Sending invitations on Withjoy is a streamlined process that allows you to manage your guest list, design digital invitations, send them out, and track RSVPs all from one integrated platform. Withjoy is particularly popular for wedding and event planning due to its comprehensive features, including a free event website.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Invitations on Withjoy
To effectively send your invitations using Withjoy, follow these detailed steps:
1. Set Up Your Withjoy Website (Recommended)
While Withjoy allows direct invitation sending, its full potential is realized when paired with an event website. Your website acts as a central hub for all event details and guest interactions.
- Create Your Event Website: If you haven't already, establish your personalized event website on Withjoy.com. This is where guests will find crucial information like schedules, gift registries, travel accommodations, and ultimately, where they will submit their RSVPs.
- Populate Your Website: Ensure your website has all necessary information before sending invitations, as the invitation will direct guests here.
2. Design Your Digital Invitation
Withjoy offers a variety of customizable digital invitation templates that integrate beautifully with your event website.
- Choose a Template: Browse Withjoy's extensive collection of designs and select one that best complements your event's theme and style.
- Add Event Details: Input all essential information, including your event name, date, time, location, and any specific instructions. You can often personalize elements such as colors, fonts, and images to match your branding.
3. Build Your Guest List
An accurate and organized guest list is fundamental for a smooth invitation process.
- Access the Guest Section: Navigate to the "Guests" section within your Withjoy dashboard.
- Add Guests:
- Manually: Add individual guests one by one, inputting their names and email addresses.
- Import: For larger lists, import guests using a spreadsheet (e.g., a CSV file). This is often the most efficient method.
- Organize into Groups: Assign guests to specific groups (e.g., "Wedding Ceremony & Reception," "Reception Only," "Rehearsal Dinner," "Bridal Shower"). This allows you to easily target different invitations or messages to relevant recipients.
- Collect Email Addresses: Ensure every guest you intend to invite digitally has an associated email address in your list.
4. Create and Customize Your Email Invitation
This is where you craft the actual email that your guests will receive, containing the link to your invitation and event website.
- Go to "Invitations": From your Withjoy dashboard, select the "Invitations" tab.
- Start a New Invitation: Choose to create a new invitation. You'll typically specify the event type (e.g., "Wedding Invitation," "Save the Date").
- Select Recipients: Choose the specific guest groups or individual guests who should receive this particular invitation.
- Draft the Email Content: Withjoy provides an email editor where you can make edits by clicking "edit email". It's easy to make changes to any of the text, allowing you to:
- Personalize the Subject Line: Make it engaging (e.g., "You're Invited to [Event Name]!").
- Craft the Email Body: Write a personal message, introduce the invitation, and clearly instruct guests to click the link to RSVP on your Withjoy website.
- Review the Link: Ensure the invitation link correctly directs guests to your event website.
- Preview: Always preview your invitation email to see how it will appear to your guests on both desktop and mobile devices.
5. Send Your Invitations
Once you're confident in your invitation's content and design, it's time for delivery.
- Send a Test Email: Before sending to everyone, always send a test email to yourself or a trusted contact. This allows you to double-check for any typos, broken links, or formatting issues.
- Choose Sending Time: You have the flexibility to either schedule your invitations to be sent at a specific future date and time or send them immediately.
6. Manage RSVPs and Communications
After your invitations are sent, Withjoy provides robust tools for tracking responses and staying in touch with your guests.
- Track RSVPs in Real-Time: Your Withjoy dashboard will automatically update with guest responses. You can see who has opened your invitation, who has RSVP'd, their guest count, and any other selections they've made (e.g., meal choices, song requests).
- Send Reminders: If your RSVP deadline is approaching and some guests haven't responded, Withjoy allows you to send targeted follow-up reminders to specific individuals or groups.
- Communicate Updates: Use the platform to send important updates, announcements, or last-minute changes to all or selected guest groups.
Key Considerations for Withjoy Invitations
| Feature | Benefit for Invitations |
|---|---|
| Customizable Designs | Create invitations that perfectly match your event's aesthetic. |
| Guest List Management | Easily organize guests, assign groups, and track contact information. |
| Personalized Messaging | Edit email text to add unique touches and specific instructions. |
| Mobile-Friendly | Invitations are optimized for viewing on all devices. |
| Real-Time RSVP Tracking | Monitor responses instantly and manage your headcount effortlessly. |
| Follow-Up Tools | Send reminders and communicate updates efficiently. |
| Integrated Website | Provides a central hub for all event information and guest interaction. |
Using Withjoy to send your invitations offers a comprehensive solution for event hosts looking for a digital, efficient, and elegant way to connect with their guests.
