How to Word Short-Notice Wedding Invitations Without Seeming Rushed

While wedding planning is exciting, it can feel like a second job, especially if you’re on a tight timeline. But before you feel unprepared or think your big day will be chaotic, the experts here at Zola are here to tell you to take a breath and relax—you’ve got this!

Sure, your timeline may be stretched, but quick wedding timelines are relatively common. According to Zola’s wedding planning data, 50% of Zola’s 6000 couples surveyed said they planned their big day in 12-18 months, which is expected. However, 7% said they did everything in under a year. And, according to our First Look Report, 30% of couples created a mood board before they got engaged, meaning that you, too, may already have a head start on what your big day looks like.

Whether it’s a venue cancellation, elderly family members, a little one coming soon, or a military deployment, there are many reasons to push the wedding date. No matter your circumstances, one of the first things to do after securing a venue, date, and time is to send out short-notice wedding invitations.

From Zola’s expedited invitation services to quick turnaround wedding stationery, here’s all you need to know about wedding invitation etiquette when wording your correspondence to guests.

Digital vs. Printed Invitations: Making the Right Choice

Depending on your timeline, one of your first questions when fast-track wedding planning may be whether you should send out digital invitations or printed ones. And what about save-the-dates?

Here are 5 tips for those experiencing a short engagement period:

1. Opt for digital save-the-dates—if any at all.

While we have lots of advice on last-minute save-the-dates, depending on your timeline, you may want to go digital. Another option is to send a digital date saver followed by a paper one. The most important thing is letting your guests know about your special day so they can mark their calendars ASAP.

2. Make time to design your invites right away.

Your venue determines the date and time of your wedding, so securing a location is a top priority. However, once those things are settled, it’s time to fill in the blanks and order your stationery. To make the process go smoothly, you can start looking at templates before you pick a site.

3. Consider digital wedding invitations when you’re extremely tight on time.

Zola wedding experts recommend sending a paper invitation whenever possible, which is perfect when coupled with a digital save-the-date. However, when time is of the essence, your only option may be to email or text digital wedding invitations. And that’s ok. Speedy wedding planning sometimes calls for tweaks. A big plus to sending invitations online is that you can use Zola’s integrated guest communications platform for tracking while directing guests to your wedding website with a click.

4. Select a simpler template without a lot of changes or upgrades.

Zola’s production time is typically 3-5 days, which doesn’t include shipping time. If you’re looking for rushed wedding invitations, it’s best to look through the design gallery and choose an existing template. You can still personalize the colors, fonts, and information (and even add an image) so that your design reflects your style even more.

5. Look into quick shipping options.

Want the skinny on shipping for Zola’s expedited wedding invitations? Look below, but add the 3-5 days processing time.

• Five-10 business days for standard orders.
• Five business days for two-day shipping.
• Three business days for rush orders.

Smart Tips for Short-Notice Wedding Invitations

Phrasing to Avoid on Quick Turnaround Wedding Stationery

The Zola approach to elegant short-notice invitations includes being considerate to your guests while being kind to yourself. When planning wedding announcement wording, avoid the following:

• Explain your timeline without apology. Sure, it’s ok to use humor or poke a bit of fun, but do not feel the need to say sorry or appear overly apologetic.
• Omit seemingly alarming verbiage. Your wedding is a happy time, so focus on the upside. Don’t say “last-minute” or “rushed” when communicating with guests, whether in person or writing.
• Keep a tone in line with your wedding. It’s perfectly appropriate to use formal, classic terms, even if you’re using digital wedding invitations. Despite your quick wedding timeline, you deserve the day of your dreams.

7 Ideas for Wedding Announcement Wording and Follow-Up

• Get straight to the point. Be clear and concise with the information you convey.
• Acknowledge the quick timeline. Tell them you hope they can attend, even though the wedding date is close.
• Stay positive. If you show enthusiasm, they will also catch the vibe and be excited.
• Give close friends and family a heads-up. Let your loved ones know via a call or FaceTime that you’re engaged and when your big day is.
• Don’t pressure guests. Collecting RSVPs is difficult with a regular wedding timeline, let alone an expedited one. Try to nudge invitees without agitating them.
• Prepare for guests to say no. Yes, it’s short notice, so some essential guests may be unable to attend. Be gracious and don’t make them feel bad for not attending.
• Have a backup list. As touchy as it sounds to some, you may have to do two rounds of inviting. If some of your must-have guests can’t make it, feel free to ask others (formally, with an invitation) if they can attend. Although, be discreet about the process.

