Is it okay to hand out wedding invitations?

Handing out wedding invitations is perfectly fine and can be a lovely way to share your news face to face. It works well for people you see regularly, such as colleagues, neighbours, or close friends. You can give them the invitation with a smile and a quick chat, which feels warmer than a letterbox drop.

If you choose to hand out invitations, think about the timing. It is polite to give them at least the same notice as you would by post, so aim for around six to eight weeks before the wedding, or longer if guests need to arrange travel or accommodation. For guests who live far away, posting is usually better so they have time to plan.

One thing to be careful about is giving invitations to some people in person and posting to others, as this can seem uneven. If you do mix methods, try to do it around the same time so no one feels left out. Also, if you are handing out invitations at work or at a social event, be discreet if you are not inviting everyone in that group.

For the invitation itself, handing it over means you can explain any details verbally, but make sure all the key information is still written on the card. If you are also sending e-invites or using a wedding website, you can mention that when you hand over the paper invitation. The legal requirements for giving notice do not change based on how you deliver the invitation, so you can relax and choose the method that suits you best.