Is a wedding announcement an invitation?

A wedding announcement is a card or message sent after the wedding to let people know you have got married. It is not an invitation because the event has already happened. You might send announcements to relatives and friends who were not invited, or to those who could not attend, as a way of sharing your news. Announcements usually include your names, the date and place of the wedding, and sometimes a photo. They do not include RSVP details or a request to attend. Invitations, on the other hand, are sent before the wedding and ask guests to come. They include the date, time, venue and how to reply. Sending an announcement instead of an invitation can cause confusion, so make sure you are clear about which one you are sending. If you are having a very small ceremony and a larger party later, you might send a separate invitation to the party and an announcement about the ceremony. In the UK, there is no legal requirement to send announcements, but they are a lovely way to share your news with people who were not there.