How to Fix Wedding Invitation Mistakes After They've Been Printed

Noticed a “Septmeber” where there should be a “September”? Did that adorable photograph from your couple’s photoshoot come out blurry? Or worse—have you misspelled the names of your future in-laws?

Errors on printed wedding invitations are more common than people think. After all, humans (and machines) make mistakes—from a wedding invitation typo to missing information to botched formatting. But if your beautiful design came out less than perfect, don’t panic. No matter your situation, there’s a solution.

From planning tips to savvy remedies, here is Zola’s comprehensive guide on how to fix wedding invitation mistakes.

Correction Cards: When, Why, and How to Send Them

You’ve licked the seals, placed the stamps, and dropped all the invitations into the mailbox. Everything is set. That is, until your mother calls asking why your first name is spelled wrong. Uh-oh. Certain wedding details demand a quick correction notice.

If you have the time, there’s an elegant solution to remedying your mistake: follow-up cards. However, before sending them, you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions.

Use this framework to help you decide if sending out a follow-up correction card is necessary:

• What type of error is it? Forgot to include the reception venue name with the address? An easy website update or venue correction email can take care of that. But, if your photograph accidentally shrunk to thumbnail size, reprints or new digital invitations are in store. The more a mistake interferes with guest information or overall appeal, the larger step you’ll need to remedy the situation. For example, an RSVP correction could impact guest response.
• How close to the wedding date is it? Depending on your wedding timeline, you may have to scurry to send a correction notification. You’ll be designing, submitting, approving, and sending stationery again. Couples should take this path only if they have at least 10 weeks before the wedding. Wedding guests should have all the necessary information at least six weeks before the big day. Consider more immediate options if you can’t deliver a wedding invitation addendum by that deadline.
• How formal is the wedding? Let’s face it, an email will always feel less fancy than a paper invitation. For upscale celebrators, digital messages might feel inappropriate, even in the case of an emergency. But for more casual celebrations, go for an easy website update or e-card. It all depends on your formality level.
• Do you have room in your budget? While some retailers may offer discounts for reprints, an invitation error card is an entirely new product, and you probably won’t get a discount. Check if your budget has the wiggle room for this extra step. Wedding stationery is no cheap venture. Paper invitations can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars for large celebrations. If you want a full round of reprints, check if that extra price fits your budget. Otherwise, digital options (emails, website updates, etc.) are cheaper.

Additionally, review these examples to see if a follow-up card is necessary:

• Key details, such as date, time, or location, were misprinted. Sending a follow-up is essential to avoid confusion, especially in the case of a wedding date correction.
• Important, but not misdirecting details, such as misspellings or wrong RSVP details, are incorrect. In these cases, a correction card is recommended, but it’s also optional.
• Annoying, but non-essential things, such as punctuation or designs, are misprinted or offset. These issues are disappointing to discover, but they don’t require a mailed correction.

At the end of the day, who cares if “July” was spelled “Jluy”? What matters most on your wedding day is celebrating with your loved ones by your side—not perfect spelling. Take one more thing off your to-do list and save yourself the energy when there’s an invitation erratum.

Ways to Fix a Mistake Post-Print

If a faulty wedding invitation was signed, sealed, and delivered, don’t panic. No matter the mistake, there is almost always a way to fix it. All slip-ups can be fixed with enough time, from email updates to entirely new stationery or a correction card.

Here are some of the top methods, tips, and tricks for solving any wedding invitation mishap.

Full Reprints

Finally, your approved wedding invitations have arrived in the mail. But, when you open the box, you find a name typo, smack-dab in the center. Never fear, as there are elegant solutions to counteracting an invitation typo.

Luckily, you caught the mistake before sending out your invitations to guests (phew). But, unluckily, you are probably pressed for time. On top of that, most retailers do not offer free reprints for wedding information updates, no matter the mistake. Now what? Etiquette protocol suggests fixing the printing mistake before sending.

Consider requesting an error correction reprint if these conditions apply to you:

• Retailer error – Even with a contract stating no liability, most retailers will usually own up to their own mistakes. Ask about discounts or exclusive prices for reprints. If the final product didn’t match your approved sample, odds are that you’ll receive some compensation.
• Enclosure cards – If your mistake was confined to an enclosure card or insert, you’ve got a simpler fix at hand. Some retailers offer exclusive deals to reprint that sole part of your invitation suite. It could save you hundreds on materials and postage costs.
• Enough time – Wedding plans are a marathon, not a sprint—the sooner you start, the better. Typically, it takes more than a day for you to edit, approve, and receive fixed invitations, so call your retailer as soon as possible. To really speed things up, try to contact the actual printer (not just the designer or middleman) for efficient reprints.

