BE MY GUEST DESIGN
WEDDING INVITATION
Let the celebrations begin
BEAUTIFUL WEDDING INVITATIONS & STATIONERY
Focus on your festivities, and leave the fussy stuff to us. Personalised wedding invitations and matching day-of stationery pieces are designed and printed at our studio in Mosgiel for customers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. bemyguest.co.nz
what are SAVE THE DATE CARDS?
Save the dates are simply a card providing a headsup of your wedding date to your wedding guests.
They indicate your names, wedding date and a general location for your wedding.
They are a popular option for getting your wedding guests to start planning so they can attend the celebrations - considering their travel arrangements, child care, start budgeting, organise time off work etc.
Scan the QR Code or visit
bemyguest.co.nz/savedate to browse the full range of save the date designs
WHAT INFO SHOULD WE PUT ON OUR SAVE THE DATE?
Keep it simple: the minimum is to mention your names and the wedding date. It's helpful to include a general location (naming the city or area, rather than the specific venue, is perfectly fine!). If you have a wedding website, you can include this as well. A line noting "formal invitation to follow" clarifies that further information will be sent in due course.
WHEN SHOULD SAVE THE DATES BE SENT?
Ideally, you'll send your save the date cards out 12 months before your wedding, although six to 18 months is ok. You need to strike a balance between too far out and guests forgetting; if you send them too close to the wedding date, guests may have made other commitments.
DO WE REALLY NEED TO SEND SAVE THE DATES?
They are entirely optional, however they are important if your wedding is over a long weekend or many guests will have to travel/it's a destination wedding.
You can also compromise and only send them to family and close friends - the people you'd be absolutely guttered to miss on your wedding day. Having that extra bit of notice allows your wedding guests the best chance of being able to attend.
IF YOU'RE NOT 100% SURE ABOUT INVITING A PARTICULAR PERSON(S), SKIP SENDING THEM A SAVE THE DATE & DECIDE ON THEIR INVITE CLOSER TO THE TIME. MUCH LESS AWKWARD THAN HAVING TO UNINVITE SOMEONE!
DO WE HAVE TO SEND WEDDING INVITATIONS IF WE SENT SAVE THE DATE CARDS?
Yes! A Save the Date is an indication you’re invited, but it’s not THE invite. Save the Date Cards don't include much detail because quite often you haven't narrowed down all the finer detail when you're that far out.
timeline WEDDING INVITATION
Wedding invitations are your guests' first peek into your wedding day. But when are they getting this first peek?
We've compiled our best advice and tips to answer that common question: "when are wedding invitations sent?"
Browse our full range of wedding invitations at bemyguest.co.nz/weddings or Scan the QR Code
12 MONTHS TO YOUR WEDDING
Ideally, you'll send save the date cards 12 months before your wedding, although six to 18 months is ok. You need to strike a balance between too far out and guests forgetting or putting off making plans - or if you send them too late, guests may have made other commitments.
8 MONTHS
If you are ready to start making some decisions, order a Wedding Invitation Sample Pack to help make your card selections.
Order yours at bemyguest.co.nz/samples or Scan the QR Code
4-6 MONTHS
Order wedding invitations between four to six months before your wedding day. This gives you plenty of time to receive them from us and then to address the envelopes to send to your guests.
You can expect to receive your digital mock-up within a couple of days of placing your order, to let you check it before we have your invites printed.
The entire process from design to revisions, finalising wedding invite wording, printing and posting your wedding invites takes around two weeks.
Make sure you have a couple of people check the invites before you give your designer the final go-ahead to print it. These 'fresh eyes' will help you find any typos!
GET YOUR WEDDING INVITE PROOFING CHECKLIST AT BEMYGUEST.CO.NZ/CHECKLIST or Scan the QR Code
3 MONTHS
Send wedding invitations to guests around two to three months before your wedding. If you've sent a save the date card, you can get away with sending your invitations a bit closer to the wedding. If you haven't sent a save the date, get your wedding invitations out earlier so guests can make arrangements.
1 MONTH
Follow up on RSVPs. See page 15 for some tips!
the basics of WORDING WEDDING INVITATIONS
Your wedding invitations communicate the all-important who, when and where. You have your perfect day sitting in your imagination and your wedding invitation is your first chance to express this vision to your guests.
Here is a brief guide on how to word your wedding invitations.
If you need more inspiration we also have lots of examples at bemyguest.co.nz/wording or Scan the QR Code
I. THE HOSTING LINE AKA THE INTRODUCTION
The wedding host (e.g. person(s) paying for the wedding) is typically the first thing listed on the wedding invitation. This was traditionally the parents of the bride.
