The wedding invitation used to arrive in an envelope. In Ghana and Nigeria today, it usually arrives on WhatsApp, and within an hour it has been forwarded to people the couple has never met.
Digital invitations are cheap, quick and easy to share. They also make it harder to control who comes. With some planning, couples can get the benefits without losing control of the guest list.
Designing the invitation
A good digital invitation includes:
- the couple’s names and the families hosting;
- date, time and venue for each ceremony, with a map link;
- dress code and colours, or aso-ebi details;
- the RSVP deadline and how to reply;
- the wedding hashtag, if you have one;
- gift information, if you want to include it.
Keep the design clear and readable on a phone screen. Many guests will only look at it on a small display.
Controlling forwarding
Because images are easy to forward, consider:
Personalised invitations. Add each guest’s name, or say clearly “This invitation admits two”.
Access cards or QR codes. Some couples issue unique codes or cards that must be shown at the entrance.
A polite note. A line such as “Kindly do not forward this invitation” helps, though it will not stop everyone.
Separate invitations. Send the church service invitation widely and the reception invitation only to confirmed guests.
Managing RSVPs
Ask guests to reply to one person, a planner or a trusted relative, and track replies in a simple spreadsheet. Online forms and wedding websites can collect names, numbers and dietary needs. Send a reminder a week before the deadline.
Printed invitations still matter
Many families still expect printed cards for elders, VIPs and important relatives. A formal printed invitation delivered in person shows respect. Couples often print a smaller number for these guests and send digital invitations to everyone else.
Timing
Send save-the-dates early, especially for guests travelling from abroad. Send full invitations about six to eight weeks before the wedding, and earlier during the busy December season, when many guests have multiple weddings to attend.
Etiquette for guests
If you receive a digital invitation, reply by the deadline, do not forward it without permission, and bring only the people named on it.
A paper card on the mantelpiece was once proof of an invitation. Today it is a message in a group chat, and the couple’s job is to make sure it stays in the right chats.