Online Retailers

Every good plan has a solid backup in store. One quick and dependable safety net for your wedding invitations is online retailers.

Yes, you might have to switch designs from your local or boutique print shop, but many small businesses have long turnarounds and limited hours—and in a pinch, you can’t risk that wait. Luckily, online stationery retailers are 24/7. And, with their quick deliveries and affordable prices (Zola’s invitations start at just $1.99 each), they will likely save you a lot of sweat and worry.

Digital Options

Sometimes, there’s just not enough time for the postal service. If the wedding ceremony is merely weeks away, you’ll probably need to update guests digitally.

We know—pairing digital communication with paper invitations can feel informal, but if you’re pressed for time or money, then it’s a completely understandable solution. Consider these online options for a quick and easy fix:

• Digital invitations – Don’t have time for a paper reprint? Or perhaps your invitations had a major mistake (poor photo quality, blurry artwork, etc.)? Then digital invitations might be your best bet. Ask your printer for a digital copy of your invitation design (most will have them on file). Even if it’s not your original vision, digital invitations provide guests with important facts in style—and that’s what really matters.
• Email updates – To correct any small typos or other minuscule errors, you don’t need to start over from scratch. If you have contact information for all guests, you can send out a formal (and hopefully stylized) e-card or email message that notifies guests of the correction. However, only choose this option for tight deadlines and tiny errors.
• Wedding website announcements – With a personal website, your guests have an accessible information hub for all things related to your wedding—and that includes invitations. At Zola, you can easily build a wedding website to update guests on your wedding registry, dress code, and even invitation typo corrections.

Points to Note About Your Correction

Sample Wording Templates for Various Corrections

There’s rarely one solution for a problem. Before you sprint to the nearest office supplies store, take a step back. Rushing into fix-mode is a sure-fire way to cause more mistakes.

Here are a few wording examples to use if you decide to send out correction cards:

• Correction: Our wedding ceremony address is 1658 Schuyler Lane, not 158 Schuyler Lane, as originally printed.
• Oops! In all of our excitement, we got ahead of ourselves. The correct time of our ceremony is 5 pm. We look forward to celebrating with you on time!
• We apologize for any confusion: Our wedding date is June 18, not the 81st as originally printed (of course!).
• James and Ross (not Rosa!) are excited to have you at their wedding. Sorry to cause a bit of confusion with an unexpected typo.
• Please RSVP to our correct wedding website at www.zola.com/wedding/lailaandjohn (our site address was misprinted on our original invitations).
• We’re throwing a party in style, so please wear semi-formal attire on our big day. Our apologies for omitting this information from our original invitation.

Etiquette Guidelines for Wedding Correction Cards

In the rush of wedding plans, getting caught up in every little mistake is easy. Instead, step back and see the big picture. You’ll be surprised how few people notice typos (let alone design mistakes) on your invitations. So be gracious with yourselves, and don’t overdo an apology.

Here are a few points of wedding etiquette to consider with correction cards:

• Send out a timely correction. For a significant faux pas, make the change as quickly as possible. That means sitting down to design and order a correction, have it rush shipped, and mail them out as soon as possible.
• Word your invitation correction appropriately. Don’t overapologize and keep the information short and concise to avoid further confusion.
• Address the envelope only to the impacted parties. If you invited the entire family, it’s ok to just address the envelope to the parents or head of household.
• Keep it formal—or not—depending on the style of your wedding. The more luxe your wedding is, the more your invitation error will require a formal solution.

How to Customize Wedding Correction Cards

• Match your existing stationery. Your updated card should be recognizable as part of your wedding, even as a separate piece. Pick a matching correction insert for cohesion if you select a Zola invitation suite. That way, guests can easily associate it with the first invitation.
• Select an appropriate size. Choose a standard size that won’t get lost in the mail but isn’t bulky. An invitation insert and error notification are typically the same size.
• Consider your budget. Did you spring for thick cardstock with a pearl finish for the original invitation? Don’t feel you have to do the same for a correction card.
• Only DIY if necessary. Unless your wedding is informal, have the corrections professionally printed.
• Analyze different options. If you have it in your budget to do a full reprint of your invitation, it would make a wonderful (and correct!) keepsake for family and friends. However, feel free to only send a card with the correction if that’s all time and finances allow.

