International invites

dawnp917

We have a number of invites going to overseas guests. We can't put postage on the reply envelopes. Is it ok to include a note for these guests saying that they can RSVP over email?

allisonkbye

absolutely!

ArynBaker

Ditto what Chrissy said! I sent postcards back to the US from Spain this summer and they arrived 3 weeks later, just to give you an idea of how much earlier to send them. I've heard it's a little faster from the US to overseas though.  

Simply Fated

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_international-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:ebec02ff-6ca6-45cc-8967-3311162fe9e4Post:a0691c80-1b45-43d2-80d4-492e7d939543">Re: International invites</a>:
[QUOTE]I think that is totally fine.  Also, I would send the int'l ones a bit earlier than normal.  I am always so worried about how long things take to get overseas.
Posted by crfb87[/QUOTE]


It took me weeks to get a postcard from Israel. :(

I would offer email, but also the RSVP card without the stamp.

Snippylynn

Definitely send earlier. I sent a bunch internationally as well and it took forever for them to reach some areas.

meganb1977

Ditto pp's suggestion to send them early, include your e-mail (and other contact information...we're just printing up a little business card) and go ahead and give them the reply card without postage, for anyone who's not e-mail savvy the cost of a postcard stamp shouldn't be a big deal.

mica178

We sent our international invitations early and still had a significant number of them lost in the mail or so delayed many missed the RSVP date.  We included the RSVP cards but I included a note that included my email address so they didn't have to pay for postage back.  I don't think any of them RSVPed by mail.

Melissa603

For those guests that are international who do use email - would it make sense to also email them a copy of the invite? Just to let them know it is on the way and in case the mail is a bit slower? Not sure how proper that is but it just a thought?

melntaitt

Our StD's took forever to make it to Barbados and Turkey; I would have been better off just emailing them.

You could also have them RSVP on TK website if you're using it...

jessicabessica

I think suggesting that your international guests email RSVP is fine.  However, you can get international postage vouchers (link) where you include a coupon, and the recipient takes it to their post office to get the appropriate postage.  That seems like a PITA, but it might be a nice gesture if you are having a formal event and/or want to include a prepaid RSVP card.  

AroundTheBlock

Etiquette requires that your guests reply promptly to your invitation. Etiquette does not require you to provide them with the stamps and stationery for doing so. I know, the fad has become so ubiquitous among American brides that a lot of less-experienced hostesses imagine R.s.v.p. cards are mandatory, but they are not. International guests are more likely to know enough international standard etiquette, and therefore not expect to have their R.s.v.p. card supplied. You can simply print "R.s.v.p." followed by the address at which you wish to receive replies, in small letters on the lower left corner of the invitation. (And, for those who wonder what on earth guests are supposed to do if they aren't provided with a card, they are supposed to take one of their own personal formal notecards or letter sheets, and write "Ms Jane Guest / accepts with pleasure / the kind invitation of / Ms Hostess / for ")

MyNameIsNot

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_international-invites?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:ebec02ff-6ca6-45cc-8967-3311162fe9e4Post:a410a756-d416-46e4-a2d5-729c63fc3df3">Re: International invites</a>:
[QUOTE]For those guests that are international who do use email - would it make sense to also email them a copy of the invite? Just to let them know it is on the way and in case the mail is a bit slower? Not sure how proper that is but it just a thought?
Posted by Melissa603[/QUOTE]

<div>We pretty much did that.  The mail kind of sucks where my H's family lives.  We mailed their invitations 12 weeks out, but some still didn't make it until after the RSVP date.</div><div>
</div><div>Knowing this, H and his mom emailed everyone that was invited and let them know when and where and asked for an RSVP.  MIL had hand delivered STDs, though, so everyone knew and had made a decision about whether to come already.</div>