More generic introductions are common these days, such as a line like: "Together with our families". Modern couples wanting to retain tradition/honour both sets of parents tend to list all parent's names, regardless of who is paying.
Remember: if you're including parents' names on the invite, make sure their names are listed in the same order as you’ve chosen for yourselves. i.e. if your name is going first, your parent's names should go first.
II. WHO IS GETTING MARRIED
Traditionally, the Bride’s name goes first. The bride was being transferred from the responsibility of her parents, to the groom’s. You can choose to follow this if you want to, or pick the order you think your names sound best.
III. INVITATION LINE
The third section of the invitation is where you are saying “you are invited!”. You can personalise this section to incorporate your guest’s names. This clarifies who is actually invited, and when trying to imply children aren’t invited, or if you don’t like your handwriting!
ADD GUEST NAMES TO YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS FOR FREE WITH BE MY GUEST!
IV. THE WHERE & WHEN
Here's the nitty gritty details you'll need to include. On a wedding invitation, the appropriate order for listing the event details is: DATE - TIME - LOCATION (I.E VENUE).
The time you list, is the time the ceremony begins. If you're worried that guests will arrive late so want to put an earlier time down, you can, but you'll then get guests turning up early, so a little more explanation can work: "Guests should arrive at 2.30pm to be ready for the ceremony to commence at 3pm".
As with everything wedding-related: follow the rules that suit you, and disregard what doesn't work.
Adults only wedding? Requesting specific gifts? How to invite ‘plus ones’? How do we add our guest names? Want to have a dress code?
Check our comprehensive guide at bemyguest.co.nz/wording
MAKING RSVPS EASY tips for
Not receiving a reply from your wedding invitees in time is frustrating. For a seamless wedding planning experience, here are our top tips to make getting guest's replies a breeze.
1. INVITATION TIMING MATTERS
Sending wedding invitations too early can lead to delays in responses from invitees. Aim to send them two to three months before the big day, striking the perfect balance for timely replies.
2. RSVP DATE
Choose an RSVP date 1 month to 6 weeks before your wedding to ensure a smooth planning process. This timeframe gives guests enough time to respond while providing you with ample time for final head counts and vendor coordination.
While it may be tempting to set an RSVP date further out to give you more time to organise, doing so may lead to changes in your guest's plans due to unforeseen circumstances.
3. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Offer only one or two RSVP options for ease of tracking responses (eg. wedding website and phone number or return card).
4. STAY ORGANISED
A comprehensive database will help keep tabs on responses. Our Wedding Planning Templates will be your new best friend. For a collaborative effort, use the 'Share' Function to add your fiancée/bridesmaid/parents as Editors so they can add in any RSVP responses they receive. Find it at bemyguest.co.nz/templates
Visit bemyguest.co.nz/rsvp for more RSVP tips or Scan the QR Code
from guests ROUNDING UP INVITE RSVPS
Ask any couple how their wedding planning is going with a few weeks to go, and you’re guaranteed to hear a rant of some sort on guests, and RSVPing – or the lack thereof!
Rounding up RSVPs from slack guests is a rite of passage from frustrated couples (unfortunately!). As tempting as it is to spitefully leave them off the seating plan and pointedly mention they didn’t actually say they were coming... don’t.
How to handle guests who are late to respond, with dignity and grace:
THEY GENUINELY MAY HAVE RSVP'D But the card is lost in the mail (bad) or lost in your house (worse!).
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
If there’s a lot of RSVPs outstanding, consider enlisting a parent, your fiancé or bridesmaids to chase the guests up.
THE FOLLOW UP
Some guests will be shy or embarrassed about saying no directly. They might be worried you'll expect an explanation. Once your RSVP date has passed, chase them up. Send out a blanket email (use the BCC function) and remind them firmly but politely: “Hey everyone, I really need to get numbers from our wedding guests ASAP – got to keep the caterers happy!
If we haven’t heard from you by Monday, I’ll have to assume you can’t make it. Looking forward to catching up at a later date. Love, The Nearlyweds”. This method gives you certainty for your final numbers.
gifts ASKING FOR
It’s always humbling to have your friends and family shower you with gifts, and your wedding is one of those special occasions that people go all out for.
But there’s plenty of horror stories of receiving tacky vases and multiple toasters circulating, so most couples like to get ahead of any questions and offer suggestions for what sort of gifts they would like to receive.
Traditionally there was no mention of gifts, wedding registries or wishing wells on invitations. Guests were expected to track down the bridal party or parents to find out where you were "registered". Not particularly practical in modern times.