Avoiding Common Mistakes With Wedding Invitations

Wedding planning is like juggling fifty plates at once. Between cake testing and floral choices, it’s a lot for two people to handle. Odds are that a few things will slip through the cracks—and that’s ok.

But with some detailed preparation, you can avoid those common wedding invitation mistakes. If you’re in the happy position of reading this blog post before error strikes, read on to review the common planning and designing mishaps that couples make with wedding invitations.

#1: Leaving Too Little Time

Nothing spurs human error quite like a time crunch. If you’re scrambling to design, approve, and send out wedding invitations, the likelihood of making a mistake skyrockets.

Many couples underestimate just how much work goes into a wedding, let alone wedding invitations. If you start designing just three months out, you’re guaranteed to hit a speed bump.

To avoid the last-minute panic attack, here are some tips for creating a smooth wedding invitation timeline:

• Start designing now – The more time you have on your side, the better chance of avoiding (or easily fixing) mistakes. Our experts at Zola recommend starting your invitation designs at least six months in advance, which gives you plenty of room to approve a sample, release your invitations, and possibly fix any mistakes.
• Consult experts – Don’t be caught hot-gluing crystals or handwriting every word on your invitations. Unless you’re holding a very small ceremony, you’re going to need a professional service to help create and send out invitations. Start shopping around early for expert vendors, and take a huge weight off your to-do list (Zola’s paper shop is a great place to start).
• Send on the early side – Even if you sent Save the Dates months before, wedding invitations are not a last-minute deal. According to common etiquette, you should send invitations six to 10 weeks prior to the big day. But to avoid any mistakes, we recommend leaning towards 10 weeks, if not a little earlier. And remember—factor in shipping time for your farthest guest.

#2: Adding Too Many Details

So, you want ivy bordering… and gold-foil font… and a velvet bow… and a photograph? It’s time to take a step back.

We understand if you’re married (pardon the pun) to a vision for your stationery. After all, customization is what makes it your wedding, but the more complicated a recipe, the more likely a mistake. For the sake of successful printing, it’s best to simplify your design.

To go from over-the-top to just-right, start with these tips:

• Colors – Unless your theme is strictly rainbow, you should probably shrink your design color palette. Most couples choose three to four shades for all visual wedding elements, from florals to banners to invitations. We suggest choosing one neutral—white, cream, beige, or grey—as your “backdrop” color so that printers have an easier time.
• Construction – Tri-folds, gate-folds, and pockets all give flair to a wedding invitation, but unique or add-on shapes equal more room for printing mistakes. Unless you’re really set on a certain fold, stick to single-surface designs for ease.
• Photographs – Photograph invitations require some forethought since most couples schedule a professional shoot long before sending out invitations. Just remember—the key to photo invitations is formatting and high-quality printing. Consult a professional service so that you and your partner look as beautiful as you both deserve.
• Details and ornaments – Bows, letterpressing, foil, patterns—all of these touches give a design its personality. But, if you add too many, you’re looking at a cluttered and mistake-prone print. Stick with a few recurring motifs that match your wedding venue, like red floral watercolors for a garden wedding.

#3: Pre-Buying Postage

Press pause before buying that 100-pack of stamps. Until you know the exact weight and size of your invitations, it’s best to save postage for after printing.

Many couples add enclosure cards—anything from RSVP cards to accommodation options—with their official wedding invitations. This means that invitation suites (aka, every stationery piece with your invitation) often weigh more than your typical card.

If you buy postage before knowing the exact weight, you might waste dollars on the wrong stamps. Stay patient and wait until you have a final postage price.

#4: No Proofreading

Most invitation mistakes are simply human errors. Whether rushed, stressed, or forgetful, submitting your design without proofreading is a recipe for typos. Failing to double-check can lead to:

• Misspelling – While not as important as your marriage license, the spelling on your wedding invitations should be correct. Make sure that you confirm all names with other parties before submitting.
• Incorrect information – Copy and pasted the wrong address for your RSVP venue? Faulty information can mislead guests, even causing inaccurate bookings. Cross-check all locations, times, wedding date, and other information beforehand.
• Missing information – Maybe it slipped your mind, or maybe it’s a printing mistake. Either way, missing information can leave guests confused or out of the loop. Luckily, these mistakes are the easiest to fix without sending a new round of invitations.

#5: Over-Ordering or Under-Ordering

We love when couples get excited about their invitation design—but don’t put the cart before the horse. Jumping ahead of your guest list usually leads to inappropriate invitation orders.