Quick Phrases to Add to Short-Notice Wedding Invitations

• We realize this is short notice, but we hope you can attend.
• Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are proceeding with a short-notice wedding and would be honored if you could join us.
• Surprise, we’re getting married—soon!
• Think fast—we're tying the knot! And we hope you can be there.
• So, what are you doing on (insert date)? We hope you'll say that you'll be at our wedding!

Exclusive Zola Short-Notice Invitation Templates

Informal Quick-Timeline Invitation Wording

Hello (insert guest names), We are getting married (insert date/time/location). We realize it’s short notice, but we’d love for you to join us for our big day. (Insert reception details.) We hope you can make it (insert RSVP information)! Love, (insert names)

Semiformal Wedding Invitation Wording

Dear (insert guest names), We’re so excited to announce that we are getting married (insert date/time/location)! We’ve had to make a few changes, and we know it’s short notice, but we would be so honored if you could join us on our special day. (Insert reception details.) Let us know if you can attend by RSVPing to our website (insert site information). Looking forward to celebrating with you, (insert names)

Last-Minute Wedding and Reception Wording

(Insert guest names), We are so thrilled to be getting married (insert date/time/location) and want you to join us. Our reception will immediately follow at (insert reception information). We know it’s a last-minute invitation, but we hope you can make time to celebrate with us. Let us know if you can attend! Love, (insert names)

Reception-Only Invitation Wording

(Insert names) are excited to share their vows in a private ceremony. Due to the quick timeline, we are planning a reception with loved ones (insert reception information) and hope you can attend.

Formal Short-Notice Wording

(Insert couple names) request the honor of your presence at their union (insert date/time/location). A reception will immediately follow. Please RSVP at (insert wedding website address) by (insert date). We understand this is short notice but hope you can attend.

Using Zola’s Expedited Invitation Services Effectively

From ordering to your wedding website RSVPs, Zola has what you need when dealing with last-minute wedding planning. Here are a few perks of utilizing Zola for expedited wedding invitations:

• Design and order elegant short-notice invitations online. When short on time, go high on style by picking one of Zola’s templates. Simply input your information, proofread, and order. Or you can go a few steps further and personalize the template by using different fonts or colors.
• Have a matching invitation suite. Even if you opt for digital invitations and save-the-dates, you can have a cohesive theme. Zola has wedding websites and stationery suites (think menus, place cards, and thank you cards) to match our digital designs.
• Track RSVPs in real time. If you send digital wedding invites, your guests can click and RSVP easily. Even when you send out paper invitations, attendees can tell you if they’ll be there by heading to your wedding website. Zola’s digital RSVP tracking for time-sensitive events is a lifesaver!
• Follow up strategically with guests. Need to send an update to invited guests or have a question to ask? Use Zola to send reminders and quick communications.
• Utilize Zola’s guest management tools. Is Uncle Tom a vegetarian, or do you need Grandma to sit close to the restrooms? Zola’s guest management system can help you organize even the most detailed needs.

FAQ About Short-Notice Wedding Invitation Etiquette

How will guests perceive the quick timeline of the wedding?

Naturally, they should be happy for you! Some will have the date free, and others may have to shift things around. Be prepared for some folks to be disappointed if they can’t attend due to a preexisting obligation.

Do we have to tell guests why we’re getting married so soon?

Guests will wonder why you have a short timeline—and they may speculate. If you’re comfortable, share your reasoning. However, if you don’t want to share, you can always say that you just couldn’t wait any longer to start your life together. That will be true no matter the deeper reasoning.

Can we still have a formal wedding on short notice?

The formality of your wedding is entirely up to you, your budget, and the time you’re willing to invest in planning. In short, yes! If you’ve always dreamed of a formal, black-tie affair, Zola wedding experts recommend doing so.

Should we have a gift registry if we’re getting married quickly?

First, do you have time to fill a wedding registry? If not, you can always ask for cash gifts or start a honeymoon fund. Second, what are your needs? Opt for a monetary or travel registry if you have an already established home. However, a traditional gift registry is also appropriate.

Zola: Beyond Wedding Invitation Wording Templates

Sending out your invitations is one of the first steps in Zola's wedding planning, but we can offer so much more help. From curating a thoughtful wedding registry to having an informative wedding website, Zola has tools to help you plan.

Not only that, but stick around and check out our expert advice section. From the most detailed guides to wedding events to keeping your makeup going strong (even after crying!), you can be one of Zola’s short-notice wedding success stories. Happy planning!