However, family and friends want to help you get set up for your lives together. So including a note about what you'd prefer is really doing them a favour!
TIPHAVE YOUR 'GIFT REQUEST' PRINTED ON A SEPARATE CARD TO YOUR MAIN WEDDING INVITATION. IF YOU HAVE A WEDDING WEBSITE, YOU COULD INCLUDE DETAILS OR LINKS TO YOUR GIFT PREFERENCES THERE
If you decide to not include anything about gifts at all, that is absolutely fine - the worst that could happen is you may get some double ups of appliances!
Communicating your request for a particular gift or cold hard cash can feel a little strange. A light hearted poem or straightforward statement works best.
Browse 60+ wishing well, cash, honeymoon and registry wording examples at bemyguest.co.nz/wedding-gift-wording or Scan the QR Code
wording ADULTS ONLY
Adults-only weddings are not unusual, but there can be some guilt associated with not inviting your family or close friends' kids. Here's how to navigate this delicate situation:
The most effective way to exclude children from your wedding is to be upfront about it in your wedding invitations.
Be specific. Personalise each individual invitation with the names of the invitees.
BE MY GUEST DESIGN OFFERS GUEST NAME
PRINTING ON WEDDING INVITATIONS (AND/OR THE ACCOMPANYING RSVP CARD) AT NO EXTRA CHARGE, SO YOU CAN PERSONALISE YOUR INVITE TO EACH GUEST
Consider adding the number of guests you're extending the invitation to on the RSVP card. For instance, if Mr. and Mrs. Smith's RSVP card already has a '2' prefilled, they should readily grasp that their five kids aren't included in the invitation.
Include a line (usually on a separate card) to emphasise the adults-only status of your event: "Please note, our wedding will be an adults only celebration"
Avoid implying you're giving parents a night off, as it can come across poorly.
Browse child-free wording examples at bemyguest.co.nz/child-free-wedding or Scan the QR Code
WEDDING PLANNING SPOTLIGHT
GUESTBOOKS
Guestbooks allow you remember the guests who made your day special, in the years to come. They are a fun activity for your guests on the day too!
bemyguest.co.nz/guestbooks or Scan the QR Code
THE TEAM AT BE MY GUEST ARE LOVING HOW OUR CUSTOMERS ARE PERSONALISING THEIR GIFTS AND KEEPSAKES, HERE WE PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES.
INVITATION SAMPLES
See the print quality, card options and colours for yourself with Be My Guest's Wedding Invite sample pack. bemyguest.co.nz/samples or Scan the QR Code
BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL
Ask your nearest and dearest to be part of your wedding party with a customised bottle of wine or candle bemyguest.co.nz/bridesmaid or Scan the QR Code
WEDDING INVITATION WORDINGworksheet
NAMES
Nearlywed 1:
Nearlywed 2:
Format (circle one): first names only // first and last names // full names including middle Joiner between names (circle one): and // & // +
Nearlywed 1 Parents:
Nearlywed 2 Parents:
Guest names (circle one): hand-written // printed // no guest names
DATE, TIME + LOCATION
Date of wedding:
Format (circle one): 1.1.2026 // 1st of January 2026 // First of January Two Thousand and Twenty Six
Ceremony Time:
Ceremony Location:
Reception Time:
Reception Location (if different to above):
RSVP
RSVP method (circle max two): email // text // phone // website // mail // other
RSVP details (email address, postal address etc.):
Only include essential information on your main invitation. Overloading guests with lots of details can be overwhelming and they may overlook important information. A separate information card, or directing guests to a wedding website, are good options for including further information.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Wedding website :
Gift preferences (circle one): gift registry // wishing well // other // not specified
Gift details:
Dress code (circle one): white tie // semi formal/black tie // cocktail attire (default dress code) // smart casual // not specified
Accommodation options:
Transport:
Adults only/no children (circle one): kindly adults only // everyone welcome // not specified
Day-after function details:
Rehearsal dinner details:
PRINTING
Number of invitations required:
memories CAPTURING
Collect memories from your guests with personalised guestbooks, vow books and advice cards as special keepsakes from your wedding day.
PERSONALISED GUESTBOOKS
There are dozens of guestbook designs to choose from. Each cover is custom printed, so colours and wording details can be changed to suit your special event perfectly! Wire binding allows your guestbook to lay flat, making it easier for guests to write their messages.
Capture memories from your wedding reception with a polaroid camera alongside your guestbook, and stick candid snaps from your celebrations alongside the messages and autographs from your favourite people.