Too few invitations, and you’ll be scrambling for new prints at the last minute. Too many, and you’re sitting on wasted money and paper. Try to finalize your guest list before placing your full invitation order.

Another general safety rule? Order 10-15 more invitations than your final guest count. That way, you have a little wiggle room for any pop-up guests (and can keep one as a memento).

Tips to Avoid Wedding Invitation Mistakes

You know the saying—hindsight is 20-20. But to avoid regret, you should test that foresight. With the right care, attention to detail, and external help, you can avoid all slipups with your wedding invitations.

Take your time to implement these mistake-buffering tips when designing your wedding invitations:

• Use proofreaders – When we’re stressed or rushed, it’s all too easy to miss our own mistakes. That’s why you need another pair of eyes. Ask two or more people to proofread your invitation—whether friends, family members, or professional printers. It’s preferable if one has grammar expertise or editing experience.
• Review your contract – When you order from a stationery designer or printer, you usually have to sign a contract. In those agreements, most wedding vendors add a liability clause—a statement saying they’re not responsible for any reprints, even if they made an error. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that your plans and budget fit all contract terms with your vendor.
• Confirm information – Addresses, dates, the last names of in-laws—all of these tidbits can easily get lost in the wedding planning chaos. Always triple-check all critical information before submitting your design. An accidental “thier” can be excused, but the wrong ceremony time cannot.
• Order a sample card – No couple should send out invitations without first approving the end product. One way to put your final stamp on invitations is ordering a sample—aka, a physical (preferred) or digital copy of your invitation. This gives you one last chance to edit any mistakes with your printers before mailing. For a full trial, Zola offers up to five sample cards of different customized designs—for free.
• Shake up your reading – Sometimes, it just takes a fresh perspective to catch that misspelled “Wednesday”. To reset your comprehension, try reading your invitation out loud or right to left. This unusual action will help your brain pick up on individual words and possible mistakes.
• Over-order (slightly) – You don’t want to sit on a hundred unused invitations. But having a few extra cards is a much smaller problem than scrambling for new prints. After finalizing your guest count, order about a dozen more sets of your invitation suite. That way, lost cards, damaged invitations, or last-minute guests won’t tank your supply.

FAQ About Sending Correction Cards

How do I word a correction card without sounding apologetic? Being short and concise will convey your information quickly. You can also use a bit of humor in your correction. Just remember the primary purpose is to issue a correction and not be wordy or overly apologetic about it.

Do I need to send correction cards to everyone or just the affected guests?

If someone isn’t impacted by a mistake on a wedding invitation, you don’t need to send them a notice to correct the error.

What’s the difference between a correction card and an information update?

Updating information can easily be conveyed on a website or another route, but a correction card is typically for major mistakes on a mailed, printed invitation.

How much should I budget for correction cards?

Your correction card budget depends on the formality of your wedding, the number of guests impacted, and whether you do a complete reprint or just send a card with updated information.

Can I handwrite correction cards for a small wedding?

Depending on the formality of your wedding, a handwritten card can be appropriate. A formal wedding calls for a printed correction, but a note may be seen as more personal if your event is small with family and friends.

Should I include a correction card in the same envelope as another wedding item?

If the correction is major—say a date, time, or location issue—it’s best to send a card solo so it doesn’t get lost among other things.

How long before my wedding should I mail out correction cards?

Etiquette says guests should be alerted no less than six weeks before the big day, especially if the date was misprinted.

What if we are concerned with being sustainable and saving paper?

Being conscious about the environment is admirable and comes into play if you’re considering reprinting your invitations. If sustainability is important, send a digital change (and update your wedding website!) and let your guests know your waste concerns.

Get Your Free Invitation Sample Today at Zola

If your wedding invitations come out less than perfect, take a deep breath—everything will be ok. From minuscule typos to huge blunders, there’s always a workable solution. The key to avoiding or fixing invitation mistakes is to devise a plan and not rush. The good news is that you can provide instant digital invitation updates with a Zola wedding website, and Zola correction cards are a simple, elegant solution.

Stuck on a vintage letterpress design? Or need a quick 50-plus invitations for some unexpected cousins? Zola can help with all your wedding invitation needs. Our paper shop has hundreds of customizable styles for all wedding stationery, from save-the-dates to reception menus. Even better? You can receive five invitation samples—all for free. With our premium selection, you’re guaranteed to find an invitation that matches your personality. No matter where you are in your wedding planning timeline, Zola has expert advice to guide you every step of the way.