Wedding Invitations Are Right for You?
Let’s break it down:
| Feature | Printed Invites | Digital Invites |
|---|---|---|
| ✉️ Keepsake-worthy | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not quite |
| 🕒 Time-saving | ❌ Slower | ✅ Super fast |
| 🌿 Eco-friendly | ✅ (if recycled) | ✅ Very |
| 💰 Budget-friendly | ❌ Can be pricey | ✅ Cheaper |
| 📱 RSVP tracking | ❌ Manual | ✅ Often automatic |
Our take? If you’re hosting a larger wedding or want a touch of tradition, printed is lovely. For small elopements, eco-conscious couples, or techy guests, digital is fab. Many couples go hybrid—printed invites for VIP guests, and digital for everyone else.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Wedding Invitations
Let’s avoid those facepalm moments. Here are some wedding invitation no-nos we see way too often:
❌ Forgetting RSVP deadline
❌ Leaving out ceremony start time
❌ Using hard-to-read fonts (pretty doesn’t always mean practical!)
❌ Typos (triple check names, dates, and addresses!)
❌ Ordering too few—always add 10–15 spares for last-minute invites and keepsakes
8. When to Order Invitations (Hint: Sooner Than You Think!)
Printers need time, especially if you’re working with a custom designer.
Ideal timeline:
- Choose your stationer: 6–8 months before the wedding
- Finalise design & wording: 5 months out
- Receive and review proofs: 4 months before
- Send to print: 3 months out
- Mail out: 10–12 weeks before the big day
Bonus tip: Order all your paper goods together—think RSVP cards, menus, thank you cards, and signage. You’ll often get a better deal and a cohesive look.
9. Our Favourite Irish Stationers for Wedding Invitations
Want to shop Irish and support local? Here are some standout stationers based right here on the island:
- Dusty Boy Designs (Wexford): Modern, joyful, and oh-so-stylish
- Appleberry Press (Meath): Classic with a luxe edge
- Ink & Paper (Dublin): Bespoke and artistic—great for illustrated venues
- Laurel Bay (Northern Ireland): Dreamy watercolours and botanical themes
- The Paper Tree (Online): Eco-friendly invites with seed paper options
10. Final Thoughts: Let Your Invitations Tell Your Story
Whether you’re planning a micro wedding in Sligo, a big bash in Kilkenny, or a coastal elopement in Dingle, your wedding invitations are more than just stationery—they’re an announcement, a mood-setter, and a little piece of magic in the post.
So take your time, have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to make it personal. From hand-tied linen bows to cheeky RSVP cards, it’s all about celebrating what makes your love story uniquely yours.
Planning More Details of Your Irish Wedding?
Explore our blog for more guides on wedding venues in Ireland, wedding photographers, and inspiration to bring your dream day to life.
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