NOT SURE WHAT SIZE GUESTBOOK TO CHOOSE? IF YOU END UP WITH EXTRA PAGES, ADD IN GREETING CARDS, ADVICE CARDS, MENUS, PLACECARDS AND OTHER MEMENTOES FROM YOUR BIG DAY
Check out the full range of guestbooks at bemyguest.co.nz/guestbooks or Scan the QR Code
VOW BOOKS
Our range of notebooks are a helpful companion through the emotions of your wedding ceremony, providing a tidy and convenient way to keep your notes together. They are also used for speeches, wedding readings, MC notes and wedding planning. Find the full range of vow books at bemyguest.co.nz/vowbooks
ACTIVITY CARDS
Entertain your guests with activities, games and ice breakers. Pre-printed prompts give your wedding guests a head-start on leaving a lovely note. As a bonus activity that will last well after the wedding reception, have guests suggest a date idea. A novel way to try some new things – simply select a card at random and do the activity suggested. View the full range of activity cards at bemyguest.co.nz/activity
WHAT PENS SHOULD I USE?
Our Deluxe Cambridge Pen is the perfect companion for signing your guestbook. Available in gold, silver, gunmetal or rose gold. Visit bemyguest.co.nz/pens
THIS BOOKLET COVER IS PRINTED ON THE SAME CARDSTOCK AS OUR STANDARD WHITE GUESTBOOK PAGES, SO FEEL FREE TO SCRIBBLE ON THE COVER PAGES TO TEST OUT POTENTIAL PENS
GET YOUR GUESTS to signTHE GUESTBOOK
After all the time and effort you spend in selecting the perfect guestbook, the next hurdle is ensuring your wedding guestbook is filled to the brim!
We've covered off 5 sure-fire ways to have your guests lining up to jot down their well wishes and messages of luck
GIVE YOUR GUESTBOOK PRIDE OF PLACE
Make sure your wedding guestbook doesn't get tucked in the back corner. Have it set up on a table right at the entrance.
Ask a trusted guest to move the guestbook to a more central point later in the wedding reception, when the center of the party moves closer to the bar and dance floor, and away from the front door.
SET UP A MATCHING GUESTBOOK SIGN
Frame or prop up a matching sign to request your wedding guests sign the guestbook. Seems simple, but it works!
If you have a instax camera or something similar you'd like guests to use, mention this on your sign too.
GOT GAPS IN YOUR GUESTBOOK? FILL IN ANY EMPTY OR SPARE PAGES WITH KEEPSAKES FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY: YOUR WEDDING INVITATION, PAPER COPIES OF SPEECHES, THE MENU, PLACECARDS & GREETING CARDS
MAKE IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE FOR GUESTS
Ensure there's a stash of pretty pens, and include tape, embellishments or gluesticks for adding instax/polaroid photos onto the guestbook pages.
OFFER A BRIBE OR MEMENTO
Make your guestbook signing spot inviting. You can't go wrong with a bowl of lollies sitting on the guestbook table - slow your wedding guest's partying down long enough to notice there's another activity to partake in! If you have a polaroid camera, encourage guests to take a photo for you, and a photo for them.
ROPE IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY
If you have some extroverted type-A bridesmaids, ask them to take the guestbook right to the guests! Your MC can also direct guests to sign the book. Taking your guestbook and pens around the tables during the wedding reception is a very effective strategy. A little light peer pressure might be the ticket to getting your reticent friends and family to share their messages of congratulations.
WEDDING STATIONERY
timeline
Your wedding's finishing touches can't always be planned in advance, so it's one of those last-minute tasks that have to be left till close to the big day. Here's an ideal timeline for when you should be ordering your wedding stationery day-of pieces.
FOUR WEEKS TO YOUR WEDDING
Ideally, you'll place your order for your day-of stationery four to six weeks before your wedding day*. We don't need details like names or tables straight away, but knowing what items you need means we can ensure we have the correct materials on hand. Plus we will block out time in our schedule for your order, as day-of wedding items are a high priority.
*Note, weddings close to Christmas and Easter need to allow more time as public holidays will delay couriers. If your wedding is early-mid January, you'll need to order at least 6 weeks ahead as we are closed over the Christmas/New Years period.
Now would be a good time to read our Ultimate Wedding Seating Planning Guide which includes tips for figuring out where guests should sit, advice for setting up and more: bemyguest.co.nz/seating-planning
or Scan the QR Code
THREE WEEKS
Submit wording and guest list for your menu, order of service, seating plan, placecards etc. That gives us enough time to design your stationery and get it back to you for review. We then make any changes you may have, and set everything up for printing.
Some things take longer than others - for example canvas prints take a bit more time - so we may encourage you to finalise some items earlier than others, just so everything is ready in time.
TWO WEEKS
This is when we like to get all your stationery into production/ printing. We are very conscious of your wedding date but you are welcome to check with us if you are feeling nervous. Your courier tracking details will be emailed to you when it is sent.
ONE WEEK
Guestbooks, vow and speech books, plus other ready-to send products are not a problem to order 10 days to one week prior to your wedding.
For stationery requiring customisation, get in touch for advice on what's possible in a short timeframe. Don't leave it to the last minute if you can help it!
BE MY GUEST CAN EMAIL YOU WITH REMINDERS ABOUT YOUR WEDDING STATIONERY CLOSER TO THE TIME! FILL OUT THE FORM AT BEMYGUEST.CO.NZ/BESTIE ( INCLUDING YOUR WEDDING DATE) AND WE'LL ADD YOU TO THE LIST
WEDDING STATIONERY checklist
CEREMONY
Welcome Sign
Order of Events Sign
"Unplugged" Ceremony Sign
Wedding Program/ Order of Service Cards
Vow Book
RECEPTION
Welcome Sign
Seating Plan
Table Numbers
Placecards
Menu/Bar Sign
Menus
Guestbook
Guestbook Pen
Guestbook Sign
Speech Book
Activity/Advice Cards
Children's Activity Cards & Pencils
Wedding Favours
Favour Stickers
Wine Labels
our top tips SETTING UP YOUR STATIONERY
When your stationery arrives, open it up to ensure it's all in perfect condition, and everything you're expecting is accounted for.
SEATING PLANS & SIGNAGE
After you've opened up your print and done a double check, re-wrap it into the packaging so it is kept in mint condition before the wedding day and during transport to the venue.
AFTER YOUR WEDDING, YOU CAN RE-USE THE FRAME FROM YOUR POSTER PRINT FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL WEDDING DAY PHOTOS!
DO A TEST RUN
We recommend doing a test run with your table stationery to make sure you have everything you need.
WHAT SIZE SEATING PLAN DO WE NEED?
The size of your guest list doesn't need to affect the size of your seating plan. When we are designing your seating plan, we adjust and tweak the design to fit as many or as little guests as required.
Consider the primary purpose of your seating plan: it is to direct wedding guests to their seats. Therefore, it needs to be easily readable and large enough for several people to read quickly as they enter your wedding reception.
With this in mind, our recommendation is to order the largest size that will suit the space you have available. A1 size is by far the most popular. This works perfectly if you’re using a floor standing easel. The next most popular size is A2.
PLACE CARDS & PERSONALISED MENUS
Once you've received your place name cards (or personalised menus), sort them into the tables they'll be sitting at. Put each table set in a clear zip lock bag with the respective table number and any other stationery for the table. Then, during setup, you won’t have to shuffle through the whole stack of place cards.
If you'd like to browse our wedding stationery options, visit bemyguest.co.nz/dayof or Scan the QR Code
YOUR POSTWEDDING
admin list
So you’ve made it down the aisle, partied the night away and managed to get away for a honeymoon… now married life can begin!
The conclusion of your wedding day doesn’t mean your wedding admin (aka “wedmin”!) can finish up just yet. There’s still a few must-dos before you can wrap things up. No stress though, here's a checklist of what needs done:
Return rentals
Pay vendors
Change last name
Get wedding photos and video
Send thank you cards
Clean wedding dress/suit
Store wedding photos
1st wedding anniversary celebrations
To read more about post-wedding must-do's, visit: bemyguest.co.nz/wedmin or Scan the QR Code
THANK YOU CARDS
Express your gratitude with beautiful thank you cards. Share your wedding photos and even a pre-printed message inside. bemyguest.co.nz/thankyou or Scan the QR Code
HERE WE PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE
THANK YOU CARDS AND WEDDING KEEPSAKES
KEEPSAKE PRINTS
A perfect wedding or anniversary gift, these prints are custom designed with vows, song lyrics or any text you'd like. bemyguest.co.nz/vowprint or Scan the QR Code
PERSONALISE YOUR WINE
Add a personal touch to your bar, or customise your wedding party "thank you" gifts with our range of wine and candle labels. bemyguest.co.nz/winelabels or Scan the QR Code
BECOME A GUESTIE BESTIE
JOIN THE EMAIL LIST FOR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS, TIPS AND ADVICE
We'll send you reminders when wedding details need done, checklists and wordsheets, advice, tips and subscriber-only dea ls!
Head to bemyguest.co.nz/bestie or Scan the QR Code